Good point about backups—saved me more than once when an update went sideways. I usually wait a day or two myself, but I see your point about security patches. Maybe the sweet spot is somewhere in between? Curious, has anyone actually had an update brick their smart lock, or is that mostly just a fear we all have?
Curious, has anyone actually had an update brick their smart lock, or is that mostly just a fear we all have?
I’ve never had a smart lock totally brick after an update, but I did have one freeze up for a few hours—had to use the backup key, which thankfully I’d stashed in a planter by the door. Here’s my little routine: before updating, I check the manufacturer’s site or forums for any bug reports, then do the update when I know I’ll be home for a while. That way if something goes sideways, I’m not stuck outside with groceries. Maybe it’s overkill, but it’s saved me some stress.
before updating, I check the manufacturer’s site or forums for any bug reports, then do the update when I know I’ll be home for a while. That way if something goes sideways, I’m not stuck outside with groceries.
That’s a solid routine. I’ve seen a few folks get caught out because they updated right before heading out—never a good idea. In my line of work, I’ve had to help more than one homeowner who got locked out after a firmware hiccup. Usually it’s not a full brick, but sometimes the lock just stops responding until you do a hard reset or pull the batteries.
One thing I always tell clients: don’t trust the “it’ll only take five minutes” update message. Sometimes those updates drag on, or the app freezes halfway through. And yeah, always have that backup key handy. Hiding it in a planter is classic—just don’t forget where you put it. Had one guy who buried his so well he needed me to drill out the lock anyway...
Honestly, these smart locks are great when they work, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned key as a backup plan.
Never thought I’d worry about getting locked out by my own door, but here we are. I almost did the “quick update before work” once—glad I chickened out. I just stick a spare key in the BBQ grill. Not fancy, but it works.
I just stick a spare key in the BBQ grill. Not fancy, but it works.
That’s actually pretty clever—I’ve tried the old “fake rock” trick, but my dog kept dragging it around the yard. Ended up losing the key for a week. I get tempted by all the smart lock features, but I keep picturing myself standing outside in pajamas, phone dead, just staring at my own front door. Has anyone found a backup that’s both cheap and not super obvious?
