The idea of a never-expiring battery may seem so appealing, right? Regardless of how far we’ve gone from the days of basic lock-and-key methods, no battery is indestructible yet.
The battery power of that smart lock will eventually run out after being safeguarded for many months. What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
If the battery in a smart lock runs out, the lock will become dysfunctional unless you replace or recharge the battery.
There is a reason why we name such locks “smart.” Many models of modern smart locks come equipped with an indicator to notify you when they are on low power supply in advance of the batteries’ demise.
So you get enough time to replace the battery, which is usually a straightforward procedure.
The widespread use of electronic locks is attributable to their many advantages. More and more people are choosing smart locks to protect their homes and businesses. Because they are more convenient than dealing with keys, which may be lost or stolen.
Although modern digital locks are pretty dependable, the battery life will eventually run out like that of any other battery-operated equipment.
Thankfully, they come designed to use little power from their batteries each time of use. This means that battery breakdowns are supposed to be exceptionally rare.
The battery life of most digital locks is tracked by an indicator that glows red when the power is approaching low. Some locks can exhibit additional symptoms of a dying battery, such as a delayed reaction or a need for many tries to unlock.
While most locks only flash a different color when the batteries are low, some will make a noise. Some smart locks with PC-managed features will send you a message when the batteries are low.
The sooner you change your battery once it begins giving you low battery warnings, the better, but if your battery does die, it’s easy to get a replacement.
Recently I experienced such an awkward situation which made me do a lot of research on this issue. Read on to learn more about this.
Do Smart Locks Need Batteries?
The conventional door lock is given a modern makeover with the introduction of smart locks, which communicate with one another and are operated electronically.
Smart locks, on the other hand, have a significant drawback in that for them to function. They need a power supply.
The “smarts” included inside a smart lock will only function for the duration as its power source is fully charged. If not, they are rendered completely ineffective.
Because it is a gadget with electronics, the smart lock actually a power source in the format of batteries for it to function properly. Therefore, your lock will have a discreetly placed little battery compartment.
How Long Does a Smart Lock Battery Last?
Depending on the brand and the model, each smart lock has its own unique set of features. These, together with how you use the lock, might have an impact on the overall battery life.
Compared to a lock you sometimes use, the one you often use will have a battery that runs out far more quickly.
Even when the battery in your smart lock begins to get low, you will often be left with a significant amount of time left before it completely dies.
What Happens If Smart Lock Battery Dies
Most current smart locks and keypad locks provide you with several notices before the battery dies entirely. Common low-battery indicators include blinking lights, LEDs of varying colors, touchscreen indicators, and auditory warnings.
When it’s time to change the battery, some locks generate a persistent beeping sound and display a “low battery” indicator on the device’s touchscreen.
Let’s imagine you ignored the warnings or were too busy to swap out the battery on time because of circumstances beyond your control.
What exactly takes place if the battery in your smart lock expires?
Even if the battery in the lock dies, it will not pose a threat to the safety of the building. An intruder wouldn’t be able to open the door to the room by themselves. Instead, you will become aware of the following three primary signals:
- The digital inputs you try to use will no longer have any effect on your lock.
- There is a problem with either the touchscreen or the keyboard displaying or functioning.
- It will additionally cease responding to any applications that are linked to it in any way.
In a nutshell, when the battery in your smart lock is dead, you cannot expect to connect.
You can follow these methods:
- A low battery alert is something modern digital locks have to let you know before the battery completely dies. You should anticipate your smart lock’s battery dying before you find yourself locked out.
- Examine the device for any symptoms, such as light-altering color or flashing, an audible signal alarm, or both.
- Keep a watch out for other symptoms like delayed reaction time and the lock taking multiple attempts before it unlocks as signals of battery system degradation.
- Controlling a smart lock via an application’s software-driven function management may notify you if the battery is low.
What Can You Do If Smart Lock Battery Dies?
Eventually, dying batteries in smart lock systems will be the most common issue homeowners face. Every smart locking device is different, but if this happens, you’ll find a few things you can do.
When the safety equipment or smart lock was set up in your home, you should have been given a user manual for the device.
Ensure that you give it a careful read. You need to know what to do when the battery expires or the power goes out.
