Category: Smart Locks

Installing a smart lock is a manageable DIY project for many homeowners. Most smart deadbolts are designed to fit standard door preparations and install with a screwdriver. Taking time to measure and check alignment helps avoid frustration.

This guide covers general steps for installing a replacement smart deadbolt and a retrofit smart lock. Always follow your lock’s specific instructions, since designs differ. Renters should get landlord permission first. See smart locks for renters.

Before You Buy: Measure Your Door

Door Thickness

Many residential smart locks fit doors around 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. Check the lock’s specifications.

Backset

The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the deadbolt hole. Common backsets are 2-3/8 inches and 2-3/4 inches. Many locks include adjustable latches.

Bore Hole Diameter

The main hole through the door face is often 2-1/8 inches for standard deadbolts.

Latch Hole

The hole in the door edge is often 1 inch in diameter.

Clearance

Check space around the lock for the interior assembly, especially near door handles, trim or storm doors.

Many manufacturers offer printable templates or online compatibility checkers.

Tools You May Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill and bits (only if modifying the door)
• Chisel (if adjusting the strike plate)
• Level

Check Door Alignment First

Smart locks with motors can struggle if the deadbolt does not move freely.

1. Close the door and lock the existing deadbolt by hand.
2. The bolt should slide smoothly without pushing or pulling the door.
3. If it sticks, adjust the strike plate or hinges before installing the smart lock.

Misalignment is a common cause of jamming and battery drain.

Installing a Replacement Smart Deadbolt

Step 1: Remove the Existing Deadbolt

1. Unlock the door.
2. Unscrew the interior thumbturn assembly.
3. Remove the exterior cylinder.
4. Unscrew and remove the latch from the door edge.

Keep all parts in a labeled bag, especially if you might restore them later.

Step 2: Install the New Latch

1. Adjust the latch to the correct backset if needed.
2. Insert the latch into the door edge, oriented according to the instructions.
3. Secure it with screws.

Step 3: Install the Exterior Assembly

1. Feed any cable through the bore hole.
2. Align the tailpiece with the latch.
3. Hold it in place.

Step 4: Install the Mounting Plate and Interior Assembly

1. Attach the mounting plate on the interior side.
2. Connect any cables.
3. Attach the interior assembly and secure it.

Step 5: Install the Strike Plate

Replace the strike plate if the new lock includes one. Use long screws that reach into the door frame stud if the instructions recommend it, which can improve resistance to forced entry.

Step 6: Install Batteries

Use the battery type recommended by the manufacturer.

Installing a Retrofit Smart Lock

Retrofit locks replace only the interior thumbturn.

1. Remove the interior thumbturn while keeping the exterior cylinder in place.
2. Attach the mounting plate with the original screws or included screws.
3. Install the adapter that fits your deadbolt’s tailpiece.
4. Attach the smart lock to the mounting plate.
5. Install batteries.

App Setup

1. Download the manufacturer’s app or use your smart home platform’s app.
2. Create or sign in to your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication. See how to secure your smart home.
3. Add the lock following on-screen instructions. Matter locks can often be added by scanning a Matter code. See Matter explained.
4. Calibrate the lock so it learns locked and unlocked positions and door handedness.
5. Update the firmware.

Configure Features

• Auto-lock: Set a delay that suits your household.
• Auto-unlock: Consider security trade-offs.
• User codes: Create codes for household members and temporary codes for guests.
• Notifications: Choose alerts for lock and unlock events.
• Door sensor: Install and calibrate if included.
• Voice control: Require a PIN for voice unlocking.

Testing

• Lock and unlock many times with the door open and closed.
• Test the keypad, app, physical key and voice control.
• Test auto-lock.
• Confirm notifications.

Troubleshooting

Lock Jams or Stalls

Check door alignment and strike plate. Make sure the bolt moves freely.

Connection Issues

Move your hub or router closer, add a Wi-Fi bridge or Thread border router, or check for interference.

Fast Battery Drain

Often caused by misalignment, weak connections or frequent use. Check alignment and connectivity.

