ADT Security Door Locks
Everyone has been locked out of their home at one time or another. Maybe the back door locked behind you and left you stranded. Or perhaps you forgot your key and came back to an empty home with no way to get inside.
Traditionally, many people have solved this problem by hiding a key somewhere near the front door. Placing it in a flower pot or under a garden gnome prevents lock-outs, but it also creates a vulnerability in your home’s security.
When you use smart locks with your home security system, you can always have access to your home without leaving a key outside where anyone can find it. These smart devices keep your home secured at all times, while also offering more convenience.
Read through this guide to learn how you can get a smart lock through ADT and why it’s an important part of any home security system.
Key Takeaways
- Smart locks keep you from being locked out without risking your safety
- You can lock and unlock your smart lock with access codes, voice commands, smart home automations, physical keys, and the ADT Control app
- View your lock’s status and adjust its settings remotely
- Use customized access codes to simplify your schedule while maintaining security
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unlock the front door using keys, access codes, voice commands, and your ADT Control app
- Seamlessly syncs with the rest of your system
- Automate the locking/unlocking of your front door with customized routines
- View and control your lock through the app
- Enjoy professional installation
Cons
- Smart devices require a higher monthly monitoring fee
What do smart locks do?
A smart lock is used to secure your front door, much like a traditional lock. While a typical lock can only be controlled by turning the deadbolt or using a key, a smart lock provides several more ways to control it.
Smart locks connect to the internet and integrate with your network of smart home devices. You can access the lock through these devices to offer more convenience. You can add locking the door to automated routines or control it through your phone, for instance.
These devices can also be locked and unlocked through numerical codes, voice commands, keys, and your ADT Control app. Remote access allows you to confirm that the door is locked from anywhere so you won’t ever have to worry that you left it unlocked.
Though they’re connected to the internet, these locks include strong encryptions to prevent tampering. When you get a smart lock through ADT, for example, your device includes a bump guard. This feature prevents lock bumping, a technique used to break into door locks.
The powerful encryptions also prevent hacking. With its security features, burglars have just a 1 in 100,000 chance of guessing your code.
You can have more confidence in and control over your safety, no matter where you are.
What door locks does ADT use?
ADT offers Kwikset 914 smart door locks in its Smart Home and Video & Smart Home packages. You can also add this device to any other package.
Kwikset locks are well-known for their security and quality. Since you’re buying the lock through ADT, it will fit seamlessly into your smart home network. Rather than using separate apps for your lock and security system, you can access everything through the ADT Control app.
Appearance and design
ADT offers three colors for its locks to help you match your home’s decor. Choose from satin nickel, bronze, and brass.
The device will replace your current deadbolt, though you can keep the same handle or knob. It features a keyhole with two rows of numbered buttons above it and a single oblong button at the top. You can use this button for one-touch locking and unlocking.
Since it runs on batteries, you will have to make occasional battery changes to keep it powered. Depending on how many times it’s used per day, you will typically have to change out the battery once or twice a year.
Installation
One of the best parts of using an ADT home security system is its professional installation service.
During your scheduled installation appointment, the ADT technician will remove your current deadbolt and install the smart lock. It’s not the most complex process, but it does require several precise steps. Leaving it to the professionals saves you time and effort, while also making sure that it will work as it is supposed to.
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How do ADT smart locks work?
These locks can be opened with a key, but that’s not the only way you can control them. As soon as the device is synced to your security system, you can use and customize it through a variety of methods.
Keys
Though your smart lock won’t come with a key, you can order one to use as a backup option if your device malfunctions or dies.
Kwikset’s SmartKey Security allows you to use physical keys without worrying about your security. It enables you to easily re-key your lock if:
- You lose the key
- A key isn’t returned after being borrowed
- You’re worried someone copied the key
- You’re moving or gaining a new tenant
- You want to use the same key for multiple smart locks
You will use a specialized tool to change the lock configuration. It’s easy to do yourself and far cheaper than hiring a locksmith to replace the lock. All you have to do is:
- Insert and rotate the current key
- Slide the Smart Key tool on top of the key while it’s in the lock and then remove both
- Insert and rotate the new key
With this simple process, you can keep a physical key handy without threatening your family’s safety.
Access codes
Gone are the days when you had to dig around for your keys to enter the house. Your Kwikset smart lock can be easily unlocked when you type your unique access code into the numbered buttons.
These locks support up to 30 codes. Everyone in your family can create their own passcode to make sure they can get in at all times. If you have kids that get home from school while you’re at work, this feature allows them to get inside safely without risking lost keys.
Creating codes for loved ones or trusted friends, including regular babysitters and dog walkers, frees you from having to be home when they arrive. Even more useful, you can create temporary codes for less-trusted visitors, such as cleaning or maintenance crews.
You can customize your access codes by:
- Limiting them to use on specific days and times for contractors that come on a set schedule
- Restricting your temporary access codes to one use in a 24-hour period, best for people who are coming for a one-time visit, such as a repairman
- Scheduling codes for specific timeframes with start and end dates
It may feel scary to give out these codes, but you can easily track their use through the ADT Control app. Every time your door is unlocked with an access code, the app will record a log showing which passcode was used and when. You will also get a text or email notification on your phone.
Kwikset has also designed its lock with backlit number buttons to make it easier to unlock the door in the dark.
One-touch button
This button can lock the door with one touch. Once the door is closed, just push the button at the top of the lock to secure the door.
Voice commands
Smart devices are all about convenience. If you have a smart home ecosystem or smart devices that offer a smart assistant, including both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, you can control your smart lock through voice commands.
