Keyless Door Locks: Types, Features and How to Choose
A keyless door lock opens with a code, fingerprint, phone, or other credential instead of a traditional key. Choose a keypad for simple code entry, a smart lock for app and remote features, or a retrofit model if you want to keep compatible exterior hardware.
On this page (12 sections)
- What is a keyless door lock?
- What types of keyless door locks can you buy?
- How do you choose a keyless door lock for your home?
- Which keyless lock features are worth paying attention to?
- How do you check whether a keyless lock fits your door?
- How do you set up a keyless door lock?
- What should you know about batteries and backup entry?
- What common keyless lock mistakes can you avoid?
- Are keyless door locks safe to use?
- Which keyless door lock suits each buyer?
- Which keyless door lock should you choose?
- More keyless lock guides
A keyless door lock opens with a code, fingerprint, phone, or another credential instead of a traditional key. A keypad model keeps entry simple, while a smart lock can add app control, remote access, or smart-home features.
The right type depends on how you want to enter, who needs access, and how much technology you want to manage. Check that the lock fits your door before comparing extras; measuring your door for a keyless lock helps you check the main dimensions.
What is a keyless door lock?
A keyless door lock uses an electronic or smart credential to control a door. Keyless describes how you enter, not one specific kind of lock.
A keypad deadbolt may accept user codes without a phone app. A smart lock can add phone control, fingerprints, remote access, or links to other devices.
Some designs replace the full deadbolt, while retrofit models change the interior mechanism and let you keep compatible exterior hardware. Many keyless locks use batteries, but their access methods, backup options, and connection needs vary.
Our guide to how an electronic door lock works explains the basic parts and operation.
What types of keyless door locks can you buy?
The main types are keypad, fingerprint, app controlled, and retrofit locks. Some models combine several methods, such as a code and fingerprint reader on one lock.
Which keypad keyless door lock fits a simple routine?
A keypad lock opens with a personal code. It suits households that want to stop carrying or sharing physical keys but do not need remote control.
Code access can help when several people need entry. Check how many codes the lock supports and how to add or remove them, especially if people’s access needs change over time.
Some keypad locks also keep a physical key cylinder for backup. That can be useful if you prefer a familiar way to enter when the battery is low or a code is forgotten.
When does a fingerprint keyless door lock make sense?
A fingerprint lock reads an enrolled fingerprint to grant entry. It can suit people who prefer not to type or remember a code every time they arrive.
Check how many fingerprints it stores and what other entry methods are available. A family may want a keypad or key backup for visitors and household members who would rather not use a fingerprint.
Fingerprint recognition is only one part of the decision. Think about enrollment, how you will remove access, and whether the lock has a dependable fallback for everyone who uses the door.
What should you expect from an app controlled keyless door lock?
An app controlled lock lets you manage some lock functions from a phone. Depending on the model, that may include local control, remote access, activity history, or guest codes.
Remote access needs a working connection. Setup may depend on Wi-Fi, a hub, or another smart-home device, so check those needs before choosing a lock for use away from home.
The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt has built-in Wi-Fi and supports remote control without an extra hub. It uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and Philips recommends keeping the router and lock within 65 ft for better remote control.
If you are weighing connected features against a code-only lock, compare the trade-offs in smart lock or keypad lock.
Who should choose a retrofit keyless door lock?
A retrofit smart lock changes the interior deadbolt mechanism while keeping compatible exterior hardware and keys. It suits people who want app or smart-home access without changing the appearance of the outside of the door.
Compatibility is the key check: compare your existing deadbolt with the replacement’s requirements before you buy. The retrofit smart lock guide explains how this style differs from replacing the whole lock.
How do you choose a keyless door lock for your home?
Choose a keypad lock if you mainly want code entry; choose a smart lock if you will use app control, remote access, fingerprints, or smart-home connections. More features only help when they match your routine.
| Your priority | Lock type to consider | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| No keys for everyday entry | Keypad deadbolt | Code limits and backup entry |
| Fingerprint access | Biometric lock | Fingerprint capacity and fallback |
| App control at home | App controlled lock | Phone and connection requirements |
| Control while away | Wi-Fi or connected smart lock | Network, hub, and remote-access setup |
| Keep compatible exterior hardware | Retrofit lock | Existing deadbolt compatibility |
| Smart-home automations | Connected lock | Required hub, protocol, and ecosystem support |
A basic code lock is a better fit if you do not want another app or connected device to manage. A smart lock makes remote management possible when its connection requirements fit your home and routine.
