A guide on smart door lock installation

Installing a new smart door lock can bring many benefits compared to traditional mechanical locks. But before buying one, remember that it’s crucial to choose a reputable brand, ensure proper smart door lock installation, and follow the best practices for securing your smart devices to ensure they keep you safe. 

In this post, you’ll learn how to install a smart door lock and other information that will help you improve your property’s security system. 

Why installing a smart lock is a great idea

Smart locks typically provide the convenience of keyless entry through an app or numeric code. Smart door locks offer advanced features like biometric fingerprint scanning, which is beneficial for monitoring access and allowing remote and time-limited entry. 

Additionally, smart locks enhance security with features like entry notifications and specialised access codes to deter theft. When installing a door lock for your home or business, consider any additional security features or smart capabilities you might want. 

What to look for in a smart lock

Ensuring optimal quality and performance of your smart door locks does not end with knowing how to install keyless door locks. There are key considerations to make when choosing the most suitable type of smart door lock for your property, such as the following: 

• Auto-lock or unlock features to ease security concerns and verify mobile device compatibility for control. 
• Compatibility with existing smart home devices enhances functionality, enabling voice commands and scheduled access. 
• Ensure remote access capability for managing guest permissions, particularly for services like housekeepers or dog walkers. Most smart locks have this feature.
• Lock that can be accessed through touch, phone, key cards, voice, or physical key. 

When it comes to doorknob installation costs, note that prices vary based on features, whether you’re opting for basic keypads or a comprehensive smart home integration.

Steps for installing smart locks on doors

Step 1: Detach the old lock

A crucial part of knowing how to install new locks on doors is learning how to take out the old lock. Before you install the smart door lock, remove the old lock by unscrewing it from the inside. 

Separate the lock into two halves, leaving the deadbolt, and unscrew the deadbolt from the door’s edge. 

Next, remove the strike plate on the door jamb and, if possible, replace its screws with longer three-inch ones for added strength—a particularly effective method when the door frame consists of a “jack” and “king” stud. Doing these steps secures the strike plate through both studs, making it more resistant to forced entry.

Step 2: Install the new deadbolt and strike plate

Smart lock kits often include a new deadbolt, strike plate, and hardware. Using a screwdriver, secure the new deadbolt with screws in the top and bottom holes of the mounting plate, then add the strike plate. For longer screws in the strike plate, you might need to slightly drill the holes. 

After installing the deadbolt and strike plate, close the door and test the deadbolt’s alignment and extension into the strike plate. If it doesn’t fully lock, adjust the receiving hole on the door frame or modify the deadbolt cavity as needed for proper fit.

Step 3: Install the front half of the lock

Insert the lock into the door and feed the ribbon cable beneath the deadbolt. Prevent the front side from falling out by holding it within the lock opening while fixing the rear mounting bracket. 

If your smart lock kit does not include painter’s tape, this can be substituted with gaffer's tape or masking tape to hold the lock face tightly against the door. Apply tape to the front part of the lock, close the door, position the rear mounting bracket, and subsequently remove the tape. 

This entire process can be complicated and time-consuming, so it’s best to contact door lock experts who know how to install a keyless door lock correctly.

Step 4: Set up the rear mounting bracket

When installing the rear mounting bracket, ensure it’s stable to allow the lock to slide into place. Ideally, choose a smart lock offering two sets of screws, one shorter for standard 1 and 3/8-inch thick doors and the other longer for slightly thicker 1 and 1/2-inch to 1 and 3/4-inch doors. 

Your choice will be based on your door's thickness. If uncertain, opt for the shorter screws and switch to longer ones if needed. 

Then, place the back half of the lock. If your smart door lock has a tab that can be accessed by removing the battery cover, you can secure your lock by lifting the metal tab, setting the back portion of the lock in place, and pressing the tab down to secure your lock.

If the installation process seems too complicated or you don’t have the right tools, it’s never too late to ask a professional locksmith or smart lock installer expert to help you out.

Step 5: Locate and install the batteries 

Check and identify the battery used for your smart lock. You can consider buying an extra set of batteries as a backup. Afterwards, place the batteries in the battery compartment, then fasten the compartment cover again to ensure secure placement of the batteries.

Step 6: Program the lock

When it comes to smart door security systems, there’s an extra step you need to know after learning how to install a front door lock. 

You’ll need to download the smart lock’s app on your mobile device (usually with a web address or QR code included with your lock’s packaging), register with an email address, and follow the verification process. 

Next, connect to your wireless network and add your device. You can refer to the manufacturer’s official documentation for pairing instructions. After pairing successfully, conduct thorough testing of the smart lock and explore its features, such as biometric scanning, keypad functions and others. Safely store any key codes and configure additional users during this process.

Once everything is set and done, you can consider buying and installing a new doorbell alongside your new smart lock.

Make the switch to smart locks 

This step-by-step guide ensures you can swiftly switch to smart locks in a jiffy without too many special tools. While you’ll need to have some other aspects, replacing your existing door lock with a smart one is easy!  

In case you face some difficulties, experts with industry-standard techniques and tools can teach you how to install door locks and do it for you. Post a task on our platform and get the expert assistance you need!