Remember the times when you were juggling an armful of kids, bags, or packages and had to find a way to get your key out to unlock the door? Now, you can use simple voice commands to lock and unlock the door without losing control of whatever you’re carrying.
You can also use this feature to let someone in without getting up to open the door.
Smart home automation
Voice commands aren’t the only smart features this device offers. When your smart locks are connected to your home security system, you can create custom automations that make your life easier and your security stronger.
If you have additional smart devices, you can include them in your routines. Some example include:
- Scheduling your locks to unlock at specific times
- Having it automatically lock 30 seconds after being unlocked
- Locking the door when your doorbell camera senses movement
- Unlocking the door when you disarm the security system
- Recording a video through the video doorbell or indoor camera when the front door unlocks
- Turning on your smart lighting when the door unlocks
These automations give you less to think about while keeping your home secure. You can save time on these simple tasks and enjoy a home that is optimized to your comfort and routine.
ADT Control mobile app
If you are in a hurry or you assume that someone else locked up, it’s easy to leave your door unlocked after you leave. Sometimes, you might lock the door as you head out but struggle to remember if you locked it or not. You will then either have to go back home to double check or spend the whole day worrying about it.
When your smart locks are connected to your ADT system, you can use the app to check on your locks at any time. In just seconds, you can reassure yourself that the door is locked and your security system is armed. And, if the door is unlocked, you can engage the lock with a tap.
This feature is critical if anyone is caught lurking outside the house. As soon as your cameras notify you about the lurker, you can make sure your door is secured against unwanted entry.
Remote access is also helpful when you have visitors who arrive home before you do. You can unlock the door and disarm the system to let them inside. If your guests want to leave while you’re out, you can give them an access code or use the app to lock up behind them.
The ADT Control app includes access to your settings and automated routines for easy customizations. Your app will send you a notification whenever the lock is engaged or disengaged, a setting you can turn on and off as needed.
Other smart devices, including the ADT Command control panel, computers, and smart devices with screens, can be used to adjust your locks.
Which smart locks work with ADT?
As mentioned, ADT offers Kwikset smart locks with its security system equipment packages. The devices you purchase through this security provider are the only ones eligible for professional installation. They are also the only options that are guaranteed to integrate with your home security system.
That said, ADT’s products do work with devices that operate on Z Wave protocol. If you already have a smart lock installed or you want to use a different product, you may be able to connect them yourself.
To make sure that it will work with your other devices and show up on the app, we recommend the Kwikset smart locks that come with ADT’s system.
For more information, you can contact ADT to ask about the compatibility of additional smart lock products.
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Why should I use ADT smart locks?
There are many reasons to add a smart lock to your home security system. If any of the scenarios below sound familiar, we recommend including this device in your purchase.
Keeping family safe
Many families have different schedules. Creating multiple keys or giving out the garage door code isn’t practical or safe. A smart lock gives everyone the freedom to create their own schedules, regardless of who is home.
If your child gets home early, for example, they won’t have to wait outside until you arrive. They can easily unlock the door, which automatically sends you a notification that they made it inside.
The combination of your smart lock and security system can also track anyone that tries to sneak out. You can use your activity log to see who opened the door and when they left or returned.
Managing short-term rentals
It isn’t practical to meet up with or leave a key for every group that rents your dwelling. With smart locks, you can create specific codes for renters. This gives them access without creating a security vulnerability.
Better yet, you can assign access codes to specific timeframes. You can create individual passcodes that will only work during the time they’ve booked your space.
Protecting your home while you’re away
House sitters are paid to take care of your house while you’re gone, but you may still worry about your home’s security.
Giving a house sitter an access code instead of a key is safer and more convenient. They can stop by on their own schedule, rather than trying to coordinate a meet-up.
Your app can show if the sitter is keeping your house locked up and secured. You can check at night to make sure the lock is engaged and your security system is active. If you have any concerns, you can always change the code and ask someone else to take over the job until you return.
Simplifying emergency responses
During an emergency such as a fire or carbon monoxide leak, you need to get out as quickly as possible. You can use the ADT Control app to unlock your smart lock and disarm the alarm so you can open the windows and doors without delay.
More importantly, you can unlock the door to grant quick access to the emergency responders. If you aren’t home or are unable to get out, this feature can save precious seconds. You can get the help you need as soon as possible.
Smart lock Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t replace the batteries, your smart lock can die. You will get a notification when the batteries are low, so you should have time to change them before they die.
If your lock does die, it will remain in its current position. To lock or unlock it again, you will have to replace the batteries or use a physical key.
Make sure to always keep AA batteries on hand so you can change them as soon as you get the notification.
The battery pack is located under the lock’s cover. Remove the cover and then take out the dead batteries. You can then replace them with four new AA batteries to restore power.
Occasionally, your smart lock will disconnect from the control panel during a battery change. You will have to use the user manual to reconnect to the system or contact ADT for help.
Like any smart device, you may lose internet connection due to a power outage or connectivity issue. Thankfully, your smart lock will still work without an internet connection. You can use your passcodes and key to lock and unlock it. You won’t, however, be able to control or access it through your mobile app, voice commands, or the control panel.
If you have automated routines, your locks won’t activate when they’re supposed to until you restore the internet connection. If it doesn’t come back online, you can contact ADT for more help.
As long as the door has a standard deadbolt, you should be able to use a Kwikset smart lock with it. We recommend asking about the doors you want to use during your free security consultation. The ADT security expert will evaluate each door and let you know if they are compatible with the smart lock design.
