Do smart locks integrate with smart home systems?

As their name indicates, most smart locks are designed to integrate with your smart home system (for example, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings or Google Home devices). But what does that mean, exactly? Smart home integration could mean you can use voice control on your smart lock, locking or unlocking it with a simple command.

You could also remotely control your device through a smartphone app, allowing you to check the status of your door lock from anywhere in the world. Another useful feature is the ability to check your smart activity log (i.e., who came in and out and when).

Integrating your smart lock with your other smart home devices allows you to create set “routines”, such as turning the lights on when you unlock the door, or locking the door at the same time as arming your burglar alarm.

It’s worth noting that not every smart lock is smart home compatible. Some slightly older or offline models which use a PIN code might not connect to the internet or through other wireless networks such as Bluetooth, which means they can’t connect to other devices.

Of those smart locks that do support smart home integration, every model doesn’t integrate with every smart home ecosystem. You’ll have to check whether the smart lock you want to buy is compatible with your other smart devices before buying it, which depends on the brand and model you opt for. For example, Yale locks can be paired with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Alexa devices.