Let’s be honest, we’ve all had that moment of panic. You’re halfway to work, or maybe just settled into bed, and the thought hits you like a ton of bricks: Did I lock the front door? For generations, that nagging doubt meant either a frustrating trip back home or a night of restless sleep. But with a smart lock, that anxiety is a thing of the past. You’ve already made the brilliant decision to upgrade your home’s first line of defense. But are you getting the most out of it? A smart lock on its own is fantastic, but with the right companions, it transforms from a convenient gadget into the command center of your home security. This is your definitive Smart Lock Must Have Accessory List, designed to elevate your security, convenience, and peace of mind to a whole new level.
Before the Accessories: What Makes a Smart Lock “Smart”?
Before we dive into the add-ons, it’s worth a quick refresher on what makes these devices so revolutionary. Gone are the days of simple metal keys. Modern smart locks are sophisticated pieces of technology built around a few core concepts.
At their heart, they are electromechanical locks that can be controlled wirelessly. This “control” can come from various sources:
- Bluetooth: This allows you to lock and unlock your door when your smartphone is within a short range, typically around 30-40 feet. It’s great for auto-unlock features that sense your approach.
- Wi-Fi: This is the game-changer. A Wi-Fi-enabled lock (or one connected via a bridge) connects to your home’s internet network, allowing you to control and monitor it from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- Biometrics: Fingerprint scanners offer one-touch access, providing a level of convenience and security that feels straight out of a spy movie.
- Keypads: Simple, reliable numeric codes mean you can grant access without a physical key or a smartphone, perfect for kids, guests, or dog walkers.
Think of the base smart lock as the brain. Now, let’s give that brain a full set of senses and a voice to communicate with the rest of your home.
The Ultimate Smart Lock Must Have Accessory List
Ready to supercharge your setup? These are the accessories that truly unlock the full potential of your keyless entry system. Think of this as more than just a list; it’s a blueprint for a smarter, safer home.
1. The Wi-Fi Bridge: Your Lock’s Gateway to the World
If your smart lock is Bluetooth-only, a Wi-Fi bridge isn’t just an accessory; it’s an absolute necessity. Many popular smart locks use Bluetooth to conserve battery life, which is smart, but it limits their functionality to your immediate vicinity.
- What it does: A Wi-Fi bridge is a small device that plugs into a power outlet near your lock. It acts as a translator, connecting your lock’s local Bluetooth signal to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
- Why you need it: It’s the key to remote access. With a bridge, you can lock or unlock your door from your office, the grocery store, or even from a beach on vacation. You can check the lock’s status in real-time and receive instant notifications about its activity. Letting a surprise guest in while you’re stuck in traffic? No problem.
- Bottom line: Without a Wi-Fi bridge, you have a convenient lock. With one, you have a true remote security device.
2. The Smart Keypad: Access for Everyone
While using your phone is slick, it’s not always the most practical solution for everyone in your life. What about your kids who don’t have phones yet? Or the house sitter who you’d rather not ask to download an app?
- What it does: A dedicated keypad allows for entry using a numeric code. Most smart keypads allow you to create multiple codes—permanent ones for family, and temporary or time-sensitive ones for guests.
- Why you need it: It provides flexible, phone-free access. You can give a plumber a code that only works for two hours on a Tuesday afternoon. You can set up a recurring code for the weekly cleaner. It’s about granting access on your terms, without ever handing out a physical key that can be lost or copied. It’s also a perfect backup if your phone battery dies.
Expert Take: “A common mistake is focusing solely on the high-tech wireless features,” notes David Chen, a veteran home security technologist. “But the most robust systems are layered. A keypad provides a reliable, low-tech backup that ensures you’re never locked out, even if your Wi-Fi is down or your phone is dead. It’s a crucial part of a complete smart lock must have accessory list.”
3. The Door Sensor: The Unsung Hero of Security
A smart lock knows if it’s locked or unlocked. But does it know if the door is actually closed? Not on its own. That’s where a door sensor comes in.
- What it does: This is typically a small, two-piece magnetic sensor. One part goes on the door frame, the other on the door itself. When the door is closed, the two pieces are aligned. When it opens, they separate, sending a signal.
- Why you need it: It gives you complete context. A door sensor tells you not just the state of the lock, but the state of the door. This enables crucial features like “auto-lock on close,” where the door automatically deadbolts a few seconds after you shut it. It also prevents the awkward situation where your auto-lock engages the deadbolt while the door is still wide open. It’s the difference between knowing your lock is secure and knowing your home is secure.
4. The Video Doorbell: Your Eyes and Ears on the Porch
Pairing a smart lock with a video doorbell creates a powerful front-door security duo. They work together to give you a full picture of who is coming and going.
- What it does: A video doorbell sends an alert to your phone and shows you a live video feed when someone approaches your door or rings the bell.
