Home Protection

Is A Smart Lock A Smart Idea?

March 19, 2026
By GEICO Team
6 min read
Editorial Guidelines
A cellphone in place of the front door of a home, the screen displays an unlocked padlock with a locked padlock below it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Smart Locks Solve Real Problems That Traditional Locks Cannot

A smart lock replaces the metal key with a numeric code, touchscreen, or smartphone app. That sounds like a convenience upgrade, and it is, but the practical benefits go further than not fumbling for keys. You can create unique entry codes for guests, house sitters, dog walkers, or repair technicians and set those codes to expire after a specific time window. If a former property owner, ex-roommate, or anyone else might have a copy of your old key, you can change the code instantly without replacing the lock. Many smart locks let you check whether your door is locked from anywhere using your phone, which eliminates the "did I lock the door?" moment on your way to work. Some models integrate with other smart home devices so your lights turn on automatically when you unlock the door. And models without a traditional keyhole are immune to lock picking and bump keys, which are two of the most common break-in techniques.

The Risks Are Real, and They Are Different From Traditional Lock Risks

Smart locks trade one set of vulnerabilities for another. A traditional lock can be picked, bumped, or defeated with a copied key. A smart lock eliminates those risks but introduces new ones. If your phone dies, gets lost, or is stolen and you do not have a backup entry method, you are locked out of your own home. Smart locks that connect over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can be vulnerable to hacking or digital attacks depending on the strength of their security protocols. Most models run on batteries that need periodic replacement, and if those batteries die without warning, you have a door you cannot open electronically. None of these problems are dealbreakers, but they require awareness and planning. Always have a backup entry method, keep batteries fresh, and research the security certifications of any model before you buy.

A Smart Lock Is Not a Substitute for a Quality Deadbolt

The most important factor in door security is not whether your lock is smart or traditional. It is the quality of your deadbolt and whether it is properly installed. A smart lock mounted on a weak door frame or paired with a flimsy deadbolt does not make your home more secure. It makes it more convenient. If your goal is security, start with a solid door, a reinforced frame, and a high-grade deadbolt. A smart lock can be a valuable addition on top of that foundation, but it should never be the foundation itself. Renters should also check with their landlord before replacing any locks, as most leases require approval for hardware changes.

Forget to lock your front door? Now you can do it with just a few taps on your phone, thanks to the smart lock.

What is a smart lock, exactly? It’s a way to lock and unlock your door without using a regular metal key. There are many variations, but smart locks allow you to open and close a dead bolt electronically using a numeric code or touchscreen—often in conjunction with an app on your smartphone.

Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular—the global market for them is expected to hit $24 billion by 2024, according to one report, and the fastest growth is happening in the residential space. That means an ever-growing number of home smart locks with various functions and options. But is a smart lock a good choice or is it just another fancy gadget you can do without?

That depends, says Joel Dhein, president of the National Crime Prevention Association. In terms of helping to keep intruders out, having a dead bolt in good condition—and using it—is a more important consideration than how you operate it. The decision to swap locks really hinges on your wants and needs. (One note: if you’re renting, check with your landlord before you change the locks.)

Here’s what Dhein sees as the pros and the cons of smart locks.

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Pros Of Having A Smart Lock

Ease Of Entry

With a smart lock, you won’t have to fumble for your keys or jiggle the key in the lock to get it to open.

Convenience

If you’re expecting guests or a house sitter to come by while you’re away from home, you can input special codes for each person or group, along with an expiration time for each code. Also, if you’re worried that someone with a key (like a former property owner) may try to enter your home, you can just change the code, saving you the hassle and cost of changing the lock.

Peace Of Mind

Another benefit of having codes is that you can track who’s come in and out, so you’ll know if and when, say, your child has arrived home. Also, with many smart locks, you can see whether the door is locked or unlocked from your phone, so you can double-check its status from anywhere in the world.

Protection From Lock Picking

Traditional locks may be subject to lock picking or lock bumping—methods that thieves can employ to try to open locks without the original key. Some smart locks don’t have a key slot, thereby removing the risk of this kind of break-in. That doesn’t, however, necessarily make smart locks more secure. (More about this below.)

Connectivity With The Rest of Your Home

If you have other smart home devices, you may be able to interconnect them so that, say, your smart lights turn on when you unlock the door.

Cons Of Having A Smart Lock

Reliance On Phones And Networks

Smart locks communicate with your phone, usually via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If your phone is stolen, you lose it or it dies, you could get locked out if you don’t have a backup plan (like logging in to your account on another device). Also, if a power outage shuts off the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t be able to use features (like remote unlocking) that rely on a Wi-Fi connection.

Potential For Hacking

While some smart locks remove the threat of lock picking, they may be subject to attempts by hackers to override the entry code that can unlock the door. On the plus side, the system may be able to notify you (and the police) if an unauthorized user accesses the system.

Batteries

Unlike old-school locks, smart locks are battery-operated systems and batteries can die. You must pay attention and change the battery before it runs out of juice.

Cost

Smart locks can cost significantly more than standard lock-and-key systems and you may need a pro to install the lock and sync it to your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Smart locks can also be pricey to fix if they malfunction.

Are the pros enough to outweigh the cons? That’s up to you. However you decide to lock and unlock your door, remember that there’s no substitute for a dead bolt.

Here’s another smart idea: lock in savings! Get a quote on homeowners insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency and see if you could save!

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