Statistics show that the majority of burglaries are committed through unlocked doors. Perhaps victims of these burglary attacks could have prevented them from happening if auto-lock keypad locks were installed.
The keypad lock would then lock the door and prevent burglars easily entering the building.
Are there keypad locks that lock automatically, however?
Short answer: Yes. However, not all keypad locks automatically lock. So if you’re looking to get one with an auto-lock feature, ensure you check to see if it has the feature before you get it.
That said, you want to keep reading if you’re looking to learn more about keypad locks, how the auto-lock feature works, and the best keypad locks with an auto-lock feature.
What is a Keypad Lock and how does it work?
The keypad lock is the same as other electronic/smart locks. Although other smart locks may include a touchscreen or fingerprint scanner, a keypad lock primarily features numerical buttons (keypad), which allow you to enter a code to unlock your door.
So a Keypad lock is what it is—a smart lock that features keypads—where you can input your user code to unlock the door.
You can program the lock via the keypad, in addition to entering user codes that unlock the door. Programming a lock involves changing master codes, adding or deleting user code, and activating the autolock function.
If you’re looking for keyless locks For your home or office, check out our Best Keyless Cabinet Locks Guide!
How do keypad locks function?
Keypad locks, which are typical of smart locks can be used to unlock your door without having to use a physical key.
How do you make it possible? These locks can be used with access codes. Instead of using a traditional key to open your door, you can use the keypad to enter your unique codes.
Keypad locks can also be equipped with additional features like remote access, auto-lock, alarm, and built in alarm.
Let’s look at these features in detail:
1. Auto-lock Function
Though not all, some keypad locks are equipped with an auto-lock function that automatically locks the door when it’s left unlocked for some time—say 30 seconds or depending on how it’s programmed.
Depending on your lock brand/model it may work automatically or you will need to activate it before it becomes active.
This feature is a keypad lock’s one and only. It locks your doors even if you forget.
2. Remote Access
Keypad locks can be equipped with communication protocols like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can connect your lock with your smartphone using either one of these communication protocols for remote access. This means that you can lock and unlock your doors remotely using your smartphone. You can also program user codes and other functions.
Bluetooth and ZWave-based keypad lock may require a smart Hub to connect to your smartphone. WiFi-based locks, however, can connect directly without the need for a hub. You can also control your lock remotely using a dedicated app for your smartphone.
However, remote access functions are not available on all keypad locks. Before you buy a keypad lock, make sure you check that it has this feature.
3. Built-in alarm
This security feature is available in certain top keypad locks. A keypad lock equipped with an alarm will notify you if there is a security breach.
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Like other features you will need to enable it before it can become active.
4. Compatibility with Security Systems
A great way to increase your home security is to connect your front door lock with a security system such as Ring Alarm or ADT. The security system monitors your lock and alerts you when there’s a forced entry attempt or other security threats.
You can use keypad locks with some home security systems to protect your home.
5. Compatibility With Home Automation System
You can automate your home’s doors using your smart home. Keypad locks are compatible with many home automation systems. Keypad locks from top brands like Kwikset, Yale, and Schlage can be used with most home automation systems.
Recommended Keypad Locks With an Auto-Lock Feature
- Kwikset SmartCode 955 Keypad Door LockThis lock is a combination of an auto-lock and other great features.
- Schlage Plymouth Keypad Door LockThis lock has an auto-lock function. This keypad lock also features a backlit keypad that is ANSI/BHMA grade 2 certified, three year battery life, and a low battery indicator.
- Yale Assure Keypad Door Lock: You may want to give this lock a try if you’re looking for a secure keypad lock for your front door. Besides the auto-lock feature, it’s equipped with a remote access function—meaning you can connect it to your phone and then lock and unlock your door from miles away.
- Yale B1L Keypad Lock: Here’s another keypad lock that ticks all the boxes, if you’re looking for a secure lock for your home. For sure, it comes with the auto-lock function and other features—such as BHMA Grade 2 certification, long-lasting battery, and back-up charger.
Keypad Locks are a great option
1. Keyless Convenience
Keyless convenience is one of the major benefits of a keypad lock. Keypad locks, as you probably know allow you to program user code that works like physical keys.
So you won’t have to carry a bulk set of keys around, as you can easily unlock your door via unique codes. On top of that, you can share unique codes with anyone you want to give access to your home/office when you’re away—no need to duplicate keys.
2. There are no worries about losing keys
Since you don’t need a physical key to unlock the door, then you won’t have to worry about losing keys and probably rekeying or getting a replacement.
3. Improved Security
As mentioned, keypad locks can be equipped with an automatic-lock function, built in alarm, and compatibility to home security systems.
The auto-lock automatically locks the door which prevents unauthorized entry when you forget to lock it, while a built-in alarm and security systems help notify you when there’s a forced entry attempt.
SmartKey Security provides protection against lock picking and bumping for some locks with keyholes. Kwikset SmartCode914 keypad lock is a good example.
Are there any disadvantages to using Keypad Locks?
Yes. Keypad locks run on battery and you may have to change the batteries regularly—if you have one with short battery life.
Access codes guessing is a serious threat. However, you can prevent this by ensuring you don’t disclose your codes to anyone else and always change your codes from time to time.
Remote access may also be a problem. Your lock could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, as with all devices that work over the internet. You should take cybersecurity precautions to protect your information from cybercriminals if your keypad locks works remotely via a wireless network like Wi Fi.
Are Keypad Locks Securer?
It depends. All keypad locks do not offer the same level of security—that means a sturdy traditional cylinder lock could be more secure than a substandard keypad lock.
Keypad locks offer great security but the security of your lock will depend on what type of lock you choose and how careful you are with your doors.
Even though good quality locks can be an important security measure, some major flaws in a property’s security system is not the lock but the user—who may compromise. For example, forgetting to lock the door or disclosing user codes untrusted persons.
However, a good keypad lock is a must, especially one that has an auto-lock or other security features. This will ensure your lock is secure and improves your home security.
Integrating keypad locks with home security systems like Vivint or Xfinity can also help to increase their security.
What is the cost of a keypad lock?
The prices of keypad door locks vary—depending on the locks brand and the features. On average, a standard keypad lock will cost between $100 and $500.
Final Words
So that’s it! Although keypad locks lock automatically, not all keys have this feature. You should verify that the feature is available before purchasing a keypad lock.