Wrong Lock Direction

Recalibrate in the app.

When to Call a Professional

Consider a locksmith or handyperson if:

• Your door needs new holes or significant modifications
• The door or frame is damaged
• You have a nonstandard door
• You are not comfortable with the installation

Questions to Ask Before You Start

• Do your door’s thickness, backset and bore hole match the lock’s specifications?
• Does your existing deadbolt slide freely with the door closed?
• Will you need a bridge, hub or border router for remote access?
• Do you have the original key and parts stored safely?

Caring for Your Smart Lock

• Clean the keypad with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Check the bolt periodically for smooth movement, especially when seasons change and doors swell or shrink.
• Replace batteries promptly when the app warns you.
• Review user codes every few months and delete ones that are no longer needed.
• Lubricate only with products the manufacturer recommends, since some lubricants attract dirt.

Weather Considerations

Exterior keypads face rain, sun and cold. Check the lock’s weather rating, and note that very cold temperatures can shorten battery life. A storm door or overhang offers some protection.

Choosing Between Replacement and Retrofit

Replacement locks often add a keypad and fully replace the deadbolt, while retrofit locks keep your existing keys and exterior hardware. Retrofit models are usually simpler for renters, while replacement models suit homeowners who want keypad entry.

Sharing Access Safely

Give each person their own code rather than sharing one code across the household. This makes activity logs meaningful and lets you remove one person’s access without changing everyone else’s. For cleaners, dog walkers or contractors, use scheduled or temporary codes that only work during set times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a smart lock myself?

Many people can, especially on standard doors. Follow the instructions closely.

How long does installation take?

It varies by lock and experience. Allow extra time for alignment adjustments.

Do I need to drill holes?

Usually not for standard door preparations. Nonstandard doors may require modifications.

What if the lock jams?

Check door alignment and strike plate, and recalibrate.

Should I keep my old lock?

Yes, especially renters who need to restore the original hardware.

The Bottom Line

Measure your door, check alignment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing a smart lock. Secure your account, calibrate and test thoroughly, and call a professional for nonstandard doors or modifications.

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Editorial note: Gadget Nestly is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.

Smart locks let you lock and unlock your door from your phone, share access with guests and get notifications when someone comes home. For renters, though, replacing a lock may conflict with your lease. Fortunately, there are smart lock options designed to work with your existing hardware.

This guide explains smart lock options for renters, how to approach your landlord and what to consider for security. It is general information, not legal advice. Your lease and local laws determine what you are allowed to do.

Check Your Lease First

Many leases include rules about changing or adding locks. Some require landlord permission, and some require you to provide a key to the landlord. Laws also vary by location regarding landlord access and lock changes.

Before installing any lock:

1. Read your lease for clauses about locks, alterations and keys.
2. Ask your landlord in writing and keep a record of their response.
3. Clarify expectations, such as whether you must provide access codes or keys and restore the original lock when you move.

Types of Smart Locks

Retrofit Smart Locks

Retrofit locks attach to the interior side of an existing deadbolt. The exterior keyhole and key stay the same. Examples include models from August and some SwitchBot and Level products.

Why renters like them:

• The original key still works.
• No exterior changes.
• Often easier to install and remove.

Full Replacement Smart Locks

These replace the entire deadbolt, including the exterior. Brands include Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, Lockly and others. They often include keypads or fingerprint readers.

For renters: These require removing the original lock, so landlord permission is usually essential. Keep the original lock to reinstall when you move.

Smart Lock Add-Ons and Keypads

Some retrofit systems offer separate keypads that mount outside, often with adhesive. Ask about adhesive use on exterior doors.

Over-the-Thumbturn Devices

Some products fit over the interior thumbturn without removing any parts. Compatibility and security vary.

Compatibility Checks

• Deadbolt type: Most retrofit locks are designed for single-cylinder deadbolts.
• Door alignment: A deadbolt that sticks or needs pushing on the door may cause a motorized lock to jam.
• Door thickness and backset: Important for replacement locks.
• Space around the thumbturn: Retrofit locks need clearance.

