Smart Door Locks, Video Doorbells and Access Readers

What your door can take: deadbolt, magnetic lock or reader

A smart deadbolt replaces your existing deadbolt, or only its interior thumb-turn on retrofit models, so check door thickness, bore size and backset. Magnetic locks, listed with holding force in kilograms, grip a plate on glass or office doors and release when power is cut, which suits fire-exit rules but weakens security if power fails. Readers and keypads sit beside the door and operate a separate lock. Finish names such as Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze help match existing hardware.

Radios, batteries and the backup when the power fails

Bluetooth locks work from close range and save battery; Wi-Fi models allow remote control but drain batteries faster; Thread and Wi-Fi combinations join modern smart home networks. Locks and doorbells run on batteries, rechargeable packs or wiring, so check what the listing includes and how it is charged. Always confirm a backup entry method, such as a physical key or contacts for temporary power, and low-battery alerts. Video doorbells need the existing wired doorbell supply, a battery or PoE, depending on model.

Questions about Smart Door Locks, Video Doorbells and Access Readers

Will a smart lock fit my existing door?

Check the door thickness, the bore hole size and the backset, the distance from the door edge to the lock center, commonly 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Many smart locks replace only the interior part and reuse your deadbolt.

What happens if the lock's battery dies?

Many smart locks warn you as the battery runs low and offer a backup, such as a physical key or terminals where you hold a 9 V battery. Look for that backup in the listing before choosing.

Do video doorbells need wiring?

Some run from existing doorbell wiring and a compatible transformer, some use a rechargeable battery, and PoE models take power over an Ethernet cable. The listing's power field and the wired or wireless note show which.