Battery failure and connectivity issues are the two concerns people raise most about smart locks. Here are honest figures on battery life for the most common products and exactly what happens if the battery runs out.
The Honest Battery Life Figures
Battery life varies by product and usage frequency. Here are realistic figures for the most common smart locks we install:
High-frequency use — a busy household or a rental property with frequent guest changes — will reduce these figures. Low-frequency use extends them.
What Happens When the Battery Dies?
Every reputable smart lock includes a physical key backup. If the battery fails completely, a standard key opens the door. This is non-negotiable in a quality product — TrustLock does not install any smart lock that lacks a physical key fallback.
Beyond this, all the products above include:
The scenario of being locked out due to a dead smart lock battery is essentially avoidable if you check the app occasionally.
Connectivity and App Reliability
Smart locks use Bluetooth as the primary connection for on-site operation. This works without internet and is highly reliable. Remote access (locking or checking status while away from home) requires a Wi-Fi bridge and internet connection — this functions like any other smart home device.
App stability by product:
Our Conclusion
Battery concerns are valid but manageable. Low-battery alerts provide ample advance warning. The physical key backup means the worst case is using a key rather than your phone — an inconvenience, not a lockout.
Call 07984 547185 for smart lock installation advice and fitting across Dulwich and South London.