Smart Locks in Australia: Are They Secure and How to Choose
No keys to lose, codes for the family, and a way to let guests in without being there. Smart locks are popular, especially for holiday homes. Here's what to know before you buy one.
Short answer: a good-quality smart lock, properly installed, is as secure as a standard lock for most homes, and adds codes you can change and a record of who came in. Choose one with a mechanical key backup, a solid deadbolt or latch, and good battery warnings, and make sure it fits your door and suits Australian conditions.
How smart locks open
| Type | How you get in | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Keypad | A code | Families, guests, holiday rentals |
| Bluetooth | Your phone, when you're close | Everyday convenience |
| Wi-Fi or hub connected | Your phone from anywhere | Letting people in remotely |
| Fingerprint | Your finger | Households with kids |
| Key card or fob | A tap | Short-stay rentals, offices |
Many locks combine several of these, plus a mechanical key as a backup.
Are smart locks secure?
The lock is only as strong as two things: the physical lock (the bolt or latch, the cylinder and the door) and the electronics and app. When choosing:
- Look for a solid deadbolt or deadlatch, not just a motorised latch.
- Check the backup key cylinder. A cheap cylinder can be the weak point.
- Use strong codes and change guest codes after each stay.
- Keep the app and firmware updated.
- Buy a known brand with local support and spare parts.
What to check before you buy
- Does it fit your door? Door thickness, the existing lock's position, and whether it's a timber, steel or aluminium door all matter.
- Is it suitable for outdoor conditions? Coastal homes on the Peninsula get salt air, rain and sun. Check the weather rating.
- Battery life and warnings. You want plenty of warning before the batteries go flat.
- Backup options if the batteries die: a mechanical key or emergency power terminals.
- Does it work with your phone and any home systems you already use?
Smart locks for holiday homes and short stays
Smart locks suit holiday homes well:
- A different code for each guest, valid only for their stay
- No keys to post, hide or lose
- A log of when the door was opened
- Remote access for cleaners and tradespeople
Keep a mechanical backup key somewhere secure off the property, or in a key safe.
Installing a smart lock
Some smart locks are designed for DIY installation. Others need the door drilled or the existing lock removed, and a poorly fitted lock can jam or leave a gap. A locksmith can check your door, fit the lock correctly, and make sure the deadbolt fully engages.
If you rent, ask your rental provider before replacing a lock.
On the Mornington Peninsula or in Frankston? See security upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Are smart locks safe?
A good-quality smart lock with a solid bolt, properly installed and kept updated, is as secure as a standard lock for most homes.
What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
Most give plenty of low-battery warnings. Many have a mechanical backup key or emergency power terminals so you can still get in.
Can a smart lock be hacked?
Any connected device carries some risk. Choose a known brand, use strong codes, and keep the app and firmware updated.
Can I fit a smart lock to my existing door?
Often, yes. It depends on the door's thickness, material and current lock. A locksmith can check.
Are smart locks good for Airbnb or holiday rentals?
Yes. You can give each guest their own code that only works during their stay.
Need a locksmith on the Peninsula?
Homes, cars and businesses. Call any time and tell us what has happened.