What Happens if Smart Lock Battery Dies?

Well, smart locks indeed offer many benefits ranging from keyless entry, remote access, and peace of mind. However, like all electronic devices, smart locks are dependent on batteries to function. Certainly, all batteries will eventually wear out and need to be replaced, hence the need to have a plan in place when they die.

When a smart lock battery dies, users may find themselves locked out and unable to access their homes. On the other hand, smart locks have built-in features that help in the event of a battery failure. For example, most smart locks will sound an alarm or alert when the battery is low, giving a notification on time to replace it. Smart locks also give adequate time to change the battery, which is usually a simple process.

Battery Life of Smart Locks

Smart locks being electronic devices, need a power supply in the form of a battery. The battery life of a Smart Lock hinges on several factors. These factors include frequency of use, the type of battery used, and the features of the lock.

Smart lock batteries may last for about 6 to 12 months on a single charge or battery set but, the batteries of a frequently used lock may drain faster. Wi-Fi or network-connected locks are an exception to this rule, as they may have a different battery life.

Smart lock models with lengthened battery life or Lithium rechargeable batteries and solar-enhanced charging tend to last longer. Lockly smart lock batteries can also last for about 6 to 9 months on average. Its battery life depends on how frequently it is used.

Symptoms of a Dying Smart Lock Battery

Identifying the symptoms of a dying smart lock battery is essential for validating uninterrupted security, peace of mind, and access to your home. In order not to experience issues such as your keyless entry pad not working. Several signs can indicate when the battery in your smart lock is running low. These include:

Visual signals

Smart locks possess status LED lights or pointers that flicker or change colour to notify you of low battery. The LED lights can easily be found at the front or side of the lock. To know when your batteries die, you have to be attentive to any changes that may occur in the light design. These changes could be a slower or more frequent flickering of light.

Audible signals

Certain smart lock devices have built-in speakers that produce beeping sounds to indicate a dead battery. If you detect your smart lock making beeping sounds or other unusual sounds, it’s likely that the battery is dying and needs to be replaced soon.

Mobile App Notifications

Once your smart lock is connected to your mobile app, you will certainly receive notifications on your smartphone when the battery is low. These notifications can come in the form of emails, push notifications, or even pop-up messages. However, you have to turn on notifications for your smart lock app and watch out for notifications indicating a low battery.

Reduced Functionality

Performance issues such as a decrease in responsiveness and functionality of your smart lock could be an indicator of a dying battery. When a battery is low, there may be intermittent failures in authentication methods like fingerprint scanning or keypad entry. The lock may also take longer to respond to inputs.

Alternative Unlock Methods

Most smart locks have alternative unlock methods such as a physical key or an emergency power supply. When you realize you’re using these alternative methods more frequently than normal, it may be an indicator of a dying battery. You have to use this as a reminder to change the battery soon to avoid being locked out totally.

What Happens When Smart Lock Battery Die

Below are what happens when your smart lock battery dies:

• Inability to carry out locking actions on your smart lock.
• Inability to access your Smart Lock through the Smart Lock Mobile App, that is, disabled automation features.
• Temporary access disruption. When you try to connect to the smart lock app, the app will try to establish a connection for about 20 seconds. If it can’t connect at that time, it will stop trying.
• Limited access options.
• Security vulnerabilities
• Change in status LED colour, from blue to red.

However, you still have the option to manually open or lock your door by turning the knob of the smart lock even when the battery dies or opening your door from outside using physical keys. Once you notice your locking action was aborted due to low battery, it will reflect in the activity log of your smart lock app, along with the positioning run.

Impact on Security

A dead smart lock battery can have serious consequences for your home security.
The most serious impact of a dead smart lock battery is the security risk it poses. Without a working lock, your home is more vulnerable to intruders and other threats. It’s pertinent to be aware of this risk and take steps to avoid it.

Emergency Access Methods

In an emergency, you can try out the following emergency access method:

Secondary power source

Some smart locks do carry a secondary power option, for example, 9-volt battery terminals. Once you connect your new 9-volt battery to the terminal, you can temporarily gain access using your normal authentication methods.

Bluetooth Backup

When your smart lock connects to Bluetooth or a mobile app, you will be able to access your lock even when your battery is dead. All you have to do is to ensure your smartphone has adequate battery power to ensure a connection and use the needed app to unlock your door.

Manual key Override

Some smart locks have a traditional keyhole as their secondary option. An example is eufy S330 Smart Lock. All you have to do is insert your physical key into the keyhole to unlock your door. It is important to keep your key in a secured and inaccessible location.

How to Open an Electronic Door Lock Without Key

If you ever find yourself locked out of your house, you can try the following legitimate methods to unlock your door without your key.

1. Use a Backup Mechanical Key: If your electronic door has a mechanical key override in case of power failures or other issues, then this option is for you.
2. Use a Power Bank: You can use a fully charged power bank to power your lock and gain access if your electronic door lock batteries are dead. This method only works when the power source is accessible and compatible with the power bank.
3. Use Backup Mobile Operations: Since some electronic locks can be accessed through mobile apps, you can open to unlock your door if you have set up a secondary mobile operation.
4. Emergency Lock Override: If your electronic door has an emergency override option or a master code provided by the manufacturer, you can try using it. You can also contact customer support for assistance.

Replacing the Battery

Smart locks use 4 AA batteries. To replace the batteries, you simply have to:

1. Find the lock that is experiencing low battery issues.
2. Find and remove the screws in your smart lock. The indoor side of your door usually contains the lock mechanism.
3. Take off the cover or housing from your door.
4. Locate the battery that sits at the top of your lock module. Lift the battery pack to view the batteries.
5. Replace the batteries and reattach the battery pack to the door. Ensure the arrow with the label “Door” is pointing toward the door. Repeat the above steps to replace the cover.

How to Change Battery in Keyless Door Lock?

Your smart lock model determines the steps to take to change your door lock battery and the necessary tools. Before you attempt to change your batteries, ensure you have the right batteries for your smart lock.

Below are the steps to take in changing your keyless door locks:

1. Locate the lock and remove the cover or housing.
2. Take off the old batteries.
3. Insert your new batteries. This should be according to your smart lock model instructions.
4. You can replace the battery cover on your door.
5. Make sure you see an indication that the battery replacement was successful.
6. Try the lock to make sure it works.
7. Update your smart lock app if necessary.

Preventive Measures

Though smart locks are safe and can let you gain access to your home from anywhere, below are preventive measures to apply as smart locks can be hacked through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or an outdated companion app or software.

• You can secure your smart locks by using Two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Changing your PIN regularly.
• Use a strong password ( with special characters or complicated numbers) to strengthen your Wi-fi connection.
• Ensure to turn off your Bluetooth connection when you’re inactive(not using it.)
• Protect your fingerprint database to prevent anyone from copying your fingerprint.
• Using quality dry alkaline batteries.

Before you go…

Once your smart lock battery completely depletes, your lock will lose power and won’t function until the battery is replaced. To prevent this, you must be alert and regularly monitor the battery status of your smart lock. You must also ensure to have a plan in place for your battery replacement or other alternative access methods.

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