Smart locks offer numerous advantages over traditional mechanical locks. Although the adoption rate in China is still relatively low, with increasing marketing efforts, more users are beginning to accept and pay attention to smart locks, gradually changing their perception of them. Currently, only a few high-end homes or apartments come equipped with smart locks, while most families still rely on replacing their existing locks themselves to install smart ones.
There are many domestic brands producing security doors, and each brand has different specifications and compatibility with smart locks. Additionally, there are thousands of smart lock models available on the market. Choosing the right one for your home requires careful comparison and consideration rather than blindly following trends. If you're planning to upgrade to a smart lock, don't rush—take the time to understand the following key points before making a decision.
**1. Check if your existing door can support a smart lock.**
The installation of a smart lock depends on the material and thickness of your door. Most smart locks are compatible with doors that are 40mm to 90mm thick. However, wooden, iron, or glass doors that are thinner than this range may not work with standard smart locks. In such cases, you might need to look for specific brands that design smart locks for these types of doors.
Moreover, the type of old lock can also affect compatibility. For example, a "bullhead" lock installed outside the door may prevent the smart lock from being properly installed because the smart lock’s mechanism needs to be embedded inside the door. Removing the old lock could leave no space for the smart lock's core, making it impossible to replace.
When upgrading from a mechanical lock to a smart one, some modifications to the door may be necessary, such as removing the old lock and cutting or drilling the door. This process is irreversible and could damage the door. Therefore, choosing the right smart lock is crucial—if you make the wrong choice, you might regret it later.
**2. Ensure the smart lock supports the "heaven and earth hook."**
The "heaven and earth hook" is a common feature in traditional locks. While it may seem like an extra security measure, it doesn’t significantly enhance security. In fact, it mainly delays forced entry. Most domestic smart locks support this feature, but if your current door has a "heaven and earth hook," the linkage might need to be removed. Some smart locks only support this feature with specific lock bodies, so check compatibility carefully before purchasing.
**3. Don’t prioritize too many unlocking methods.**
One of the main benefits of smart locks is the variety of unlocking methods they offer, such as fingerprint, password, card, app, and Bluetooth. However, more isn’t always better. The Ministry of Public Security requires all smart locks to retain a traditional key for safety. While some advanced models offer facial recognition or palm scanning, these features may not be as reliable or secure.
For instance, using credit cards, ID cards, or access cards as keys poses risks, as the information can be copied. Similarly, face recognition technology is still less mature compared to fingerprint recognition, and even small differences in accuracy can impact user experience. When choosing a smart lock, focus on what works best for you, not just on flashy features.
**4. Consider after-sales service.**
After-sales support is essential when buying a smart lock. While salespeople may promise good service, it’s hard to know for sure until something goes wrong. Ask friends or family who have used similar products, and check online reviews. Look beyond the positive feedback—pay attention to negative reviews and how many people have posted them.
Also, consider the company behind the product. Larger companies with established service networks are more likely to provide reliable support. Smaller manufacturers may lack proper after-sales systems, leading to inconvenience if issues arise. A strong after-sales service ensures peace of mind and long-term satisfaction with your purchase.
Dongguan Zhonghe Electronics Co., Ltd. , https://www.zhonghesleeving.com