Smart Lock

I wonder if it might be worthwhile having a test on smart locks. I ended up buying mine from the USA via Amazon but it might have been nicer to be able to source a similar product locally. Smart locks do exist in Australia, but trying to find one which would work with Homekit as well as its own app was nearly impossible, hence my purchase of an August v4.

There are a lot of locks available via locksmiths and Bunnings, but there doesn’t seem to be anywhere that these have been tested or reviewed … I’m sure other people must be considering smart locks by now, and knowing what works with whichever system you are into, is absolutely essential.

13 Likes

There is a test request from 2017 re digital deadlocks. While I think they are similar in context I have left your request on it’s own to perhaps re-awaken interest in testing these items.

For the sake of some history of the request I have copied the link here:

5 Likes

Thanks for that. Locks have come a long way since 2017 and there are many more on the market than there were back then. Some are also horribly expensive.

The kind of information I was looking for is as follows:

  1. Keyless or keyed? (I didnt want keyless, prefer to have a key override just in case)
  2. Replace existing lock, or add to it? (August replaces the “back” of the lock, but only single cylinder… others are not compatible)
  3. Operation by: Keypad? Fingerprint? Phone? Watch? Voice?
  4. Which OS: iOS? Android? Zigbee? IFTT? Other?
  5. Does it need an extra wifi hub?
  6. Can it be operated remotely (in case you need to let someone in when you are not home)
  7. Can you offer digital keys to others which may be permanent or temporary?

I needed something which would allow me to unlock the door for friends and ambulance if I was otherwise incapacitated, and for friends to be able to do it if I was completely unable… (yes, there have been some difficulties of late, so personal safety was uppermost in my mind when I made my decision). My apple watch detects falls correctly and if I cannot tell it I am OK, it will notify emergency services and my specified contacts, the closest of whom is now a registered user of my lock.

As one gets older, these things become important.

9 Likes

Not quite the same but related. Key safes that can be located near the front door and opened by a code. Or perhaps via a mobile phone.
So a tradie, or delivery person, or emergency services can open the door once you can give them the code or unlock it remotely. I’m looking at that as an alternative to replacing the front door lock.

7 Likes

Good for you. Yes its related but its not a smart lock which is what my request is about. Maybe needs its own thread instead of hijacking this one?

I am also interested in this, for similar reasons. I looked into “Key safes that can be located near the front door and opened by a code.” (thanks Gregr), particularly in relation to ambulance access (and awareness of DNR).
Apparently, in SA at least, the code at your address can be registered with Ambulance SA: the information is given to the responders…

While awaiting fulfilIment of the test request, I would like to see CHOICE research and publish an article on options for personal security (with emergency access) for someone vulnerable who may be home alone for any period of time…

6 Likes

My apologies @SueW. Perhaps we do need two topics for requesting a test.

2 Likes

I think a test or comparison of lockboxes is a great idea, separate from smart locks

5 Likes

Smart/digital door locks

This might appear to be a reasonably straight forward product to research and recommend. In my mind, as an ex-IT person, the practical reality is quite complex, and not at all an open and shut situation.

Personally, I am not yet comfortable that all aspects of smart locks are sufficiently robust across all likely attack modes. All good door locks must provide adequate physical security, but smart locks add aspects of cyber security to the mix.
A chain is only as strong as the weakest link so how secure is your setup and usage of HomeKit, or other technical environment. If a smart lock may be opened via a cyber attack then the physical deterrent may be the least of your worries.

2 Likes

I wasnt looking for security, I was looking for a way to let friends and ambulance in without my intervention apart from using my watch or an app. Others may well have different needs, but those are not mine.

2 Likes

I think that’s a risky view, sort of why have a lock if you aren’t looking for security?? There are other means to let people you trust into the home and still consider some decent security, some of which have been raised here and some do not need to incorporate recent technology and connectivity.

The request to test is quite worthwhile but I am sure they will consider security (both physical and cyber) as an important part of the testing and it should get heavy weighting.

3 Likes

I thought I had explained that in my second post to this thread. Of course security is important, but its not what I was looking for. (In other words, other considerations were uppermost in my mind, when I bought the August lock)

“ needed something which would allow me to unlock the door for friends and ambulance if I was otherwise incapacitated, and for friends to be able to do it if I was completely unable…”

Besides… August is not a lock in and of itself.

2 Likes

While I was studying in Korea (in Busan and later in Seoul) I had different types of smart locks on my doors and they were wonderful! Not having to carry a key around was fantastic, and I felt safer cos I could get into my apartment blocks and then into my room/apartment faster than fumbling with a key (although of course at first I was a bit slower until I became accustomed to them). My lock in Busan was running out of battery and it gave me plenty of notice for replacing the battery. I was also able to change the passcode easily.

