Do Smart Door Locks Need Wi-Fi? How to Connect
AUTHOR: Carlos ParasUPDATED: January 5, 2026
Smart door locks not only make a home safer and more secure; they can also add convenience to your life. Being able to unlock and lock a door without using a physical key, allowing access to family and friends without having to duplicate and distribute keys, hands-free operation, and remote control are just a few of the many benefits of a smart lock.
In order to provide these benefits, smart locks need a way to connect to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Do smart locks need Wi-Fi? Smart locks do not require Wi-Fi to work. There are several wireless methods available to connect to a smart lock including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee.
Smart Home Deals @ AmazonWi-Fi Smart Locks
Wi-Fi enabled smart locks can be controlled over a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi is the most popular connectivity option because most homes already have a Wi-Fi network installed.
If the Wi-fi network is connected to the internet, you will be able to control the smart lock even if you are miles away from home. The Wi-Fi signal must be strong and continuous in order to provide stable operation. Some Wi-Fi smart locks are able to be integrated with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
- KEY-FREE ACCESS, YOUR WAY: Everyone that needs access can choose their own way to unlock, whether it's the keypad, voice...
- DON’T WORRY, IT'S LOCKED: Never worry again about remembering to lock the door. Yale can be set to Auto-Lock once DoorSense...
- NOT HOME? USE THE APP: We know that even when you’re not home, it’s still on your mind, and your to-do list. Lock-up, let...
- EXPECTING COMPANY?Share unlimited codes with family, friends, and service people for simple, trackable access to your home...
- LET YALE AUTO-UNLOCK: For those times when your hands are full, Yale can get the door as you get home. With optional...
- Replaces your existing deadbolt with a slim, key free deadbolt with touchscreen keypad no keys to lose, no cylinder to...
- Lock, unlock, share access and see who comes and goes from anywhere using the Yale Access App - no additional hub needed...
- Your door will unlock automatically as you get home and have your phone on you - If you don't have your phone, just use the...
- Lock, unlock and check lock status with voice assistants including Alexa, Hey Google and Siri. Alexa can also provide...
- Never worry about if you forgot to lock the door - enable Auto-Relock to ensure the door always locks behind you.
- UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING DEADBOLT: August smart locks fit on the inside of your door, making your regular deadbolt smarter, more...
- GRANT ACCESS WITH THE AUGUST APP: Forget key copying. Quickly and easily share permanent, scheduled or temporary access to...
- EASY TO INSTALL ON ANY DOOR: Even if you’re not so handy, installation only takes about 10 minutes. August locks fit...
- AUTO-LOCKS AND UNLOCKS: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is able to Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking...
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH YOUR SMART HOME: Built-in Wi-Fi allows your lock to work with your favorite voice assistant, including...
- YOUR LOCK, ONLY SMARTER: August Smart Locks replace the thumbturn on the inside of your door, making your existing deadbolt...
- GET IN WITH THE AUGUST APP: No pockets. No problem. Lock and unlock your door with the August app on your smartphone or Apple...
- SHARE VIRTUAL KEYS: Forget the key-copying kiosk. Give your best friend, the dogwalker and housekeeper their own unique codes...
- TOTALLY HANDS-FREE: Auto-Unlocks as you get home -- no need to fish your phone or your keys out of your bag. With Auto-Lock...
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH YOUR SMART HOME: Included August Wi-Fi Connect allows your lock to work with your favorite smart home...
No products found.
Bluetooth Smart Locks
Bluetooth enabled smart locks use less power than Wi-Fi locks. This allows for longer battery life. In fact, most Bluetooth smart lock batteries may last a year or longer. However, Bluetooth range is limited and you will only be able to control the lock within a short distance, typically within 400 feet.
A Bluetooth smart lock doesn’t require a hub or a Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth devices can connect directly to a smartphone or computer.
Bluetooth smart locks are great if you live in an apartment or small home and only need to control the lock while you’re at home.
- CONTROL: Control access through your smartphone or the keypad. Unlimited users through the online portal, up to 10 on the...
- SECURITY: Auto lock, option to lock every time you leave your door. Vacation Mode. Grade 3 ANSI/BHMA Security.
- CONVENIENCE: Works with IOS and Android. Bluetooth Low Energy supports long battery life: 18-24 months. Illuminated keys.
- INSTALLATION: Installs quickly and easily. What you'll need: Phillips screwdriver and 4 AA batteries.
- REQUIREMENTS: iOS 6 or later Android 4.3 or later, Secure mote Smart App, Bluetooth Smart-Ready Phone and a standard door...
No products found.
No products found.
Z-Wave Smart locks
Z-Wave is another alternative for connecting smart home devices in a network. Z-Wave smart locks cannot connect directly to a smart phone or computer. They require a separate Z-wave hub which can then be connected to an internet router.
When Z-wave devices are connected, they operate as a mesh network. Each device in the network as a “repeater”, passing the signal from the hub through each device until it reaches the end devices. This effectively increases the hub’s signal range without deteriorating its signal strength.
Z-wave smart locks use less power than Wi-Fi smart locks. This increases battery life and reduces how often you have to replace or recharge batteries.
Related Article: Z-Wave Explained: What It Is and How It Works
No products found.
- Unlock your door without keys by entering your code on the lock's backlit keypad; Lock the door behind you by pressing any...
- Lock and unlock your door from anywhere by adding the lock to a compatible Z-Wave smart home or alarm system and app (i.e...
- Replaces your existing deadbolt in minutes on standard doors, 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" thick with just a screwdriver. No additional...
- Comes with two physical keys for added peace of mind
- Works with Alexa via a compatible hub. Features may vary based on Z-Wave controller. Requires compatible system for smart...
No products found.
- Secured keyless entry convenience with an ultra responsive touchscreen and one touch locking.Control Method:Voice
- Bright white LED’s for clear visibility in the brightest sunlight
- 30 user codes plus master code feature for added security
- SmartKey technology allows you to re-key your lock by yourself in seconds
- BHMA grade 2 certified
- SECURE KEYLESS ENTRY: Fast and quiet motorized deadbolt with illuminated keypad provides keyless door entry to your home, and...
- Z-WAVE HOME CONNECT: Expand your security and home automation, lock communicates wirelessly to security and home automation...
- RING ALARM COMPATIBLE: Option to control your Kwikset Home Connect 620 directly through the Ring app - Requires a Ring...
- AUTO-LOCKING SAFETY: Setup deadbolt to automatically lock after entry or exit, pick from multiple time settings, perfect for...
- EASY INSTALL: Do it yourself, installs in minutes with just a screwdriver, fits doors between 1-3/8 inch and 1-3/4 inch...
- Control and monitor your door from anywhere.
- Always know who is coming and going.
- Keep your existing lock and keys.
- Features Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock.
Zigbee Smart Locks
Zigbee is a wireless connectivity option that is similar to Z-Wave. A separate hub is required to connect Zigbee devices to a smart phone or computer. Zigbee operates on a lower frequency than Wi-Fi which results in lower power consumption and longer battery life. Zigbee devices operate in a mesh network much like Z-Wave devices do.
Related Article: Zigbee Explained: What It Is and How It Works
- Works with Zigbee panels and hubs, including: Amazon Echo Plus, Echo 2020 (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, SmartThings Hub v3, Tuya...
- Up to 30 customizable user codes for family and friends
- Featuring SmartKey Security, which protects against advanced break-in techniques and allows you to re-key your lock yourself...
- BHMA Grade 2 certified
- For use on exterior doors where keyed entry and security is needed
No products found.
About the Author
