I get the appeal of keeping an old-school key handy, but honestly, I've had more trouble with traditional locks than my smart one. Lost keys, broken keys stuck in the lock...you name it. One time, I had to climb through a window because my key snapped off inside the deadbolt. Embarrassing and expensive. At least with smart locks, I can usually troubleshoot from my phone or call support. Tech isn't perfect, but neither is the old way...
Interesting points there, especially about troubleshooting smart locks remotely. I've been considering switching to a smart lock myself, but one thing that's held me back is the reliability during power outages or internet downtime. Have you ever had issues accessing your smart lock when your Wi-Fi goes down or there's a blackout? I know some models have battery backups or Bluetooth access, but I'm curious how well those actually work in practice.
Also, what about software updates—have you ever had an update cause unexpected issues or glitches with your lock? I've read a few stories online where firmware updates temporarily locked people out until they reset everything. That seems like it could be just as frustrating as snapping off a key in the deadbolt (been there too, by the way...not fun).
I guess my hesitation comes down to balancing convenience with reliability. Traditional keys can definitely fail, but at least they're not dependent on external factors like internet connectivity or software stability. Maybe I'm just overly cautious, but I'd love to hear more real-world experiences before making the leap.
"I know some models have battery backups or Bluetooth access, but I'm curious how well those actually work in practice."
Honestly, the Bluetooth backup has saved my butt a couple times—especially during internet outages. I haven't personally had a firmware update lock me out, but I've seen it happen to friends. Usually a quick reset fixes it, but yeah...still annoying. I'd say go for a model with physical key backup too—best of both worlds, and way less stressful than snapping keys off in locks (been there myself, total nightmare).
Usually a quick reset fixes it, but yeah...still annoying. I'd say go for a model with physical key backup too—best of both worlds, and way less stressful than snapping keys off in locks (been th...
Totally agree on the Bluetooth backup—it's been a lifesaver for me too. Had a funny incident once where my Wi-Fi went down right as I got home from a late-night flight. Standing there exhausted, fumbling with my phone, I remembered the Bluetooth option and got in without hassle. But yeah, firmware updates can be finicky...had one glitch out briefly, but luckily it sorted itself after a quick reboot. Still, nothing beats having that physical key tucked away somewhere just in case.
Bluetooth's handy, but honestly, I've had mixed luck with it. One night my phone battery died right as I got home (typical me...), and Bluetooth wasn't gonna save me then. Ended up digging through the flowerpot for the spare key I'd hidden months earlier—felt like a treasure hunt at midnight. Lesson learned: tech is great until it isn't, so always stash a physical backup somewhere sneaky.