Both of my locks had fewer features than the smartlocks available in Bunnings, so I’m very keen to read around people’s experiences, issues associated with the features and performance comparisons of different models. I suspect I’ll buy mine before Choice decides to evaluate them but I think they’ll become more popular in future and would be a very good topic for Choice

5 Likes

I have also been looking into smartlocks but have had no luck. I am especially interested in a smartlock that fits on an external security door. I want one for the security door as this door is much harder to breach than the typical front door. One one the main issues I have with trying to find a smartlock for a security door is the width of the frame that the lock is ti be mounted on. I would be grateful for any suggestions

3 Likes

A security door, assume it’s a screen door, that is compliant with the Australian Standards will have a 3 point locking mechanism. IE A standard screen door and many Bunnings Screen doors have a single locking point. A security screen door required two extra locks, one towards the top and one towards the bottom. Whether steel or alloy this is intended to guard against brute force bending the screen door frame at a single point to gain entry.

The mortise lock and handle mechanism is different to a standard front door mortise or barrel type lock. The alternative may be an electronically released hinged striker plate, assuming the door jam can accommodate one. If you have an AS compliant security screen door it will require 3 to be installed.

Alternately if you are intent in providing a highly effective and reliable security solution it may be better to approach a specialist security door supplier with a request for a door fitted with an electronic lock.
EG Crimsafe iQ | Crimsafe Security Systems | Australia

3 Likes

I wonder what feature set determines smartness. Perhaps readers can list their key and other requirements.

When I read USA reviews, it is almost as if internet connectivity and Alexa/Siri/Google control are the primary determinant. For me and the friends I’ve discussed this topic, those are at the bottom of the list.

  • primary rapid access = not a PIN code. Could be a key, finger-print, NFC, key-fob, (prefer multiple options)
  • easy alternate access = PIN code with programmable access times, etc.
  • all setup can be done locally AND via a personal VPN
  • doesn’t require an account in the cloud to setup with full functionality. I understand remote cloud control may be important to some, however it should be optional.
  • dual lock compatible (2 separate entrance doors) setup, & unlocking supported by the app and hardware. This is more important if the primary access isn’t a key. For example, one NFC, fob, card, to unlock both.
  • personally I’d prefer double deadlock (locks on inside as well) function, that auto unlocks both entrance sets on entry at one door. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t exist today within the lock/app, but is probably programmable in some home automation linked locks.
  • smart features like auto-delay locking, door ajar, entrance logging, … What else?
  • secure from physical attack, at least to the level of the best level deadlocks
  • secure from hacking. It would be good to know which of bluetooth, wifi, zigbee, zwave, rf should/should-not be on locks.
  • power backup which isn’t something uncommon like 9v batteries

Does it need to be a double deadlock/deadbolt to comply with Australian Standards?
Does it need to be a double deadlock/deadbolt to comply with Australian Insurance industry policy T&C’s? My contents insurance policy asks about fitted locks.

Security - All External Doors. Are all external doors of the home including sliding, bi-fold or french doors secured with any combination of the following?

  • Double keyed deadlocks
  • Patio bolts/key operated sliding door locks
  • Triple locked security doors
  • Smart/biometric deadlocks
3 Likes

Primary access for me on my August lock when out, is autounlock when I get close to the door. Alternate is a key, since its the original lock, or my Apple Watch. I would not have a lock which doesnt have a key override, just in case.

Setup is only done locally on my phone. Does require an account on August for guests and owners. Don’t mind, I was having issues and they were able to push a small update to my lock to fix. Does have the capacity for door ajar etc, but only with the door sense module installed. I havent got that done, it needs a flat surface to be screwed into, and I dont have one. Its not a problem for me, though. Logging is automatic, of whether the lock was unlocked/locked, by what method (manual or august app) and by whom. Its as insecure as any single cylinder lock. I’ve just turned off wifi on my lock because I can’t think of any reason to have it unlocking from somewhere remote., and that provides an avenue for hacking.

It needs BT for normal operation (eg as I arrive home, and walk to the door, to know I need the door unlocked). Its BT is NOT discoverable by other devices, and even if some random comes to the door and has the August app installed, without having been invited to the lock and performed certain tasks before attempting to open, it won’t respond to other devices. It also has autolock but thats too slow, it takes ages to note that I have left the home area, so I lock manually with a tap on my smartwatch app. It runs on batteries, not the mains power. I no longer have Homekit watching it because it has failed every time to do anything more than let me know if the door is locked or unlocked… but the August app does that, so its a waste of time. Siri can never find it. Overall, still happy with it.

3 Likes

hi,
does anyone have any Recommendations for a keyCode Lock -
… I am thinking “keep it simple” - a keyCode push-button Lock (and, key as backup) - I’m not interested in Remote unlocking…

3 Likes

These aren’t generally a commonly fitted door lock. It might be worth speaking to a local locksmith in relation to what options are available. Looking online, there appears to be a manual (push button) type number pad with key override option, was well as electronic/battery operated with key override.

I expect there will be significant differences in their use and security they offer.

We have a manual push button lock which looks like this one on an external gate to the backyard. We have found that the number combination isn’t order dependent…for example, 1 2 3 4 keyed in that order opens the lock, along with 3-4-2-1. This increases the ability for the combination to be worked out (and wouldn’t install as an entrance lock on a house). I expect the electronic ones will be order dependent, but something to ask a locksmith.

You can also register your combination with the local police. This can be used in the case of an emergency without the need to break the door down causing significant damage.