The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Keypad codes, fingerprints, nearby phone access, remote app control, and a physical backup are the most useful combination for many households. No single method suits everyone. The right setup depends on who needs entry, whether guests need temporary access, how reliable the household’s internet and phones are, and what happens when batteries or electronics fail.
Smart-lock features vary by model, software version, region, and ecosystem. Treat every capability—especially biometrics, voice control, NFC, code limits, and emergency power—as a product-specific feature rather than a standard property of all smart locks.
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Smart-lock unlocking methods at a glance
Use this comparison to identify which methods solve a real household need. A lock can offer several methods at once, but each adds its own setup, dependency, and maintenance requirement.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Method | Most useful for | Main dependency or trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Keypad PIN or guest code | Family members, visitors, cleaners, and other people who need separate access | Codes must be created, protected, changed, and revoked; capacity and scheduling vary by lock. |
| Fingerprint or palm recognition | Residents who want quick entry without carrying a phone or remembering a PIN | Requires compatible hardware and reliable enrollment; privacy handling differs by model. |
| Phone app or Bluetooth | Residents who carry a phone and want nearby unlocking or access management | Requires a compatible phone, app, permissions, and proximity; it is not the same as remote access. |
| Wi-Fi remote unlock | Letting someone in while nobody is at home | Depends on the lock’s network connection, cloud or app service, account security, and internet availability. |
| Voice assistant | Households already using a compatible voice platform and wanting hands-free control | May need a hub or PIN confirmation and should be enabled deliberately. |
| NFC card or device | Tap-style entry for a household with a lock that supports a compatible credential | Card and ecosystem compatibility is model-specific. |
| Mechanical key or emergency power | Entry when batteries, phones, networks, or electronics fail | The key must be accessible outside the home, and emergency-power procedures differ by model. |
Keypad PINs are usually the most flexible family option
A keypad lets each authorized person enter a code rather than carry a physical key. That makes it useful when several people need regular access or when visitors need entry for a limited period.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Separate codes for residents and guests
Give each household member a distinct code where the lock allows it. A separate code makes it possible to remove one person’s access without changing everyone else’s. Temporary or scheduled codes can be useful for cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, or guests staying for a defined period. The number of codes, scheduling tools, and revocation controls differ by model, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before relying on them.
Reduce the risk of someone observing the PIN
Some keypads let the user type extra random digits before or after the true PIN. This can make shoulder-surfing harder because an observer cannot easily identify the valid sequence. It is not a substitute for protecting the code, checking who can see the keypad, and removing codes that are no longer needed.
When a keypad is a poor fit
A keypad may be inconvenient for people who have difficulty reading or pressing small keys, or for households that cannot keep track of multiple codes. A low battery, damaged keypad, or forgotten PIN also requires a fallback method.
Fingerprints and palms remove a daily phone-or-code step
Biometric entry can be fast for enrolled residents. A finger or palm scan avoids taking out a phone and avoids memorizing a PIN, which can be helpful when carrying groceries or when children regularly use the door.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Enrollment is a household decision
Only compatible locks offer fingerprint or palm recognition. Enrollment may require an administrator account, and the sensor must recognize each user consistently. Consider who can use the sensor reliably, including children, older adults, and anyone whose finger condition or placement could make scans inconsistent.
Check how biometric data is handled
Read the exact model’s privacy documentation. TP-Link states that biometric data for its DL130 is stored on the device rather than uploaded to the cloud; that is a vendor statement about that model, not a general rule for smart locks. Do not assume another lock follows the same design.
Keep a second method available
Biometrics can fail because of a dirty sensor, a wet or injured finger, enrollment changes, or a depleted battery. Residents should still know a keypad, app, physical key, or emergency-power procedure that works with the particular lock.
Phone and Bluetooth access work nearby, not necessarily from anywhere
Many locks use a companion app and Bluetooth for local control. In documented models, a phone can unlock the door when it is close enough and has the required app permissions. The phone, its battery, Bluetooth setting, operating-system permissions, and the app all matter.
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Bluetooth is different from remote unlocking
Bluetooth is a short-range connection. It can remain useful when the home internet is down, provided the lock and app support local operation and the phone is nearby. It does not by itself let a resident unlock the door from work or from another city.
App access also manages people and settings
Even when a household primarily uses a keypad or fingerprint, the app may be needed to enroll users, create guest codes, inspect access records, update firmware, or change settings. Protect the account as carefully as the physical key.
Wi-Fi remote unlock is for specific situations, not every household
Remote unlocking can let a resident admit a guest, delivery worker, or repair professional while away. It is useful when that situation occurs often enough to justify the extra network and account dependency.
What must be working
- The lock must have a functioning connection to the household network or its supported hub.
- The companion app and any required online service must be available.
- The administrator account must be secure and accessible.
- The lock must have sufficient battery power.
If any link fails, a remote command may not reach the lock. A household that does not need remote management can disable it, reducing the number of connected features that require upkeep.
Rank #4
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Use remote access deliberately
Do not treat remote unlocking as automatically safer than a code or key. It creates an additional account and network path. Set clear rules about who may request a remote unlock, verify the person before opening the door, and remove access that is no longer required.
