Are you making these four common mistakes when buying a smart lock?

In recent years, with the popularization of smart homes, the empowerment of the Internet of Things, and the increasing adoption of smart door locks and hotel door locks, smart door locks have become one of the most promising and popular products. So, what are some common misconceptions to be aware of when buying a smart lock?

• More features don't necessarily mean better.

There are many types of smart locks, making it difficult for consumers to choose.  Smart locks often come with numerous features, leading consumers to believe they are getting good value for their money. The sheer number of unlocking methods and security features is overwhelming, and the technical jargon is often incomprehensible, leaving consumers with no choice but to nod in agreement.

However, more features don't necessarily mean a better smart lock. Every smart lock can be bypassed, so when choosing a smart lock, in addition to understanding its functions, you should also understand its anti-tampering design and whether each function is adequately protected. Furthermore, while new technologies like Bluetooth connectivity are convenient, they also carry significant risks. It's best to wait until the technology is fully mature before making a purchase.

• A lower price isn't always better.

The market is flooded with numerous smart lock brands and product types, with a wide range of prices and varying product quality. Following the "black box" incident (referring to a security vulnerability), many brands and manufacturers were eliminated from the smart lock industry. This was because, in pursuit of a price advantage, these products lacked adequate circuit protection in their design, making them vulnerable to high magnetic fields.

This also tells us that smart locks are electronic products, and overly cheap products are unlikely to offer guaranteed quality and often lack after-sales service, making it difficult to resolve issues when the smart lock malfunctions. When choosing a smart lock, it's best to select manufacturers or brands with a long history and stable development, as their longevity suggests reliable products and good after-sales support.

• Overemphasis on product appearance design

Door locks are products used and seen every day, and they also have a certain decorative function. Every consumer hopes to buy a high-end and stylish door lock that will immediately catch the eye. However, appearance design can only be ranked second; the first priority is the security performance of the door lock. The safety and stability of smart door locks are particularly important. Whether it's a smart lock for homes or for commercial projects, only safety and stability can guarantee normal use.

• Smart locks can be just as insecure if operated improperly.

Some users mistakenly believe that replacing their mechanical door lock with a smart lock guarantees security.  This is incorrect. Even with a smart lock installed, if you don't get into the habit of locking the door from the inside when you leave, criminals can still quickly open the lock with a simple card by manipulating the latch.

To properly use a smart lock and better protect your home, always remember to lock the door from the inside when you leave.

When choosing a good smart lock, security is paramount, so you must first consider the security features of the smart lock. The following points are essential.

❶ C-grade lock cylinder. With the maturation of lock technology, the lock industry has clear testing standards for lock security. It's essential to choose products that have passed national quality inspections for greater security. When it comes to lock cylinders, choose B-grade or higher; A-grade cylinders should be avoided, as they can be picked in less than a minute and should be phased out. Better smart locks also include a protective plate at the keyhole to conceal the lock cylinder and prevent malicious attempts to block the keyhole, which could render the lock unusable.

❷ Semiconductor fingerprint recognition. There are many fingerprint recognition technologies, but you should choose semiconductor fingerprint recognition. Although fingerprint duplication is not easy, preventing fingerprint duplication at the source provides greater security. Furthermore, the fingerprint recognition area should not be too small, otherwise the recognition sensitivity will be weak; a larger area will definitely provide faster and more accurate recognition than a smaller area.

❸ Anti-peeping hole unlocking design. For door locks with a press-down handle, there's a risk that criminals can insert a tool through the peephole, grip the handle, and press it down to unlock the door.  This makes forced entry very easy. However, smart locks are designed with a free-moving handle; simply pressing down the handle from the inside will not unlock the door.  The button on the handle must be pressed simultaneously with pressing down the handle to unlock it. This design not only prevents unlocking through the peephole but also prevents young children from accidentally unlocking the door.

❹ Square rod anti-pry design. The square rod is the part that drives the movement of the latch and deadbolt of the lock body.  Criminals can slightly pry open the panel, insert a tool to grip and rotate the square rod to unlock the door, which is very insecure. Therefore, smart locks add a ring design around the square rod to protect it from being gripped by tools, thus increasing the difficulty of prying the lock and enhancing security.

❺ Excellent after-sales service. After-sales service is extremely important. Good after-sales service means you won't have to worry too much about installation, quality, and repair issues after purchasing a smart lock. Nationwide on-site installation services are available, and if the lock malfunctions, you'll know where to go for after-sales repair without having to find another technician or worry about the merchant not handling the problem promptly. Therefore, when choosing a smart lock, be sure to choose a reputable brand and don't be tempted by cheaper brands that lack after-sales service.

A smart lock is composed of various components, including an electronic mainboard, a mechanical lock cylinder, and a fingerprint sensor. The cooperation between these components gives the smart lock enhanced intelligence. Furthermore, smart locks can connect to the internet through integration with other smart home devices, enabling even more intelligent functions and interactions.