We’re considering replacing an old mortise lock on our front door with a smart lock to simplify access for our son and visitors. In terms of requirements, I’m thinking that a key or keypad is critical should phone-based entry fail. I’d also like to use Matter / Thread rather than Wi-Fi and have integration with Apple HomeKit including Home Key. That said, I don’t really know what works in practise and selecting options is difficult as a lot of the offerings seem on the web are not available in Australia. Has anyone had any real-world experience with smart locks?

FYI: Selected a McGrath smart lock. It doesn’t do Apple HomeKit integration so one has to use an App but very happy. The ability to provide limited time or permanent passcodes to family or third-parties is great, as is the finger print access .

Had something similar happen and turned out the calibration was off a bit. Got The Lock Doc out to sort it, and they picked up on a small alignment issue with the strike plate that was messing with the auto-lock timing.

 

Been good ever since. Also helped me adjust the sensitivity on the sensor so it stops misreading if the door’s fully closed or not.

Edited June 5, 2025Jun 5 by Karrigan