A smart lock (also called an intelligent lock or smart door lock) lets you open your door without keys: with your fingerprint, a code, a card, face recognition or the app on your phone, even remotely. In this category you'll find WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee smart locks, from Tuya smart locks to Welock electronic cylinders: cylinders that replace only the cylinder of your existing lock, complete locks with handles, models for glass doors and outdoor use, padlocks and cabinet locks. Below, how to choose the right one for your door.
Electronic cylinder or complete lock?
Electronic cylinder
What you replace: Only the cylinder of the lock you already have
Installation: Unscrew the old cylinder and fit the new one, with no drilling
Best for: Security doors and front doors with a euro cylinder
Complete lock with handle
What you replace: The inside and outside handles and, on many models, the mortise lock
Advantages: More ways to unlock, a display, a camera and face recognition
Watch out: The mortise lock standard must match your door (see below)
WiFi, Bluetooth or Zigbee lock?
WiFi
Hub: Not needed: the lock connects to your home router (2.4 GHz network)
Remote access: Unlock and manage access from the Tuya Smart / Smart Life app wherever you are
Best for: Your front door, if you want to start without extra accessories
Bluetooth
Hub: Not needed for everyday use: your phone unlocks it when you're near the door
Remote access: Needs a gateway: the Tuya Multimode for Tuya models, the Welock Box 3 for Welock
Best for: Electronic cylinders, interior doors, cabinets and padlocks
Zigbee
Hub: Needs a Tuya Zigbee gateway such as the Tuya Multimode; all models in hubs and gateways
Advantages: You manage it in the Tuya app together with the other Zigbee devices in your home
Best for: Homes that already have a Tuya Zigbee gateway
Which smart lock to choose
Keep your lock: electronic cylinder
Recommended: Welock U81, Welock Touch41, Welock ToucA71 for security doors or the Tuya premium electronic cylinder
Why: The Welock U81 opens with fingerprint, code, card, app, Alexa and key; the Touch41 with fingerprint, card and app; the ToucA71 is designed for security doors and its batteries last up to 12 months. The Welock models are IP65 and use the Welock app; the Tuya cylinder is IP66, opens with code, card, app and key and has a Type-C port for emergency power. More models on the Welock page
Front door with handle, over WiFi
Recommended: Tuya 5-in-1 WiFi biometric lock, Tuya WiFi fingerprint door lock or the Tuya slim WiFi lock
Why: They connect to WiFi without a hub and open with fingerprint, code, card, app and key. The 5-in-1 comes with a 5050 mortise lock in the box; the fingerprint door lock uses the 6068 standard, has a lithium battery and a USB emergency port; the slim model has a narrow handle, is IP66 and uses the 3585 standard. The first two also work with Alexa and Google Home
3D face recognition and video intercom
Recommended: Tuya lock with 3D face recognition and video intercom or the Tuya 3D lock with palm recognition
Why: They recognise your face and unlock without you touching anything, and they work as a video intercom: you see who is at the door in the app and on the screen (3.5 inches on the first; a 4.5-inch indoor screen on the second, which also recognises your palm). Both come with a 6068 mortise lock in the box. If you only need a doorbell, see our video door phones and doorbells
Outdoor doors and exposed entrances
Recommended: Tuya outdoor WiFi biometric lock or the Tuya outdoor WiFi lock with 3D face recognition
Why: The first is IP66 and opens with fingerprint, code, card, app and key; the second has 3D face recognition, a dual fingerprint reader, a video intercom with two-way audio and an included remote, and works from -25 to +65 °C. For a gate or a door with an electric lock, see our electric locks, keypads and readers and the whole smart access control range
Glass doors
Recommended: Tuya fingerprint lock for glass doors or the Tuya glass door lock with face recognition
Why: For frameless glass doors from 8 to 12 mm. The first opens with fingerprint, code, card, app and remote; the second adds face recognition and a screen, with a lithium battery and a USB emergency port
Locks for B&Bs, holiday rentals and offices
Recommended: Tuya Bluetooth lock for homes, hotels and B&Bs, Welock IP65 digital lock and the Welock KeyBox
Why: Give each guest a code or a card and delete it in the app when they leave: the Tuya lock handles up to 300 codes and 300 cards, the Welock opens with code, card, app and key. The KeyBox is a key safe with code and card, handy for guests, cleaners and maintenance staff. To unlock remotely, add the gateway (see above)
Smart padlocks and cabinets
Recommended: Tuya IP67 fingerprint smart padlock or the Welock cabinet and drawer lock
Why: The padlock opens with fingerprint or code and stands up to rain and dust (IP67), so it also works outdoors. The Welock lock is fitted inside the cabinet, can't be seen from outside and opens with a card or the app
Zigbee
Recommended: Tuya Zigbee fingerprint lock or the Tuya 4-in-1 Zigbee lock
Why: Both need a Tuya Zigbee gateway. The first opens with fingerprint, code, card, app and key, comes with a 6068 mortise lock and fits doors from 30 to 120 mm; the second, more affordable, opens with code, card, app and key
Before you buy: what to check
- Cylinder size: for an electronic cylinder, measure your current one from the centre to the outside and to the inside (for example 30/30) and compare it with the product page.
- Mortise lock: complete locks work with a specific standard (6068, 5050, 3585…) shown on the product page. Some models include the mortise lock in the box; if your door has a different one, the door needs adapting.
- Door thickness and opening side: each model has a minimum and maximum door thickness; many fit both left- and right-opening doors.
- Batteries and emergency access: most models have a mechanical emergency key, and some also have a USB or Type-C port so you can power them from a power bank.
- Cards: the locks in this category use 13.56 MHz (Mifare) cards: you can add 13.56 MHz cards and tags or a Mifare wristband. 125 kHz cards only work with 125 kHz readers.
- 2.4 GHz WiFi: WiFi locks can't see 5 GHz networks.
Smart lock FAQ
What happens if the batteries run out?
You open the door with the mechanical emergency key or, on models with a USB or Type-C port, power the lock from outside with a power bank long enough to enter your fingerprint or code. The product page shows which options each model has.
Can I unlock the door remotely?
Yes. WiFi locks connect directly to your router, so you can unlock them from the app wherever you are. Bluetooth locks open from your phone when you're nearby; to unlock from further away you need a Bluetooth gateway: the Tuya Multimode for Tuya models, the Welock Box 3 for Welock.
Does it work without internet?
Yes: fingerprint, code, card and key keep working without internet, because recognition happens inside the lock. Internet is only needed to unlock from the app when you're away and to manage access remotely.
Can I install it myself?
An electronic cylinder, yes: you swap the old one with a screwdriver, with no drilling, as long as the size is right. Complete locks take more work: both handles have to be fitted and, if your door's mortise standard is different, the door has to be adapted. If you're not handy, ask a locksmith.
Does it work with Alexa and Google Home?
It depends on the model: the Tuya 5-in-1 and the Tuya WiFi fingerprint lock work with Alexa and Google Home, Welock models with Alexa through the Welock app. For the other models, check the technical specifications on the product page.
Not sure which lock fits your door? Write to us with a photo of your lock and cylinder and the thickness of your door: we'll tell you which model to choose.
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