- Why you need it: The integration is seamless. Imagine this: a delivery driver rings your video doorbell. You see them on your phone, have a quick two-way conversation, and then, from the very same app, you unlock the smart lock to let them place the package securely inside. It turns your front door into a fully remote, interactive reception desk. For more on this, check out our guide on [how to build a smart home security system].
|
Our Picks for the Best Smartlocks in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Satin Nickel Transitional Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry, Customizable User Codes, Auto Locking |
|
| 2 | Keypad & Key Smart Door Lock, 50 User Codes, Waterproof, Auto Lock - Matte Black |
|
| 3 | TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Door Lock with Keypad - Smart Deadbolt Lock for Front Door with 2 Keys - Auto Lock - Easy Installation - Matte Black |
|
| 4 | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock for Front Door - Keyless Entry with App or Touchscreen - Works with Alexa, Hey Google, & Airbnb - Create Codes for Guests - Satin Nickel Silver |
|
| 5 | ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, 8-in-1 Keyless Entry Door Lock with Fingerprint ID, App Remote Control, Built-in WiFi Keypad Deadbolt, Auto Unlock, IP65 Waterproof, Easy Install |
|
| 6 | Keypad Smart Door Lock with Knob, Yamiry Keyless Entry Digital Lock with Handle, Fingerprint Electronic Knob for Front Door, Generate Passcode Remotely, Easy Installation |
|
| 7 | Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt, Black Suede Keyed Smart Entry Door Lock with Wi-Fi Connected Keypad for Code Entry and Remote Access, YRD410-WF1-BSP |
|
| 8 | Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Lock for Front Door, Keyless Entry Deadbolt, Unlock with Apple Watch, Built-in WiFi and App Control, Easy Install, Alexa & Apple HomeKit Compatible, Matte Black |
|
| 9 | Keyless Entry Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle & Keypad: Sifely Biometric Digital Electronic Lock with Code, Electric Deadbolt Door Knob for Front, Interior, Exterior & Bedroom Doors (Silver) |
|
| 10 | Smart Keypad Door Lock with Handle: NICE DIGI Keyless Entry Digital Lock for Front/Interior Door, Electronic Code Knob, Easy Installation |
|
5. Rechargeable Battery Packs: The Power to Keep Going
Your smart lock is useless if it’s out of power. While most give you plenty of warning when batteries are low, dealing with disposable batteries can be a recurring hassle and expense.
- What it does: A proprietary rechargeable battery pack designed for your specific smart lock model. Often, you can buy a spare, so one can be charging while the other is in use, ensuring zero downtime.
- Why you need it: It’s about cost-savings and convenience. Over the life of the lock, you’ll save money on disposable batteries. More importantly, it ensures your lock is always powered and ready. No more late-night runs to the store for a pack of AAs.
How Do I Choose the Right Accessories?
Choosing the right items for your smart lock must have accessory list comes down to your lifestyle and your specific lock model. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:
- Check for Compatibility: This is rule number one. Always ensure the accessory is specifically designed for or is compatible with your smart lock’s brand and model. Check the manufacturer’s website.
- Assess Your Connectivity: Does your lock have built-in Wi-Fi, or is it Bluetooth-only? If it’s the latter, a Wi-Fi bridge should be your first purchase.
- Analyze Your Household’s Needs: Do you have kids, frequent guests, or service providers? A keypad is probably a must-have. Do you live alone and primarily use your phone? Maybe it’s less critical.
- Consider Your Smart Home Ecosystem: Are you an Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit user? Make sure the accessories, especially the Wi-Fi bridge or hub, are compatible with your preferred voice assistant for seamless integration. You can learn more about this in our [Smartlocks Pro integration guide].
- Evaluate Your Environment: If your lock is exposed to harsh weather like direct sun or heavy rain, a protective silicone cover can be a wise, low-cost investment to prolong its life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use accessories from a different brand with my smart lock?
A: Generally, no. Core accessories like Wi-Fi bridges and battery packs are proprietary and designed to work only with specific models from the same manufacturer. However, ecosystem devices like video doorbells and smart hubs (Alexa, Google Home) are designed for cross-brand compatibility.
Q: Do these accessories make my smart lock less secure?
A: When you use official, reputable accessories, they do not compromise security. They operate on encrypted connections, just like the lock itself. The biggest risk comes from weak Wi-Fi passwords or phishing scams, not the devices themselves.
Q: Will a Wi-Fi bridge slow down my internet?
A: Not at all. A Wi-Fi bridge uses a minuscule amount of data, similar to a smart plug or lightbulb. Its impact on your network performance will be completely unnoticeable.
Q: What’s the difference between a Wi-Fi bridge and a smart hub like a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub?
A: A Wi-Fi bridge is a simple device that connects one specific Bluetooth product to Wi-Fi. A smart hub is a more powerful central controller that can manage dozens of different smart home devices (locks, lights, sensors, etc.) that use protocols like Z-Wave or Zigbee, and then connects them all to your Wi-Fi network.
Q: Do I need a professional to install these accessories?
A: Absolutely not! Most of these accessories are designed for simple, DIY plug-and-play installation. A Wi-Fi bridge just needs to be plugged into an outlet, and a keypad or door sensor typically installs in minutes with adhesive strips or a few small screws.
The Final Turn of the Key
A smart lock is an incredible first step towards a more secure and convenient life. But stopping there is like buying a sports car and never taking it out of first gear. By curating your own smart lock must have accessory list, you’re not just buying gadgets; you’re building a cohesive, intelligent system that anticipates your needs and protects your home. You’re transforming your front door from a simple barrier into a responsive, proactive guardian. Now go ahead, unlock your home’s true potential.