Smart door locks (also known as electronic door locks) are increasingly popular nowadays. Whether you are looking to buy a new lock or thinking about replacing a traditional mechanical lock with an electronic one, this guide is for you.

Preferred locking method:

There are many ways to unlock a smart door lock, from a password combination only to a variety of locking modes including a password and fingerprint recognition, Bluetooth remote control, a key card and a traditional key. Consider how often each method of unlocking is used. For those who have lots of visitors, or who rent out their property, choose a model that supports Bluetooth remote control and a key card. For those who are not good at remembering codes, or who have elderly family members, simple and straightforward fingerprint recognition and a key card functions may be preferred.

Additional features：

Some smart door locks incorporate attractive features such as an alarm, a real time visitor log, double verification, and anti-hacking code, all of which enhance home security. In today’s age of online shopping, two-way calls make it easier for users to communicate with couriers. Meanwhile, if you purchase a model that can be connected to a smart butler, you can also control lights and other appliances as well.

Points to note：

1. Use a long passcode: The longer the code, the harder it is to crack. The length of the passcodes supported by electronic door locks vary from 4 to 12 digits. Set a long passcode whenever you can.

2. Install on a solid door: Whatever the lock, it must be installed on a solid, heavy, and sturdy door to be effective. Don’t choose a flimsy or hollow wooden door.

3. No security is too much: consider using multiple unlocking options, or use with a smart doorbell or video camera.

4. Maintenance: The life of a smart lock depends on the life of its motor, so close the door gently to minimise collision. Do not use water or a wet cloth to clean it. Be aware of low battery alerts and replace all batteries to reduce the risk of malfunction and voltage differences.

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Recommended products: SCHNEIDER S51 Electronic Door Lock，SIEMENS C321 Electronic Door Lock，Lockly Secure Lux Mortise Edition Electronic Door Lock

Everyone needs one. Conventional security eye viewers are made up of concave and convex lenses that give a blurred view and can only be seen from behind the door at close range, making them ineffective if no one is at home or for those living alone. By contrast, security doorbells are safer and more practical as they act both as a watchman and a caretaker. Smart security doorbells offer real-time video, 2-way conversation and remote viewing. Even when you are at work or travelling, you can use your mobile phone or other device to see what is happening at home in real time and talk to the person outside. Use it to communicate with a courier and collect your parcels without having to be there in person. Some models come with a voice distortion feature and anti-burglary bell which is particularly useful for scaring off unwanted visitors.

Some models have video recording and back-up functions that allow you to upload images of the outside of your door for viewing and data retrieval. Others support external memory cards with some requiring a monthly subscription for cloud space. Advanced models offer face recognition and motion detection which records the information of acquaintances as well as recognising gender, face and the voice of strangers.

The power supply of a security doorbell affects ease and flexibility of installation. Choose a wired model to save the trouble of having to change the power. Check if you can use the same wiring as the old doorbell first, otherwise you may need to rewire the whole thing. If you choose a battery-operated doorbell, fix it in position and remember to change and recharge the batteries regularly. It's a good idea to buy a spare battery in case power runs out.