Locking your door no longer has to be a last-minute check before you leave the house. A remote door lock lets you control access from your phone, whether you’re already in bed, at work, or halfway across town.
For many homeowners, it’s less about high-tech novelty and more about peace of mind, knowing your door is locked, or being able to unlock it remotely for the right person at the right time.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a remote door lock actually is, how it can improve everyday home security, which features are worth paying attention to, and which options make sense for your home.
What Is a Remote Door Lock?
A remote door lock, often called a smart lock, is an electromechanical door lock that lets you lock or unlock your door using an electronic command, usually through a phone app.
Instead of turning a key every time, a small motor inside the lock moves the deadbolt or latch after you’re approved. That approval might come from the app itself, a keypad code, a voice command, or a biometric option like a fingerprint or palm scan.
What makes a lock remote is simple: you don’t have to be at the door. If the lock connects to the internet—either through built-in Wi-Fi or a home hub—you can lock or unlock your door even when you’re away. That could be from work, on vacation, or just another room in the house.
Most remote door locks include a few core parts:
- A traditional lock mechanism, like a deadbolt or latch
- Electronic components, such as a motor and sensors
- Wireless connectivity, which may use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hub-based protocol such as Z-Wave
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An app or control system that manages access and settings
How Remote Door Locks Improve Home Security
Having a door lock you can open remotely can improve security in a few practical, day-to-day ways, mostly by giving you more control over access and more visibility into what’s happening at the door.
Better access control
One of the biggest benefits of smart locks is control. You can remotely unlock the door for family members, guests, or service providers, whether you’re at work or away on a trip.
Many systems let you assign unique, time-limited access codes, then remove them when they’re no longer needed. This makes it easier to match access to real situations. And there’s no need to hand out extra keys.
Fewer risks tied to physical keys
Traditional locks depend on physical keys, which can be forgotten, lost, copied, or taken without warning. A remote door lock reduces that risk by relying on digital credentials, such as app-based access, keypads, or fingerprints.
If access ever needs to change, you can update or revoke it right away. There’s no waiting and no rekeying the lock.
Clearer awareness of door activity
Many remote door locks keep a basic record of lock and unlock events. You can see when the door was used and, in some cases, how it was unlocked. Optional alerts can notify you when something changes.
This kind of visibility doesn’t just offer peace of mind. It gives you useful information, so you’re not left guessing about whether the door was secured or when someone arrived.
Auto-locking and alerts
Forgetting to lock the door is common. Leaving in a hurry is, too. A remote door lock lets you check the lock status and secure the door from anywhere, which helps close off everyday security gaps.
Some locks also support auto-locking, engaging the lock after a set delay if the door is left unlocked. Others can send alerts if they detect unusual activity or forced entry attempts, helping you respond faster when something doesn’t look right.
Essential Features to Look for in a Remote Door Lock
Not every feature you see on a spec sheet will matter once the lock is on your door. The most useful ones are the features that help you get in easily, control access, and avoid surprises.
Here’s what to focus on.
Multiple access methods
A good remote door lock gives you more than one way to unlock the door. That flexibility matters when technology doesn’t behave perfectly.
Most models support a mix of:
- Phone-based remote door unlock through an app
- Keypad codes for quick entry at the door
- Bluetooth unlocking when you’re nearby
- Biometric option like a fingerprint or palm scan
- Voice control via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
- Physical key backup on some designs
Access that you can set, change, and revoke
Remote door locks work best when access is easy to manage.
Look for:
- Unique codes or app permissions per person
- Time-bound access: a code that works only during a set window
- Easy revocation: when access is no longer needed, you can remove it easily
A clear activity history
A good remote door lock can keep a record of events, like lock/unlock actions and which user or code was used. That history helps you spot patterns and answer basic questions (“Did the door get locked?”) without guessing.
Auto-lock that behaves safely
Auto-lock sounds simple. In practice, there are two different behaviors:
- Timed auto-lock: locks after a set delay, even if the door isn’t fully closed.
- Door-aware auto-lock: locks only after the lock can confirm the door is shut.
If you want auto-lock, door-aware behavior is the safer version to look for.
Long battery life and backup for lockouts
Remote door locks often run on batteries, so planning for failure matters.
