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Do smart locks work without WiFi?
Updated
Yes, the basics keep working. A WiFi smart lock still opens with its keypad, its fingerprint reader, a phone nearby over Bluetooth, or the key. What you lose is control from away: remote unlock, alerts on your phone, and voice assistants. One surprise: a WiFi lock that cannot find WiFi may burn through batteries faster.
What works and what does not
| Feature | WiFi down |
|---|---|
| Keypad codes already set | Works |
| Fingerprints already enrolled | Works |
| Physical key | Works |
| Phone app standing at the door | Usually works over Bluetooth, if the lock has it |
| Unlock from work or a trip | Does not work |
| Alerts and activity log on your phone | Does not work until WiFi is back |
| Alexa, Google or other smart home links | Does not work |
What the makers say
- Schlage. Its support page says Encode locks do not need WiFi to work, and you can use the keypad, the key and even program the lock by hand. Without WiFi, the app only connects over Bluetooth. It also warns that a lock not on WiFi keeps searching for it, which can drain the batteries much faster.
- August. Its FAQ says the Wi-Fi Smart Lock supports local use over Bluetooth, like earlier models, and needs no extra hardware for remote use.
- eufy. Its guide on WiFi and Bluetooth locks says Bluetooth locks usually work within about 25 feet.
The Schlage point is the one to remember. If you plan to leave a WiFi lock off WiFi on purpose, ask the maker how it affects battery life first.
Locks that do not use WiFi at all
Some locks use other radios. The Aqara U100 uses Zigbee, and its maker says remote control needs a hub. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE has WiFi and also Matter over Thread, which needs a Thread border router, per the listing. The Matter standard group says Matter runs over WiFi, Thread and Ethernet and can use a local connection, so some control can stay inside your home. See Apple Home Key and Matter locks.
Picks if WiFi at your door is weak
- Schlage Encode: keypad and key work with no WiFi, per Schlage. Caveat: battery drain if it keeps searching.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi: the listing says it joins 2.4 or 5 GHz WiFi. Caveat: owners report short battery life.
More on battery drain in battery life and WiFi. Check fit first with the fit checker, then see all seven picks.