Voice assistants and NFC are convenience features with compatibility limits
Voice control
Voice unlocking can be convenient when a household already uses a compatible assistant. Some integrations require a hub, while others require a spoken PIN before unlocking. A voice command can also be misunderstood or heard by someone who should not gain access, so enable unlocking only when the platform’s authentication and household rules are acceptable.
NFC cards and devices
NFC offers tap-style entry, but support is not universal. Confirm which cards, tags, phones, or other devices the lock accepts and whether they can be added and revoked individually. A card-based system is useful only if the household can obtain compatible credentials and has a backup for a lost card or an unpowered device.
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Always plan a mechanical or emergency fallback
Electronic locks need a recovery path for dead batteries, failed networks, lost phones, or malfunctioning sensors. Several product guides describe mechanical backup keys. Some models also document an emergency power port or an internal backup cell. These features are not interchangeable.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Store the key outside the locked home
Keep a physical key in an accessible, secure location that is not inside the house and not attached to the lock. A trusted household member or an appropriate external key safe can provide access during a battery or electronics failure. Do not rely on a key that nobody can reach when the door is locked.
Learn the exact emergency-power procedure
An emergency port may require a particular cable or temporary power source, while another lock may use a built-in backup cell. Read the model’s instructions, identify the port or contact points, and make sure the required accessory is available before an emergency occurs. Never assume that a USB port, battery terminal, or keyway works the same way across brands or revisions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Match the method to the household situation
| Household need | Practical starting combination | Reason to add another method |
|---|---|---|
| Several residents enter daily | Individual keypad codes or enrolled biometrics | Add a physical key or emergency-power plan for failures. |
| Frequent guests or service workers | Temporary or scheduled keypad codes | Add remote app access only if someone regularly needs to admit people while away. |
| Residents often carry a phone | Bluetooth/app access plus a keypad | Keep the keypad for a dead phone or missing permissions. |
| Children or users who forget codes | Fingerprint or palm recognition where reliable | Retain a code and key for recognition failures. |
| Unreliable home internet | Keypad, biometric, Bluetooth, and physical fallback | Do not make remote Wi-Fi access the only way to enter. |
| Regular away-from-home access needs | Remote app unlocking with strong account protection | Use temporary codes when sharing access is safer or simpler. |
Set up a smart lock for shared household use
- List the users and situations. Separate permanent residents, occasional guests, service providers, and emergency contacts. Decide which people need recurring access and which need one-time or scheduled entry.
- Choose at least two independent entry paths. For example, pair a keypad with a physical key, or biometrics with a code. Avoid making a phone, Wi-Fi connection, or single sensor the only option.
- Create individual credentials. Use separate codes, biometric profiles, cards, or app accounts where the model supports them. Do not share an administrator login when a limited user role is available.
- Test every method at the door. Confirm that each resident can unlock and lock the door, that the latch aligns correctly, and that the app has the necessary permissions. Test with the phone’s Bluetooth enabled and with the home internet temporarily unavailable if local access is supposed to work.
- Document the failure procedure. Record where the external key is stored, how to use emergency power, which battery type the lock takes, and who can administer the account. Keep these instructions available to household members.
- Review access regularly. Remove former guests, contractors, tenants, and administrators. Change codes that may have been exposed and check whether the lock reports unusual access attempts.
Secure the app, account, and lock
The Federal Trade Commission recommends changing default credentials, using unique passwords, enabling available two-factor authentication, keeping device firmware and companion apps updated, and disabling remote management that the household does not need. Its guidance says: “If a device offers two-factor authentication (a password plus something else, like a code sent to your phone or a thumbprint scan), use it.”
- Use a unique, long password for the lock’s account rather than reusing an email or household password.
- Turn on two-factor authentication when the service provides it.
- Install firmware and app updates from the manufacturer’s normal update path.
- Limit administrator access to people who genuinely manage the lock.
- Disable remote management if nobody needs to unlock or administer the lock away from home.
- Before transferring ownership, remove former administrators and personal information, then factory-reset the connected device so the new owner can set it up.
These steps are general connected-device practices. They do not establish that one unlocking method or one lock is universally more secure than another. The available documentation does not provide a neutral comparative security test of keypad, biometric, app, voice, NFC, and key entry.
Example: one lock offering several methods
TP-Link’s Tapo DL110 product page lists fingerprint, app, Bluetooth, keypad, voice-assistant, and physical backup-key entry. It is a useful illustration of how one product can combine several methods, not evidence that every household needs all six or that every region receives the same feature set. Confirm the exact regional model, hardware revision, software requirements, and current documentation before purchase.
Quick Recap
Questions to answer before choosing a lock
- How many permanent users, temporary users, and scheduled codes does the model support?
- Can access be revoked without changing every other resident’s credential?
- Does local Bluetooth or keypad entry continue when Wi-Fi is unavailable?
- Which functions require an account, cloud service, hub, or internet connection?
- What happens when the batteries are depleted, and what emergency-power accessory is required?
- Is there a mechanical key, and can it be stored safely outside the home?
- Where is biometric information stored, and what does the manufacturer state about its handling?
- Does voice unlocking require a PIN or another confirmation?
- Which NFC cards or devices are supported, and how are lost credentials revoked?
- How are firmware updates, administrator removal, factory reset, and ownership transfer handled?
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