Start with the people who need access. List household members, regular visitors, and any temporary users, then decide whether each needs a permanent code, a temporary credential, or no independent access at all.
Next, decide what you want to happen when something goes wrong. If you want a physical backup, choose a model with a key cylinder; if you want to preserve existing keys, check whether a retrofit lock is compatible with your deadbolt.
For more detail on app and connection features, see whether smart locks need a hub. If your choice depends on Wi-Fi versus a smart-home protocol, read Z-Wave vs Wi-Fi smart locks.
Which keyless lock features are worth paying attention to?
Focus on features that solve a specific access or management need. Start with entry methods, backup access, and fit, then compare conveniences such as alerts or automatic locking.
How many codes and guest credentials do you need?
Check how many codes the lock supports and whether you can create separate codes for different people. One shared code may be enough for a household, while temporary or scheduled access can help if you regularly admit guests or service workers.
Also check how to delete access when someone no longer needs it. Separate codes make it easier to remove one person’s access without changing the code everyone else uses.
Do not choose a lock based on the maximum number of credentials alone. Consider how often you will manage them and whether the lock’s app or keypad makes that process practical for you.
Does app control include remote access?
An app can let you check or control a lock from a phone, but app control does not always mean you can connect from anywhere. Confirm whether remote access works directly or requires a hub, and note which network or phone setup the lock needs.
If you only want to lock the door while you are at home, remote access may not matter. If you want to manage access while away, treat connection requirements as part of the buying decision.
Remote access also depends on a working connection and a phone account that can reach the lock. Decide whether that extra convenience is worth the setup and ongoing attention.
Are fingerprint or phone credentials right for everyone?
Fingerprint entry can reduce the need to type a code, while a compatible phone or watch may provide another way to enter. Check how many fingerprints the lock accepts, what devices it supports, and which backup methods remain available.
A lock may offer several entry methods but still require a code or key in certain situations. Pick a combination that covers the people who use the door most often, including anyone who does not want to rely on a phone or fingerprint.
What do auto-lock, alerts, and history actually do?
Auto-lock can secure a door after a set delay, but it does not confirm that the door closed properly unless the system has the right sensing feature. Philips says its Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt does not include a door sensor, so its automatic locking feature should not be treated as confirmation that the door is shut.
Alerts and access history can help you follow activity. Choose them if you expect to check them; otherwise, they add app features without changing how you enter.
If you want auto-lock, check whether it starts after a set time or after the door closes. Those behaviors solve different problems, and the lock’s sensing features determine what it can detect.
Will the lock work with your smart-home system?
Smart-home support can connect a lock to voice assistants or automations. Compatibility may depend on a particular hub, protocol, or account setup.
The Aqara U100 supports Apple Home Key, and sharing Apple Home Keys requires an Apple Home Hub. Its Aqara app features also require an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub.
Compare these requirements with the smart-home system you already use. If Matter is part of your decision, our guide to what Matter means for smart locks explains the term.
How do you check whether a keyless lock fits your door?
Check your door’s thickness, backset, and cross bore, then compare those measurements with the specific lock’s requirements. A lock with useful features still will not help if it cannot fit your door.
Measure the existing hardware and the door before ordering. A retrofit lock also needs a compatible deadbolt, and full replacement models may have different installation requirements.
Use our keyless lock measuring guide to work through the measurements. Some models are designed for screwdriver-only installation, but follow the model’s instructions and check the compatibility details first.
Do not assume that two deadbolts with a similar appearance use the same dimensions. Confirm the measurement requirements for the exact model and make sure the door and existing holes match them.
How do you set up a keyless door lock?
Set up a keyless lock by confirming fit first, following the model’s installation steps, and checking the bolt’s movement before relying on it. A correctly aligned bolt should move freely through its full travel.
