A smart lock lets you open your door without a traditional key — typically by fingerprint, a PIN code on a keypad, an RFID card, a phone app, or a physical key as backup. Beyond convenience, most let you create temporary codes for guests, domestic help or deliveries, see a log of who came and went, and (on connected models) lock or unlock remotely. For families it means no more spare keys under the mat, easy access for elderly relatives or children, and the ability to revoke access instantly if a code is compromised.

This is the most important question, and it depends on your door. A mortise smart lock replaces the full lock body that sits inside the mortise pocket of most Indian wooden main doors. A rim or deadbolt lock retrofits over or alongside your existing lock, which is great when you can't or don't want to modify the door — ideal for renters. Metal safety doors have a narrower stile and need models designed specifically for them, and glass doors need dedicated glass-door locks. Fitting the wrong type is the number one mistake we see, so tell us your door — wooden main door, metal safety door, glass, and whether you want to keep the existing lock — and we'll only show locks that actually mount.

Not with a properly chosen lock, and this is something we insist on. Reputable smart locks keep two fail-safes: a physical-key override, so you can always unlock the traditional way, and emergency USB power — if the battery is completely flat, you hold a power bank to a USB port on the lock to power it just long enough to open. Locks also warn you for days or weeks with low-battery alerts before they actually die. We only recommend locks with these fail-safes, so a dead battery is a minor annoyance, never a lock-out. Keeping a spare key with a trusted family member is still sensible.

It depends on whether you want to control the lock when you're away. An offline lock has no network connection at all — you unlock with fingerprint, code or key at the door — which is the most private option with no remote-hacking surface. A Bluetooth lock pairs with your phone so you can unlock or manage it when you're within range. A WiFi lock (often via a small gateway) adds true remote access — lock or unlock from anywhere, get entry alerts, and grant access to a guest remotely. If you travel, host guests or want delivery access, WiFi is worth it; if you value simplicity and privacy, offline or Bluetooth is plenty. We match connectivity to how you'll actually use it.

Most smart locks offer several ways in — fingerprint, PIN, card, app and key — and you can mix them per person. On security, a good lock is very secure when set up sensibly: use strong, unique PINs rather than obvious ones, change any default codes, keep the firmware updated, enable two-factor authentication on the app where offered, and remove codes or access you no longer need. Prefer established brands with a good security record, and remember an offline lock has no online attack surface at all. Physical build quality matters too — we favour sturdy locks with anti-tamper and anti-pick features. This is general guidance rather than legal or security advice, and lock specs and prices here are illustrative and change often. To see who's at the door before you open it, pair a lock with our Video Doorbells; for wider coverage see CCTV Cameras; and for the WiFi a connected lock uses, see our Home Internet pages.