🔓 Different Ways to Gain Access with Smart Locks

Have you ever seen someone open a door just by using their face—like in a sci-fi movie? Think of Tony Stark in Iron Man 3, casually unlocking his ultra-smart home with facial scans, or episodes of Black Mirror where characters live in smart apartments controlled by biometrics.

That kind of futuristic access is no longer just fiction—it’s happening now.

Let’s be honest: we’ve all had those moments—frantically searching for keys, or worse, getting locked out late at night after a few drinks, just trying to get home safe.

Thanks to smart locks, those stressful moments are becoming a thing of the past. Today’s smart locks offer multiple ways to unlock your door—from fingerprint scanning to remote app control—and they’re more accessible than ever.

if you had forgotten your keys, you would have been locked out

Here’s a look at the different ways you can gain access with a smart lock, and which one might be the perfect fit for you. 👇

 1️⃣ 📱Mobile App Access (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)

One of the most common and convenient ways to unlock a smart lock is via a mobile app.

How it works:

You simply tap a button in the app (e.g. TTLock, Tuya, or August) to unlock your door. Some locks connect via Bluetooth, others via Wi-Fi, allowing for remote access from anywhere.

Best for:

• Homeowners

• Remote Airbnb check-ins

• Property managers

• Frequent travelers

✅ Bonus: You can receive notifications, see access history, and lock/unlock from your phone—no matter where you are.

2️⃣🔢 PIN Code (Keypad Entry)

Smart locks with keypads allow users to enter a custom numeric code to unlock the door—no phone needed!

Best for:

• Airbnb or short-term rental guests

• Kids or elderly family members

• Staff or cleaners

✅ You can assign time-based codes that automatically expire—perfect for short stays or scheduled access.

3️⃣ 🧬Fingerprint Access (Biometric)

Some advanced smart locks come with fingerprint scanners, allowing for fast, secure access with just a touch.

Best for:

• Busy households

• People who don’t want to carry keys or phones

• Offices with frequent in/out access

✅ Fast, keyless, and ultra-secure. Great for kids too!

4️⃣ 💳RFID / IC Card Access

Some smart locks use IC cards (similar to hotel room cards) or RFID tags that can be tapped to unlock.

Best for:

• Apartment complexes

• Offices and coworking spaces

• Elderly users who find tech apps tricky

✅ Simple and tactile—just tap and go.

5️⃣🗝️ Physical Key (Backup Access)

Yes, many smart locks still include a traditional keyhole—just in case!

Best for:

• Emergency access

• People who prefer a physical backup

✅ Look for the 🔑 symbol in our product listings to see which models include a key.

6️⃣  🗣️Voice Assistant Access (Alexa, Google, Siri)

With smart home integration, some smart locks can be controlled via

voice commands: “Hey Alexa, lock the front door.”

Best for:

• Smart home enthusiasts

• People with accessibility needs

• Ultimate convenience seekers

✅ Hands-free access with scenes and automation rules.

7️⃣ 🙂 Facial Recognition (for advanced models)

With facial recognition technology, some premium smart locks allow you to unlock the door with just a glance—no phone, key, or code required.

Think of scenes from Mission: Impossible, where doors open automatically by scanning a face. That futuristic experience is now part of real life.

Best for:

• Tech-savvy homeowners

• People who want ultimate hands-free access

• High-security or premium property entrances

✅ Unlock with just a look—fast, secure, and totally touch-free.

Whether you’re managing a rental, protecting your home, or just tired of forgetting your keys, smart locks offer flexible, secure ways to access your property—on your terms.

Still not sure which method fits you best?

👉 Chat with us live, send us a message, or browse our full collection of smart locks to compare features.