A password lock for door access makes life simpler. No keys to lose. No copies to hand out. You just punch in a code and you’re in. But that ease can backfire if your password is too obvious or hasn’t been changed in years. Many smart locks fail not because of bad hardware, but because of weak codes. In this guide, you’ll learn which passwords to skip, how to create stronger ones, and how to manage your smart lock without overthinking it.

What High-Risk Keypad Passwords You Should Definitely Avoid
So, what is password security in a smart lock context? It simply means that if a password is easy to guess, reused, or tied to personal details, it doesn’t provide real protection, no matter how advanced the lock itself is.
Below are the high-risk keypad password choices you should definitely avoid for your door:
- Obvious number patterns: Sequences like 1234, 2345, or 9876 are usually the first guesses. Repeating numbers such as 0000, 1111, or 8888 aren’t much better. Even patterns like 1212 or 1122 stand out because they’re common and easy to remember.
- Personal or visible information: Anything connected to you or your home is risky. That includes birthdays, anniversaries, house or apartment numbers, ZIP codes, or phone digits. If it can be found on mail, packages, social media, or public records, it’s not a safe choice.
- Default or setup codes: Some locks start with a preset code or admin password. Leaving it unchanged is one of the fastest ways to weaken your setup. Default credentials are often shared online and reused across many devices.
- Reused codes: Using the same code for your front door, garage, alarm panel, or another smart device creates a chain reaction. If one code is exposed, everything tied to it becomes vulnerable.
- Small “tweaks” to old codes: Changing 2580 to 2581 or adding one digit at the end feels like an update, but it’s still predictable. These small changes sit too close to the original pattern.
How to Create a Secure Smart Lock Password
A smart lock usually involves two layers:
- the keypad code you type at the door
- the account password for the app or web access
Both matter, and they serve different purposes.
Creating a strong keypad code
So, what characteristics are recommended for a secure password? Length, randomness, and uniqueness.
- Choose the longest code available. If your lock supports 6 or 8 digits, use them.
- Avoid meaning. A random number is safer than one tied to dates or places. Or you could randomly mix meaningful numbers. For example, you can combine the birth months of your family members in a random order.
- Let randomness do the work. If your lock or phone can generate a random number, use that instead of picking one yourself.
To make a longer, random code easier for your family to remember:
- Chunk it.Think in groups like “3–3” or “2–2–2” instead of one long string of numbers.
- Use simple mental labels. Avoid personal facts. Think of each chunk as a quick image or mini scene. Three chunks, three images. Easy to recall, hard to guess.
- Practice it briefly. Enter the code a few times during the day. Spacing it out helps memory more than repeating it all at once.
Creating a strong app password
The app password protects remote access, settings, and code management. Treat it like you would any important account.
Good habits here include:
- Use a long password or passphrase. Length matters more than symbols you’ll forget.
- Keep it unique. Don’t reuse a password from email, shopping, or social accounts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication if it’s available. That adds a second check beyond the password.
A passphrase made from several unrelated words can be both strong and easy to remember. The key is randomness. Avoid words tied to your name, home, or daily life.
App passwords you should never use include:
- password
- admin
- abcdef
- lock123
- home1234
- SmithFamily
- MainStreet12
- Keyboard walks like qwerty, asdfgh, zxcvbnm
Add protective limits when possible
If your lock supports it, turn on features that slow guessing:
- lockouts after several failed attempts
- alerts for repeated incorrect entries
These don’t replace a strong code, but they reduce risk if someone starts trying combinations.
How to Manage and Update Your Smart Lock Password
Setting a good password once isn’t the end of the job. Over time, people, devices, and situations change. Managing access keeps your smart lock security from quietly drifting into a weaker state.
Start with the basics
- Change any default usernames and passwords right away (lock, app, hub, router—anything involved).
- Don’t reuse passwords across accounts or devices. If one is exposed, reuse turns it into a chain reaction.
Use separate codes when possible
If your smart lock allows multiple keypad codes, take advantage of it.
- Give each person their own code.
- Use temporary or scheduled codes for guests, cleaners, or service workers.
- Remove codes as soon as they’re no longer needed.
This keeps sharing under control and avoids the “everyone knows the same code” problem.
Know when to change your password
You don’t need to rotate codes on a strict calendar. Random, forced changes can push you toward predictable edits. Instead, update passwords when there’s a clear reason:
- someone moves out or no longer needs access
- a phone with the app is lost or stolen
- a code may have been seen or shared
- you notice unexpected unlocks or repeated failed attempts
These moments signal real risk and justify a change.
Keep the system itself updated
Smart locks are connected devices. Updates matter.
- Install firmware and app updates when they appear.
- Review settings occasionally and turn off features you don’t use.
- Keep your home network secure, since it supports remote access.
Store passwords safely
If you’re worried that you’ll forget the codes, don’t rely on sticky notes or screenshots.
- Use a password manager or secure note for app credentials.
- If you must keep a written backup, store it somewhere safe and separate from the door.
Best eufy Smart Locks to Make Keyless Entry Easier and Safer
Setting a strong password is only part of the picture. If you care about smart lock security, it also helps to choose a model that offers solid protection and more secure, flexible ways to unlock your door. Here are two reliable eufy smart locks worth considering:
eufy FamiLock S3 Max
The eufy FamiLock S3 Max focuses on hands-free access. Its standout feature is palm vein recognition, which lets you unlock the door by simply holding your hand near the sensor.
This method uses infrared light to read the unique vein patterns under your skin and is designed to work quickly and precisely, with near-instant recognition and 99.9% accuracy. Because it doesn’t rely on a visible PIN or fingerprint, it reduces how often you need to touch the keypad or share a code.