Manufacturers often provide compatibility checkers.

Connectivity

• Bluetooth: Works when you are nearby. Remote access often needs a bridge or hub.
• Wi-Fi: Allows remote access but may use more battery.
• Thread and Matter: Newer locks may support Matter over Thread, which can work across ecosystems. See Matter explained.
• Z-Wave and Zigbee: Need compatible hubs. See smart home hubs explained.

Features to Consider

• Auto-lock after a set time
• Auto-unlock when you arrive
• Guest access with schedules
• Activity logs
• Door sensors to confirm whether the door is closed
• Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, often with PIN requirements for unlocking
• Battery alerts

Security Considerations

• Physical security: A smart lock is only as strong as the door, frame and strike plate. Retrofit locks rely on the existing deadbolt.
• Account security: Use a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication. See how to secure your smart home.
• Firmware updates: Keep the lock and app updated.
• Voice unlocking: Require a PIN if you allow it.
• Physical key backup: Keep a physical key accessible in case batteries die.

Look for locks certified to industry standards such as ANSI/BHMA grades for replacement locks.

Installation Tips for Renters

1. Photograph the original setup before you start.
2. Keep all original parts in a labeled bag.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
4. Avoid drilling unless your landlord approves.
5. Test the lock many times before relying on it.

See our smart lock installation guide for detailed steps.

Moving Out

• Remove the smart lock and reinstall the original hardware.
• Delete the lock from your account and remove all user codes.
• Factory reset the lock before taking it to a new home.
• Return all original keys to the landlord.

Shared Housing and Roommates

In shared homes, agree on who manages the lock, how codes are shared and what happens when someone moves out. Change or delete codes for former roommates promptly.

Battery Planning

Most smart locks run on batteries, and battery life depends on use, connectivity and temperature. Keep spare batteries at home and replace them when the app warns you, rather than waiting for the lock to stop working. Some locks include emergency power contacts on the exterior so you can temporarily power the lock with a battery if needed; check whether yours does.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

• Does your lease allow the change, and has your landlord agreed in writing?
• Is your deadbolt compatible with retrofit models?
• Do you want remote access, and will you need a bridge or hub?
• Which smart home platform will you use to control it?
• How will you get in if the batteries die?

Talking to Your Landlord

A short, clear request often makes approval easier. Explain which lock you want to install, whether it replaces only the interior thumbturn or the entire deadbolt, and confirm that you will keep the original hardware and restore it when you move out. Offer to share a working key or code if your lease requires landlord access. Get approval in writing, even by email, so there is a record.

Rekeying and Key Access

Many smart deadbolts include a physical key cylinder, and some can be rekeyed by the owner. In a rental, changing the keyed cylinder may conflict with your lease, so check first. Retrofit locks avoid this issue because they keep the existing exterior cylinder and keys.

Battery Planning

Smart locks typically warn you in the app when batteries run low. Keep spare batteries on hand, and learn your lock’s emergency options before you need them. Some keypad locks can be powered temporarily through an external contact or USB port, while others rely on a physical key backup. Knowing this ahead of time prevents being locked out.

Before You Move Out

Remove the lock from your account, factory reset it, reinstall the original hardware and test that the old keys work. Patch any small screw holes if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can renters install smart locks?

Often yes with landlord permission. Retrofit locks that keep the original key are a common renter-friendly option.

Do I have to give my landlord a code?

It depends on your lease and local laws. Ask your landlord.

Will my key still work with a retrofit lock?

Typically yes, since the exterior cylinder is unchanged.

What happens if batteries die?

Most locks provide warnings, and many retain a physical key option.

Are smart locks secure?

Many are designed with security features, but physical strength and account security matter. Follow best practices.

The Bottom Line

Renters can enjoy smart lock convenience by choosing retrofit locks that keep the original deadbolt and key, getting landlord permission in writing and preserving the original hardware. Secure your account, keep a physical key backup and restore the original setup when you move out.

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Editorial note: Gadget Nestly is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.