What Happens to a Smart Door Lock When the Power Goes Out?

You've embraced the idea of a smart home, but what happens when your home loses power? This is a frequently asked question by owners of smart locks. You may be able to go without most smart systems when a storm strikes, but the idea of being locked out of your home can put some consumers on the fence. So, without an internet connection, what happens?

You call in the backups, that's what you do.

Essential Backup Systems

Homeowners who opt for smart locks should enjoy peace of mind," reassures Tim Eskew, Sr. Manager – IoT Partnerships at Allegion. "All Schlage locks are battery-powered. This means that even in the event of a power outage, your lock will continue to function without interruption."

In the absence of Wi-Fi, temporary overrides enable basic functionality akin to traditional lock setups. Instead of being "smart," it becomes an electric lock operated by battery power, allowing manual access code entry. Furthermore, some products still have a traditional key entry, and others can function as usual via Bluetooth and your phone's data plan even without home internet access or electrical power.

And, while we're on the topic, you might be surprised how many other smart devices remain functional even if the power goes out: smart doorbells, thermostats, and smoke alarms are just a few products that have backup battery sources for added reliability.

Related: Smart Door Locks vs. Electronic Locks: How to Choose

Are smart locks still secure during a power outage?

Yes, as long as the smart door lock is equipped with internal battery backup, a manual override option, or Bluetooth connectivity, it should remain secure and functional during a power outage; however, as with any security feature, it's important to purchase a reliable product.

Many smart lock models still have a traditional locking system, such as a lock-and-key or a backlit keypad for your pin code. If it's running on battery power, your keypad locking mechanism will keep your home secure. "With the touchpad feature, you can easily lock or unlock the door using the keycode without worrying about being locked out or leaving your home vulnerable to unauthorized access," shares Eskew.

To ensure security and functionality during outages, make sure you replace the batteries in the battery compartment of your smart lock once a year or as soon as the product warns of a low battery.

What type of batteries should you use in a smart lock?

Your backup power sources must be reliable, so check what type of battery your manufacturer recommends. For some products, battery type matters! Lithium batteries are known for their high energy density and longer battery life compared to alkaline batteries. Some products accept rechargeable batteries, but given their limited battery life, be prepared to replace them more often.