Most residential smart locks run on batteries, so a household power outage does not automatically shut off the lock. The bigger risk is losing Wi-Fi, internet, cellular service, or cloud access: remote controls and some features may stop working even while the lock’s local keypad or other documented entry method still works.
What happens to a smart lock when the power goes out?
A battery-powered lock uses its own batteries rather than household mains power. Schlage says its residential electronic and smart locks are battery operated and continue to function during a power outage. It also cautions that features relying on Wi-Fi or cellular data may not be available during the outage (Schlage Residential, “Power Outages,” updated August 1, 2025).
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The lock may therefore remain usable even if the router loses power or the internet connection drops. Whether the router stays online depends on the home’s equipment and backup power; do not assume remote access will remain available. A power outage and a Wi-Fi outage are different problems, but they can happen together.
Which entry methods work without Wi-Fi?
Use only the offline method documented for your exact lock. A phone app is not automatically a local control: some app functions require an internet connection or cloud service, while particular models document Bluetooth or other local access.
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| Model or example | Documented access or outage behavior | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Yale | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad, model AUG-SL05-K04-G01 | Yale says the lock and keypad are battery powered and keypad entry can be used during a power outage. The lock installs over an existing keyed deadbolt. | Confirm the exact model and keypad are installed and that household members know the code-entry procedure. Yale’s product page displayed an out-of-stock notice when accessed October 7, 2026; availability can change. |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Schlage documents keypad codes and Apple HomeKey access without active internet. Activity history may sync after internet service returns. | Do not assume remote monitoring or activity history updates in real time while offline. |
| Schlage Sense Pro | Schlage says Bluetooth app access and code access remain active during power or Wi-Fi outages. | Confirm that the specific lock and phone setup support the intended local Bluetooth access. |
Sources: Yale product page; Schlage Encode Plus support and Schlage Sense Pro FAQ. These are model-specific examples, not a guarantee that every keypad, phone app, NFC feature, or smart-home integration works offline.
What if a guest code is scheduled through the cloud?
Offline access can depend on how the code is created and managed. Schlage says its scheduled codes do not function while the lock is offline; only codes that were active when Wi-Fi was lost continue to work until the lock reconnects (Schlage Residential, scheduled access codes, updated June 10, 2025).
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If you rely on time-limited guest access, check your model’s offline rules in advance. An already-active local code may be a useful contingency where the manufacturer supports it; otherwise, arrange a separate way for the guest to enter.
What to do if the lock batteries run low or die
A household power outage does not itself drain a lock’s batteries, but depleted lock batteries are a separate lockout risk. Pay attention to low-battery alerts and use the battery size and type specified for your installed model; do not substitute a generic recommendation for the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Before an emergency, find out whether the lock has a physical keyway, an emergency-power contact, or another manufacturer-specified backup. Schlage says backup options vary by model. Its Sense Pro FAQ identifies a USB-C jumpstart port and lists AA batteries; follow that model’s instructions for jumpstarting and replacement. Yale’s cited August model fits over an existing keyed deadbolt, so the existing key cylinder is part of the installation context. Schlage smart-lock battery and backup information.
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Prepare before an outage
- Test the local entry method while the network is available, then verify the manufacturer’s stated offline behavior for your exact model.
- Show household members how to use the keypad, key, or other documented backup method.
- Keep the model-specific emergency-entry instructions somewhere accessible even if phones or the internet are unavailable.
- Keep compatible replacement batteries on hand, using the type specified in the lock manual.
- If guests depend on scheduled codes, confirm which codes remain usable offline and plan another access method if needed.
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