Many manufacturers provide straightforward options that are easy to put into action and make it possible for you to gain access to the property without compromising the safety of the safety system.
Alternatives to Possible Fixes for Your Smart Lock’s Dead Battery
In standby mode, modern smart locks use extremely little power from the battery. Hence, reducing the likelihood that the device may become incapable of functioning The average lifespan of a battery in a system is between three and five years before it has to be replaced.
The digital locks are quite trustworthy, yet there is always a possibility that the battery may die. Because of this, it is essential to acquire the knowledge necessary to recognize the warning signals that the locks are malfunctioning.
To provide power in the meantime, you can attach a 9-volt battery to the smart lock enclosure’s bottom. Keep the battery cable against the points where it contacts, and the display will light up, allowing you to input your passcode.
But what should you do if your smart lock battery drains out?
1. Using a Mobile App
Smart door locks, like many other digital gadgets, may be controlled remotely through an accompanying smartphone app. Maybe yours also offers this feature.
So, during a dead battery, you can use your smartphone to turn off the whole system.
In most cases, the mobile application will still function even if there is no internet connection. However, if you are unable to access the building because you aren’t carrying a phone or because the battery has run out, it is preferable to contact a locksmith.
2. Using a Key Override Manually
When the smart lock battery is entirely dead and no known user code is legitimate, try this method. The details of how to do a manual key overriding will differ from lock to lock.
So you must first read the user handbook that comes with the keyless lock you have. This will ensure that you obtain the most exact instructions possible. After this has been accomplished, you may open the door by turning the doorknob or pulling the lever.
3. Emergency Override for Locks
Some types of smart locks additionally have an emergency lock override feature, which turns off the keypad and requires a physical key to open the door. Because the procedure differs from model to model, you should check your manual to learn the specifics.
In most cases, you’ll need to remove the lock’s top. A tiny slot will be seen on the mounting plate. Rotate it to get to the “lockout” position with the help of the screwdriver.
After that, you will need to use the key to extend or retract the deadbolt. The emergency lock bypass is there in case of dire circumstances. It’s important to remember that your smart lock may need to be fixed or replaced in the long run if such a situation ever arises.
4. Replacing the Battery
The best solution is to replace your smart lock’s battery whenever the device warns you. The procedure for replacing the batteries is normally the same, even if the size and purpose of the locks may differ.
Types of Batteries
You’ll see mostly smart locks come equipped with a 9-volt alkaline battery. On the contrary, some models feature four-C batteries.
To replace the battery, proceed with the 3 following steps:
- Find out what kind of battery it is.
You can find out what type of battery your smart lock needs by consulting the user manual or looking at the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Find the container for the batteries.
The battery chamber may often be found on the inside face of the door. To access the compartment, remove the top or slide off one of the panels using a screwdriver.
- Changing out the battery
Take out the worn-out battery and then put in a brand-new example of the same kind. Make sure that the inserted battery is appropriately set by paying attention to the polarity indications.
It’s quite similar to the process of replacing the batteries in a keypad door lock. Try out the lock. Test the lock after you’ve replaced the battery to make sure it’s still functioning correctly before you put the cover back on the battery case.
Caution:
- Check again to ensure the battery is installed in the appropriate orientation and that the lid is securely secured.
- Watch out for any cords that could be protruding from the machine, and be careful around them.
- Put them out of sight, and carefully put the cover back on.
How do I charge the Smart Lock battery?
You shouldn’t have to worry about charging most smart locks. Instead, they rely on batteries that will eventually need to be replaced.
In this instance, all you need to do is find the battery space, which can frequently be found on the other side of your door, and swap the stale batteries with brand new ones that are the same kind.
If your model has a rechargeable battery, you just need to remove it from its case and recharge it using a charger that is compatible with it.
Final Thoughts on
Smart locks are very popular among consumers because of their dependability.
However, it’s important to understand what happens if a smart lock battery dies.
This will help avoid any disruptions in service and keep your house as safe and convenient as possible. If you can identify the warning indications of a low battery, you will be able to take preventative steps to avoid getting locked out.
You can restore access in the case of a dead battery by using a battery backup, an external key bypass, or a smartphone app connection. To avoid any unanticipated lockouts, remember to replace the battery regularly.
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