The lock brings three functions together in one device: a smart lock, a doorbell, and a 2K HDR camera. Its wide, head-to-toe view makes it easier to see visitors, packages, and what’s happening right at the door. Built-in AI detection helps tell the difference between people, vehicles, and pets, so alerts feel more relevant instead of constant noise.
When someone rings the doorbell, the app can notify you right away with a video call. You can see who’s there, talk to them, and decide whether to unlock the door, whether you’re home or away.
Inside, a 4-inch screen shows live video directly on the lock. That means you can check the door at a glance without grabbing your phone. It’s a practical setup for busy households that want quicker entry and clearer awareness of what’s happening outside.
Key features:
- Fast and accurate palm vein unlock with support for up to 50 registered users
- Multiple access options: palm vein, keypad password, app control, voice control, and physical keys
- Clear 2K HDR camera with wide field of view for doorstep coverage
- Built-in doorbell with video call notifications to your phone
- 4-inch internal display for quick live viewing
- Auto-lock using a door position sensor
- Dual power system: a large rechargeable battery plus AAA backup batteries
- Backup mode uses keypad access if the main battery is depleted
- IP65 weather rating with a wide operating temperature range
- Matter support and compatibility with major smart home platforms (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and more)
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 (highest) build rating
eufy Video Smart Lock S330
The eufy Video Smart Lock S330 blends a smart deadbolt, doorbell, and camera into a single unit, with a strong focus on fingerprint access. The fingerprint reader is designed for fast recognition and supports multiple users, making it easy for household members to unlock the door without typing a code. Keypad passwords remain available for guests, service workers, or temporary access.
The built-in 2K camera and doorbell give you a clear view of visitors, while the included chime acts as both a Wi-Fi bridge and local storage hub. Motion detection combines radar and PIR sensors, plus AI, to help identify people approaching, leaving, or lingering near the door. This setup is useful if you want alerts tied to real activity rather than constant motion notifications.

Key features:
- Combined smart lock, 2K camera, and doorbell design
- Unlock options: fingerprint, keypad password, app control, voice control, and physical keys
- Fast fingerprint recognition with storage for up to 50 fingerprints. The accuracy also improves over time with self-learning AI.
- Dual motion sensors for more accurate activity detection
- Real-time notifications for arrivals, departures, and door activity
- Live feed and two-way audio for seeing and talking with visitors or couriers, whether you’re home or away
- Local video storage through the included chime (SD card required), no monthly fee
- Auto-lock with door position detection
- Large rechargeable battery with low-power alerts and emergency charging option
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Conclusion
A password lock for door can make daily life easier, but only when it’s set up and used with care. Strong, thoughtful passwords, regular access checks, and the right smart lock features all work together to protect your home. By avoiding risky codes, choosing passwords you can manage confidently, and using hardware that supports secure habits, you reduce guesswork and gain more control over who comes and goes. With a well-chosen system and a few simple routines, keyless entry stays convenient without compromising safety.
FAQs
Are password door locks safe?
Password (keypad) door locks can be safe when you choose a quality model and set it up properly. Choose a deadbolt that meets ANSI/BHMA standards (Grade 1 offers the highest level of protection), and make sure it’s installed on a solid door with a reinforced strike plate. Use long, unique codes, remove old guest codes, and turn on features like auto-lock or lockout if available. If the lock connects to Wi-Fi, keep its app and firmware updated.
What are the disadvantages of keypad door locks?
Keypad locks are convenient, but they’re not perfect. They rely on batteries, which need regular replacement, and electronics can sometimes misbehave in extreme heat or cold. Security also depends on good habits—simple or reused codes, or someone watching you type, can be a risk. Over time, worn or smudged buttons may reveal commonly used digits. These locks can cost more, and smart features may depend on a stable internet connection.
What’s the best keypad door lock?
The best keypad door lock pairs secure access with features that make everyday use easier. For most homes, eufy FamiLock S3 Max and eufy Video Smart Lock S330 fit that bill. The S3 Max is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1-rated and adds accurate palm vein unlock, a 2K HDR camera, and an internal screen, reducing reliance on PINs. The S330 offers fast fingerprint access plus keypad PINs and local storage via its included chime. Both bring strong visuals and multiple unlock options for safer, smoother entry.
Do password locks work during power outages?
In most cases, yes. Keypad and smart door locks are usually powered by batteries, so they continue working even if your home loses electricity. What may stop working are remote features like app control or alerts if your Wi-Fi or router is down. If batteries run low, many locks include a backup option, such as a physical key or an emergency 9-volt connection to unlock the door.
