10 Best Smart Fingerprint Door Locks of 2021

Whether you’re updating your current lock or building your home from scratch, you may have considered a smart fingerprint door lock. They are technologically advanced and convenient for homeowners, business owners, and even homestay operators. 

Before you jump into a purchase, though, isn’t it worth finding out if such a door lock really is right for you? The following information may be of assistance before you get out your credit card. 

Why Do I need a Fingerprint Door Lock? 

If you’re on the fence about whether or not you need a fingerprint door lock, then maybe the following benefits will convince you. These door locks have far more to offer than the average traditional home entry. 

No Need for Keys

How often have you stood in front of your home’s entrance, digging into the dark depths of your bag trying to find your house keys? How many times have you lost your house keys? Such frustrations become a thing of the past because you don’t need keys with such a lock. You can just use your fingerprint.

Many fingerprint door locks actually do come with manual keys, which means you can use them in an emergency – such as when the door handle’s batteries run flat. So, there’s never any concern that you will never be able to open your door.

Multiple Entry Options

The entire goal of a fingerprint door lock is to provide access to your home with your fingerprint. However, some lock manufacturers take this convenience one step further. They also offer other access methods, such as the manual key (as mentioned above), a passcode, a phone app, RFID cards, WiFi, and Bluetooth. 

Having multiple entrance options makes such door locks convenient for a wide variety of homes and businesses. 

Suitability for Various Properties

If you operate a hotel, then having simple door locks is not all that convenient. Having a fingerprint lock, though, is. These smart door locks also suit traditional homes, apartments, garages, businesses, rentals, and short-term rentals.  

The beauty of installing such locks on an Airbnb property, for example, is that you can change the passcode once the guest has left. There is then no way for them to reaccess it. If they simply had a key to get in, they could easily have that key cut and gain access unlawfully. 

Multiple Users Can Gain Access

If you purchase a fingerprint door lock, you might think that only your fingerprint can provide access to your property. What about families with more than one occupant? Most fingerprint locks for sale can store up to 100 or more fingerprints and quite a large number of passcodes, as well.

You can also often set temporary codes and set the door to open at a particular time, depending on the door lock model you purchase. 

You Don’t Have to Manually Lock Doors 

Even though you can use your fingerprint, app, passcode, or another method to open your door, you don’t have to lock it in the same way. Once you leave your home, you can close the door, and it automatically locks. 

The beauty of such a door is that you can get straight back in again with your fingerprint. You can’t say the same about an automatic locking door that requires a key – which sometimes leads to you locking your keys inside and hiring a locksmith. 

When to Use a Smart Door Lock 

As mentioned above, nearly anyone can use a smart door lock. They are suitable for your family home, an apartment, business, an office, garage, rental property, or an Airbnb or similar. They are such a versatile piece of tech that there’s almost no situation that doesn’t call for one. These locks are well and truly a product of the future. 

How to Take Care of a Smart Door Lock 

Believe it or not, for such an advanced piece of technology, they require minimal care. Most manufacturers will simply ask you not to slam doors with these locks, refrain from disassembling them without permission, keeping the identification methods clean, and avoiding contact with corrosive materials.

From time to time, it may also be worth going through all the saved passcodes and fingerprints to make sure only the people you now want to have access can have access. 

Where to Install a Fingerprint Lock 

The installation process of a fingerprint door lock can differ from one to the next, as can where you install it. Some are suitable for left and right handles, but many only suit one or the other. When you start shopping for a fingerprint lock, pay attention to the door compatibility. You can then be sure that you’ve purchased the right one for your unique setup. 

How to Install a Fingerprint Lock 

Equally as important as where to install your lock is how you install it. Each one you buy comes with a set of instructions that you must follow to the letter. However, there are some blanket rules to follow.

1. Buy your preferred fingerprint door lock – paying attention to the compatible doors and locking methods. 
2. Drill a hole in your door around two inches deep into the door’s side where the deadbolt will go. Drill another one of the same sizes in the doorframe for the bolt. 
3. Put a screwdriver into the driver board hole and turn it to make sure it sets in place. Make sure they are installed on the edge of the door. Hammer your metal plates into the hole in the doorframe and install the latch. You can then put the screws into the deadbolt hole and secure it tight against the door. 
4. Make sure the fingerprint verification unit is on the outside of the door. Hold the backplate while you screw it in place. Read through all of the instructions to make sure you’ve followed all the steps, then register your fingerprint. 

Remember, these instructions are not exact for all fingerprint locks. Make sure you read your user manual thoroughly. If you’re not confident installing it yourself, it may be a good idea to hire a locksmith who can do it for you. 

You may also wonder whether you can keep your existing deadbolt or if you have to buy an entirely new one. The choice is yours, but it can impact the type of fingerprint lock you buy. Instead of a wholly new door lock kit, you may need to look for a smart lock conversion kit or a kit that says you can retrofit it to an existing deadlock.

If you are replacing your deadlock, you will carry out many of the installation steps listed above. During that process, make sure you buy and install quality batteries that will last a long time. It’s also worth having a backup plan for entry if the electronics fail – such as a backup key. 

What’s more, it’s essential to make sure the thumb-turn knob has plenty of clearance from any decorative trim around your door. If you can, purchase the same brand of lock on your door as the smart lock to make sure the two work seamlessly together. 

If you are installing a new fingerprint lock on a rental property, make sure you have the homeowner’s permission. If they give their approval, you will need to provide them with all the access methods. You must then confirm they are the same when you vacate the property after your tenancy period to avoid any problems. 

Who Uses a Fingerprint Lock? 

You would be surprised at just how many people decide to buy and install a fingerprint door lock. Some business owners prefer them for easy access to each room in their business. Workers don’t have to fumble around with keys for each door, but each entry point is securely locked and not accessible by visitors without a code or card. 

Airbnb operators also use such a lock to provide temporary passcodes that you can remove or change once the guest has completed their stay. Even busy families rely on fingerprint locks, so they don’t have to cut keys for each family member that can be easy to lose. 

Homes being built today are using more and more smart technology, so you won’t find too many builders who don’t offer these locks as an alternative to traditional locks.