Smart locks — door locks that can be controlled via a smartphone app, keypad, or voice assistant — are becoming increasingly common in UK homes. The marketing around them is compelling: keyless entry, remote locking, access logs, temporary codes for guests. But from a locksmith's perspective, the honest answer about whether they're worth it is more nuanced than the product pages suggest.
What Smart Locks Actually Do
Most smart locks for UK homes fall into one of two categories. The first replaces the euro cylinder entirely with a motorised unit that can be operated via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a combination of both, as well as a physical key backup. The second retrofits onto the inside of the existing lock, turning the thumbturn automatically while leaving the external cylinder unchanged.
The features typically include: unlocking via a smartphone app, entry codes via a keypad, auto-locking after a set time, access logs showing when the door was locked or unlocked, and temporary codes for guests or tradespeople.
The Genuine Benefits
For the right household, smart locks offer real practical value:
- Never being locked out because you forgot your keys is a genuine quality-of-life improvement for people who regularly work from multiple locations or have complex schedules
- Giving a temporary access code to a tradesperson, a dog walker, or an Airbnb guest — and being able to revoke it remotely — is more secure than cutting a key
- Auto-locking eliminates the anxiety of "did I lock the door?" and the behaviour of leaving doors unlocked during the day
- Access logs can be useful for households with children or elderly relatives who live independently
The Security Concerns Worth Taking Seriously
This is where the honest assessment diverges from the marketing. Smart locks introduce attack vectors that traditional locks don't have:
Software vulnerabilities. Any lock connected to a network can theoretically be compromised if the manufacturer's security is weak or if the firmware is not kept updated. There have been documented vulnerabilities in several smart lock products. This doesn't mean they're routinely exploited by burglars — most break-ins remain physical rather than digital — but it's a consideration that doesn't exist with a standard cylinder.
Power dependency. Smart locks require batteries. Most have low-battery warnings and some have external power terminals for emergency situations, but a flat battery at the wrong moment is a practical problem. Make sure any smart lock you fit has a reliable physical key override.
Account security. If someone gains access to your smart lock account — through a weak password, phishing, or a data breach at the manufacturer — they can potentially unlock your door remotely. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on any smart lock app.
Insurance implications. This is the most practically important point for UK homeowners. Your home insurance policy may specify the types of locks required on external doors. Many policies require BS3621 compliant locks or TS007 3-star cylinders. Smart locks vary considerably in their certifications — some meet UK standards, many do not. If you fit a smart lock that doesn't meet your insurer's requirements and you have a break-in, your claim could be affected. Check with your insurer before fitting any smart lock.
The most important question to ask: Does the smart lock you're considering have a TS007 or BS certification, and does your insurer accept it? If you can't confirm both, fit the smart lock on an internal door rather than an external one, or keep a certified cylinder alongside it.
What to Look For If You Do Buy One
- A physical key override — non-negotiable for external doors
- BS or TS007 certification — or explicit confirmation from your insurer that the lock is acceptable
- A reputable manufacturer with a track record of security updates
- Local Bluetooth operation without cloud dependency, where possible — locks that only work via a cloud server become inoperable if the manufacturer goes out of business or discontinues the product
- Good low-battery warning systems — ideally weeks rather than days of warning
The Bottom Line
Smart locks are a genuine convenience upgrade for households where keyless access solves a real problem. They are not inherently more or less secure than a good traditional lock — they trade some physical security advantages for convenience features, and introduce digital risks that don't exist with a standard cylinder. For most UK homeowners, a high-quality TS007 3-star anti-snap cylinder is still the most reliable, insurance-compliant, and cost-effective way to secure an external door.
If you're considering a smart lock and want honest advice on whether it's suitable for your door type and insurance requirements, call or WhatsApp AMP Lock on 07961 169 681.