Smart Locks Can Fail When You Need Them Most: Here's How to Prepare

Troy Hunt, a well-known cybersecurity expert, arrived home after 33 hours of travel from Paris only to find himself locked out. His IoT (Internet of Things) smart door lock had run out of battery power at 11 PM, leaving him stranded outside his own house. This real-world failure shows that smart home devices can create problems at the worst possible times.

If you have any smart locks, smart thermostats, video doorbells, or other battery-powered smart home devices, you could face this same situation. The problem is especially serious with smart locks because they control your ability to get into your home. When batteries die, many smart locks stop working completely, and you might not get enough warning to replace them in time.

Here is what you should do right now to prevent getting locked out:

1. Check the battery level on all your smart locks today. Most smart lock apps show battery status.
2. Replace batteries before they hit 20% capacity, not when they are almost dead.
3. Keep spare batteries in your car, wallet, or give a set to a trusted neighbor.
4. Make sure you have a backup key hidden somewhere safe outside, or leave one with a nearby friend or family member.
5. Test your backup entry method regularly to confirm it still works. For long-term protection, never rely completely on smart technology for critical home functions. Always maintain a traditional backup option. Keep physical keys accessible, and consider smart devices with low-battery alerts that give you plenty of warning. Check all your smart home devices monthly, including locks, cameras, and sensors, to make sure they are working properly and have fresh batteries.