For a replacement lock, remove the old hardware as directed and install the new parts in the order shown in the manual. For a retrofit lock, check that the existing deadbolt is compatible before removing or replacing its interior mechanism.
Keep wires and cables routed as the instructions show. The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt’s instructions call for routing its cable underneath the latch and placing the tailpiece into the latch slot.
After installation, test the lock with the door open. Enter the code or use the other credentials you plan to rely on, then check that the bolt extends and retracts without binding.
Once the lock moves smoothly, close the door and check its alignment again. A bolt that works with the door open may rub against the strike plate when the door is shut.
Set up the primary credential and backup method before handing out access. Store any programming information securely, create separate codes where the lock allows it, and remove temporary access when it is no longer needed.
If the app, hub, or Wi-Fi is part of your setup, complete that connection before relying on remote features. Keep a physical key or another backup credential available if the lock provides one.
What should you know about batteries and backup entry?
Most battery powered keyless locks need a plan for battery changes and low-power situations. Check the low-battery warning, battery type, and emergency entry method before you settle on a model.
Backup options differ. A lock might include a key cylinder, offer emergency charging, or depend on another credential.
The Schlage BE365 uses a 9V battery and has a low-battery indicator; its stated door thickness range is 1 3/8 in to 1 3/4 in. The Aqara U100 uses four AA batteries and has a USB-C port for emergency charging.
Use the battery type specified for the lock. Philips calls for AA alkaline batteries in its Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt, and batteries are not included with that model.
Do not assume all locks give the same warning or backup. For connected models, also consider what happens if your phone, home network, or hub is unavailable.
Keep replacement batteries accessible and check the low-battery indicator when it appears. A reminder in your household calendar can help you replace batteries before the warning becomes urgent.
Battery life depends on the model and use. See how long smart lock batteries last for more on that question.
What common keyless lock mistakes can you avoid?
The most common mistakes are buying before measuring, overlooking the backup method, and paying for features you will not use. A short pre-buy check can prevent fit problems and setup surprises.
- Skipping measurements: Check door thickness, backset, and cross bore against the specific lock’s requirements.
- Assuming a retrofit model fits every deadbolt: Confirm compatibility with the deadbolt you already have.
- Treating app access as remote access: Verify the connection, hub, and network requirements before counting on control from away from home.
- Choosing one shared code for everyone: Separate codes are easier to remove when someone no longer needs access.
- Ignoring the fallback: Decide how you will enter if the battery is low, your phone is unavailable, or the network is down.
- Assuming auto-lock proves the door is shut: Check whether the model has a door sensor and how its auto-lock feature works.
- Skipping the open-door test: Confirm smooth bolt movement before closing the door and checking alignment.
Do not let a long feature list distract from the basics. Fit, entry methods, backup access, and a setup you can manage matter more than features you will rarely use.
Are keyless door locks safe to use?
A keyless lock can be a useful access tool, but it does not replace a sound door, frame, and installation. Choose a suitable lock, secure access credentials, and keep the door hardware in good condition.
Use separate codes where possible, remove codes that are no longer needed, and protect app accounts. Follow the installation instructions, since poor alignment can affect how a deadbolt moves.
Security labels and construction details can help you compare models, but they do not guarantee that every installation or door is secure. Read our guide to whether keyless door locks are safe for more on access risks and practical precautions.
Which keyless door lock suits each buyer?
These four examples suit different priorities: simple code entry, several connected entry methods, Apple Home Key and fingerprint access, or a retrofit that preserves compatible exterior hardware. Start with the use case, then confirm fit and setup needs.
Is the Schlage BE365 right for a keypad-first household?
The Schlage BE365 Keypad Deadbolt suits buyers who want code entry without relying on app control. Its keypad lights when pressed, and it supports up to 19 user codes.
It also includes a physical key backup and uses a 9V battery with a low-battery indicator. Choose it if those straightforward entry options fit your routine, and skip it if remote app control or fingerprint entry is essential.
The stated door thickness range is 1 3/8 in to 1 3/4 in. Check that measurement before buying.
Who should choose the Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt?
The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt suits households that want to choose among app, passcode, fingerprint, physical key, and voice entry. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without an extra hub.
