Your questions answered on Smart Locks in 2024

As smart technology becomes a prominent part of our lives, our home security can now play a part in the digital revolution writes David Evans, Digital Marketing Manager for ERA Home Security. 

One of the products sweeping the market is a smart lock.

With over 200,000 crime reports of burglary so far in 2024 in the UK, customers are looking at different ways to secure their homes.

Ever since the launch of our Smart Universal Door Handle, customers have flooded our inbox with queries about this latest innovation and how it could improve their home.

So, we’ve put together this handy guide of the most frequently asked questions we see on smart locks

How does a smart lock work?

Using the best of both worlds, smart locks provide the same mechanical functionality as a traditional door lock, with the added benefits of modern technology.

Taking our Smart Universal Door Handle for example, it incorporates an operating cam cylinder and uses enhanced security to carry out the actions of your lock. Such as unlocking the door.

Why choose a smart lock?

Smart locks such as the ERA Protect Smart Universal Door Handle offer a range of benefits solving little problem’s in your daily life, you never knew you had.

Fingerprint access allows you to enter your home without a key. Simply press your thumb to the handle and off you go. You can also add fingerprints  for family and friends, allowing unique access to those you trust.

This time, you’re the key. No need to search your pockets or bag, our smart lock removes all fear of ever losing your keys again.

Imagine walking home after a trip to the shops, you trying to open the door but you’re hands are full.

Well, with geo-location technology, the lock will recognise your phone, and unlocks when it detects your presence. All you need to do is push the handle down to enter.

Smart locks can also come with  extra features, such as key cards, control via an app/smartphone, and a choice of finishes to suit your door. Our lock includes all of this and more.

Here’s another one. You’re on holiday, and you need someone from your family to feed your pets.

Using our Smart Home app, you can remotely unlock your door with a tap of a button. You can apply this to letting friends or family in whilst you’re at work or tradespeople to complete a job for you. You have complete control over your door lock.

Are smart locks safe?

When it comes to digital technology, especially in today’s tech driven world, there is always a concern as to whether smart technology can be ‘hacked’.

Understandably, this is one of the most common questions we get asked.

This isn’t just a smart product,  it’s the key to your home. So you want to make sure that no matter how clever the lock is, it is still going to keep you safe.

Smart locks prove their worth by being tested to industry standards. Such as ‘TS621’, ‘thief resistant electronic door locking devices’.

You’ll be pleased to know that ERA’s Smart Universal Door Handle has been tested to TS621 and is GDPR compliant. Keeping your personal data secure, whilst deterring any unwanted visitors.

What type of door can smart locks be fitted?

ERA Protect’s Smart Universal Door Handle is retrofittable, which means it can be installed on most existing doors, such as PVCu, composite and aluminum.

You’re not just limited to front doors, smart locks can be fitted to back doors as well.

And don’t limit yourself to where you live. Big or small, flat to mansion. Smart door locks are perfect for any sized home.

Can you install a smart lock without drilling?

Installing a smart lock is far easier than you think. You just need a screwdriver.

All you need to do is to take off your existing door handle and fit the new one in it’s place. The task isn’t as daunting as you think.

With our ERA Protect Lock, you can be up and running on our app in under 60 minutes.

Do smart locks work with iOS and Android?

Easy answer. Yes!

Using our ERA Protect Smart Home App, available on both iOS and Android, you can  control your smart lock  from the palms of you hand?

You can manage access, see usage reports and as we have mentioned, unlock your home remotely from anywhere in the world via an included WiFi bridge.

Smart locks and ERA Protect

Got a taste for a smart lock?

They’re just a peek of what ERA has to offer for smart home security.

Our Smart Universal Door Handle is part of our smart security ecosystem. Link it to one of our smart home alarm kits and a selection of accessories for an all rounded security experience.

Protect your home with one of our cover plans, giving you even more control over your home.

Discover more about our Smart Lock here.