We’re edging towards 2026 and smart locks are practically everywhere. You see them on front doors in new apartments, people talk about them all the time, and pretty much every home improvement store has a whole section dedicated to them.
They’re convenient since you’re no longer fumbling for keys in the dark or wondering if you forgot to lock the door when you’re already at work.
But can someone hack into your smart lock and unlock your door?
The short answer is: it’s possible, but it’s way more complicated than most people think. Let’s talk about what the actual risks are, how worried you should be, and what you can do about it.
How Smart Locks Get Hacked
Okay, we may have overreacted a little. Smart locks aren’t getting hacked left and right. But vulnerabilities exist and it’s important you understand how to bypass them.
1. Bluetooth Attacks
A lot of smart locks use Bluetooth to communicate with your phone. If the lock uses weak encryption, someone with the right tools could potentially intercept the signal.
The only catch is that they’d need to be within Bluetooth range, usually around 30 feet or less. So they’d literally have to be standing near your door. At that point, they could probably just pick your lock the old-fashioned way or break a window.
2. Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities
Some smart locks connect to your home Wi-Fi network. If your Wi-Fi password is weak, that creates a potential entry point.
The good news is that this is less about the lock itself and more about general home network security. If someone’s already in your Wi-Fi network, you’ve got bigger problems than your smart lock.
3. Weak PINs and Passwords
Most security breaches happen when people can get in by trying out common combinations on your smart lock. If you’re using a simple password or not enabling two-factor authentication on your smart lock app, for example, you’re making it easier for someone to access your account and control your lock remotely.
4. Physical Tampering
Smart locks have electronics inside them, and electronics can be messed with. Some security researchers have shown that certain models can be physically manipulated if you know what you’re doing, though this usually requires tools, knowledge, and time standing at your door.
Again, at that point, a traditional lock could probably be picked or bumped too.
5. Software Bugs
Every now and then, security researchers find vulnerabilities in specific smart lock models. This includes flaws in the firmware or app that could theoretically be exploited. Manufacturers usually patch these when they’re discovered, but only if you actually update your lock’s firmware.
How Worried Should You Be?
Your smart lock is probably not going to be the weak point that gets your house broken into.
Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Someone tries door handles in a neighborhood to see what’s unlocked. They look for open windows, kick in a door or smash a window if nobody’s home.
The scenario where a thief has the knowledge, equipment, and time to hack a smart lock? That’s pretty rare.
That said, you shouldn’t ignore security just because the risk is low. There’s a difference between extremely unlikely and impossible.
Also Read: How to Enhance Your Home Security with Smart Locks
Are there Ways to Make Your Smart Lock Secure?
1. Choose a Reputable Brand
This seems obvious, but choosing a reputable brand is your best bet. Big-name brands with good reputations have more to lose if they get hacked, so they invest more in security.
Look for locks with strong encryption, regular firmware updates, and companies that take security seriously enough to work with researchers who find vulnerabilities.
2. Keep Everything Updated
When manufacturers discover security flaws, they release firmware updates to fix them. But those updates only help if you actually install them.
Most smart locks will prompt you when an update is available through their app. Don’t ignore it, since it hardly takes five minutes to update.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Again, another given but your smart lock app should have a password that you don’t use anywhere else. Make it long and complicated and use a password manager if you need to. You can also turn on two-factor authentication if the app offers it. That way, even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your lock without also having your phone.
4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
It’s always a good idea to change your router’s default password to something strong. You can also use WPA3 encryption if your router supports it.
Consider putting your smart home devices on a separate network from your computers and phones. Some routers let you create a guest network specifically for IoT devices.
Professional Smart Lock Installation Starts Here!
Are smart locks safe from hackers? The answer is: mostly. But safe isn’t the same as invincible.
With decent security practices, the chances of someone successfully hacking your smart lock are extremely low. Low enough that it shouldn’t be your main concern when thinking about home security.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a smart lock but you’re not sure where to start, The NYC Locksmith can help with smart lock installation. We work with all the major brands and can help you choose the right lock that for your door, your budget, and your security needs.
Contact us to talk about smart locks and smart lock installation. Get the benefits of modern security without the headaches of figuring it out yourself.