It is a poor fit if your network uses only 5 GHz Wi-Fi or if the recommended distance between the router and lock is not workable. Philips also says the lock does not include a door sensor, which matters if you want automatic locking to confirm the door is closed.
Check the app and network setup before choosing this model, especially if remote access is a key reason for buying it.
Is the Aqara U100 a fit for Apple Home Key users?
The Aqara U100 suits buyers who want fingerprint access alongside Apple Home Key and other entry options. It supports up to 50 fingerprints, keypad passwords, and a mechanical key.
Apple Home Key sharing requires an Apple Home Hub. Remote passwords through the Aqara Home app require an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub, so choose it if those requirements fit your setup and skip it if you want a lock that needs no smart-home hub.
When should you pick the Level Bolt retrofit lock?
Level Bolt suits buyers who want to keep compatible exterior hardware and keys while adding smart access. It replaces the interior deadbolt mechanism and supports app access.
Choose it if preserving the outside appearance matters and your existing deadbolt is compatible. Skip it if you want a replacement keypad or fingerprint reader, or if you do not want to check compatibility before installation.
For remote access through Matter-over-Thread, it requires a Matter-over-Thread hub and border router. Confirm your existing lock and smart-home setup before choosing this retrofit design.
Which keyless door lock should you choose?
Pick a keypad deadbolt when you mainly need code entry, a connected smart lock when you will use app or remote features, and a retrofit lock when keeping compatible exterior hardware matters. Start with door fit and backup access, then add only the features that match your routine.
If you want code entry without app setup, compare the best keypad deadbolts. If you are deciding which extras matter, use our guide to smart door lock features worth paying for.
More keyless lock guides
These guides cover related fit, safety, and smart-home questions:
- Fit and basics: How to measure a door for a keyless lock, How an electronic door lock works, Are keyless door locks safe to use?, How to choose a keyless door lock, and What is a retrofit smart lock?.
- Keypad locks: Best keypad deadbolts and Best smart door handle locks.
- Wi-Fi and app locks: How long smart lock batteries last, Do you need a hub for a smart lock?, Are smart locks weatherproof?, Best cheap smart locks, Smart lock or keypad lock?, and features worth paying for.
- Apple, Matter, and Z-Wave: What is Apple Home Key?, What Matter means for smart locks, What a Z-Wave smart lock is, Z-Wave vs Wi-Fi smart locks, Best Z-Wave smart locks, Best Matter smart locks, and Best Apple Home Key smart locks.
- Reviews and comparisons: Best retrofit smart locks, Best Kwikset smart locks, Schlage Encode vs Arrive, Aqara U100 vs U400, Kwikset SmartCode 270 vs 260, Schlage BE365 review, Kwikset SmartCode 270 review, Aqara U100 review, and Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt review.
Frequently asked questions
What is a keyless door lock?
A keyless door lock lets you open a door with a code, fingerprint, phone app, or compatible smart-home device. Some models also have a physical key for backup, while others rely on digital entry methods.
Choose an access method that suits everyone who uses the door, and check what happens if the battery or phone is unavailable.
Are keyless door locks safe?
A keyless door lock can be a practical choice when you manage codes carefully, choose a suitable lock, and install it correctly. Digital access does not replace a sound door, secure frame, or good entry habits.
Compare the lock’s access controls and backup method, then read our keyless lock safety guide.
Do all smart locks need Wi-Fi?
No. Some smart locks use Bluetooth or a smart-home protocol.
A compatible hub may be needed for remote access, while Wi-Fi models may connect directly to your home network.
Check what the lock can do locally and what it needs to connect from away from home.
Will a keyless lock fit my door?
Fit depends on your door thickness, backset, bore hole, and existing hardware. Check those measurements against the exact lock’s requirements before buying.
A retrofit model may preserve compatible exterior hardware, but it still needs a matching deadbolt.
Our measuring guide covers the main dimensions.
Can a keyless door lock still use a key?
Some keyless locks include a key cylinder, while others rely on codes, fingerprints, phones, or another backup method. Decide what you want to happen if the batteries run low or your phone is unavailable.
Confirm the emergency entry options before installing the lock.