Useful protections include:
- Low-battery alerts before power runs out
- A physical key override, in case electronics fail
- Emergency power options on some locks that let you restore power briefly
Strong physical hardware
Smart controls don’t fix weak door hardware. Look for locks that meet recognized ANSI/BHMA grade levels. These grades (Grade 1–3) reflect performance requirements defined in ANSI/BHMA standards, with Grade 1 as the highest performance level.
Upgrade Your Home with eufy Remote Door Locks
Ready to move beyond basic key control? When choosing a remote door lock, ease of use and day-to-day reliability matter just as much as advanced features. At eufy, we design our smart locks to give you clear control over your front door, while keeping setup simple and data stored locally whenever possible.
Below are two top-rated options designed for different home needs and routines:
eufy FamiLock S3 Max
The eufy FamiLock S3 Max combines a smart lock, video doorbell, and camera into one device. Its standout feature is palm vein unlocking, which uses infrared light to read your unique vein patterns beneath the skin. This lets you unlock the door even if your hands are wet, dirty, or full. You can also unlock using the app, voice control, passcodes, or a physical key.
The built-in 2K HDR camera gives you a clear view of your entryway, while the 4-inch indoor screen lets you see visitors without opening your phone. Direct Wi-Fi means you don’t need a separate bridge.
The lock is built for durability too, with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, an IP65 rating, and support for extreme temperatures. A dual-power system helps keep things running even if the main battery runs low.
What’s good:
- Palm vein unlock + app + voice + passcode + key options
- Built-in video doorbell with 2K HDR When someone rings the doorbell, the app alerts you instantly and opens a live video call.
- 4-inch internal video screen for at-a-door viewing
- Auto-lock with a door sensor (locks when the door closes)
- Dual-power setup (rechargeable + AAA backup) for added resilience
- Matter support+ works with Apple Home / Alexa / Google Home
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1+ IP65, rated for wide temperature range
- On-device local data storage with no monthly subscription fees
eufy Video Smart Lock S330
The Video Smart Lock S330 is a 3-in-1 solution that combines a smart lock, 2K camera, and doorbell into a simpler setup. It supports five ways to unlock, including fingerprint, app, voice assistant, keypad, and physical keys. The included chime acts as a Wi-Fi bridge, so you can manage the lock remotely without extra equipment.
The built-in video doorbell supports two-way audio, letting you see and speak with visitors or delivery drivers through the app. If the battery runs out, the lock includes an emergency power port that allows temporary power from a portable charger. Video recordings are stored locally on the chime with an SD card, and you can expand storage further using HomeBase™ 3.
What’s good:
- 3-in-1: smart lock + 2K camera+ doorbell
- 5 ways to unlock: fingerprint, app, voice, keypad, and key access
- Built-in doorbell with 2-way audio for talking to visitors
- Wi-Fi via bridge with included chime
- Local storage on the chime (requires SD card); HomeBase™ 3 compatible with expandable local storage
Conclusion
A remote door lock can make everyday home security feel simpler and more controlled. Instead of relying only on keys, you get flexible access options, clearer awareness of door activity, and the ability to check or secure your door from anywhere. The right choice depends on how you use your home and what level of visibility you want at the entry. By focusing on practical features and solid hardware, a remote door lock can add convenience without complicating your routine.
FAQs
Can you lock a door remotely?
Yes. You can lock or unlock a door remotely if the smart lock is connected to the internet. Some models use built-in Wi-Fi, while others connect through a hub or bridge. Once set up, the brand’s app usually lets you lock the door, check whether it’s locked, and manage access for family or guests from anywhere, as long as your phone has an internet connection.
Are remote door locks safe?
Remote door locks can be safe when you choose a trusted brand, like eufy, and set them up correctly. Look for features like encrypted connections, secure login, and regular firmware updates. To stay protected, use a strong, unique password, turn on two-factor authentication if it’s offered, keep your phone and Wi-Fi secure, and install updates as soon as they’re available.
Is a remote smart lock good for Airbnb?
Yes. Remote smart locks are especially useful for Airbnb hosts because they simplify check-in and improve security. You can create unique, time-limited entry codes for each guest, which removes the need for key handoffs and prevents unauthorized copies. Most locks also keep a basic activity log, so you know when doors are used. With remote access for guests and cleaners, hosting becomes easier and more scalable.
