Safety & Security

Peace of mind is priceless, and our Safety & Security category is here to help you achieve it.

Delve into the world of Smart Security Cameras, Home Safety systems, and Alarm Systems that keep your home and family protected.

Discover the latest in Smart Door Locks and Video Doorbells that not only enhance security but also add convenience to your daily routine.

Stay informed with expert advice, product reviews, and tips for maintaining a secure smart home.

How to Connect a Schlage Smart Lock to Google Home?

Connecting a Schlage Smart lock with Google Home can be tricky, especially when it’s not supported in older models. In the more recent models, you can use Google Home and Google Assistant to engage the lock or check the status of all your Schlage locks. You can also combine these two functions into routines and use voice commands to check on your…

Schlage Smart Locks: How to Open with a Dead Battery?

If your Schlage lock’s battery has dropped dead and you’re locked out, don’t worry, you can open the lock without having to call a locksmith.   In most models, you can easily bypass a Schlage lock using a battery jump start or with the help of the physical key.  So in this guide, I’ll show you how to open a Schlage lock…

Fixed: Schlage Smart Lock Not Responding

From battery issues and poor signal to lockout modes, there are lots of reasons why Schlage smart locks may not respond to your input. Below, I discuss 12 common causes and provide model-specific instructions on how to fix them to get you back up and running. Common Troubleshooting Methods Here’s what you can do to diagnose a Schlage lock that’s stopped responding.…

How to Replace the Batteries in a Schlage Smart Lock?

If you’re wondering about how to replace the batteries in your Schlage lock, don’t worry. It’s a pretty simple process that requires minimal tools, or in some cases: none at all. A low battery indicator can be annoying to deal with however it won’t be long before the batteries run out completely and you have to resort to manual overrides or jumpstarting.…

How to Factory Reset a Schlage Smart Lock?

If you’re troubleshooting a faulty Schlage lock, looking to sell it on, have forgotten your codes or looking to pair with a new home automation system, you’ll need to perform a factory reset. Resetting Schlage locks doesn’t require a lot of effort, you only need to follow a simple procedure and ensure you’ve got the default programming and access codes to hand.…

Kwikset Smart Lock Beeps and Lights Explained

Kwikset smart locks use a combination of beeps, blinking LED lights, and flashes of the touchscreen (for models that have a touchscreen) to help people understand the lock’s status and help diagnose potential issues.  Common signals across different models such as Obsidian, Premis, Halo Touch, Powerbolt 2, and more include … In this article, I dive into what beeps and lights mean…

How to Change the Batteries on a Kwikset Smart Lock

Swapping out the batteries in a Kwikset Smart Lock is a simple but essential task to avoid getting locked out and to keep your home secure. Different models may require slightly different steps, but, overall, the process is generally straightforward and hassle-free.  This article provides a comprehensive guide to changing the batteries in various Kwikset Smart Lock models, whilst highlighting some tips…

Step by Step Instructions to Factory Reset a Kwikset Smart Lock

When it comes to managing your Kwikset smart lock, knowing how to reset the device is essential.  Whether you’re moving, troubleshooting an issue, or simply starting fresh, a factory reset ensures optimum performance and security for your lock and your home. Below are simple, step-by-step instructions for resetting a wide range of popular Kwikset smart locks.  Types of Resets All Kwikset smart…

How to Program, Change & Reset the Code of a Kwikset Smart Lock

If you’ve forgotten how to manage user access codes or the programming master code on your Kwikset lock then worry not!  In this article, I walk through programming, changing, and resetting the codes for various Kwikset smart locks, including Obsidian, Premis, Powerbolt 2, Kevo, SmartCode 914, 275 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt, SmartCode 888, and SmartCode 910. If all else fails when you try…

Fixed: Kwikset Smart Lock Not Working

If your Kwikset smart lock is on the fritz, I’ve got you covered! From my own experience with a Kwikset lock along with researching a wide array of other model types, I’ve collated 10 troubleshooting steps to help solve a Kwikset smart lock that isn’t working. This comprehensive guide covers scenarios such as dead batteries, unresponsive keypads, solid red LED indicators, devices…

Solved: Kwikset Smart Lock Keypad Is Unresponsive

An unresponsive keypad on your Kwikset smart lock can be a frustrating experience, but fear not – I’ve got 8 troubleshooting steps to help you through it!  In this article, I explore common issues such as keypad lockouts, dead batteries, faulty cables, keypad errors, and more, which can lead to your Kwikset smart lock keypad not working as intended. I also guide…

Fixed: Kwikset Smart Lock Beeping or Not Working After Battery Change

The process of changing the batteries on a Kwikset smart lock is usually pretty straightforward and trouble-free. However, some models have quirks that are worth being aware of which can result in the lock not working at all or giving a low battery alert, even after changing the batteries. In this article, I’ll walk through 10 troubleshooting steps to follow, if your…

Best Multipoint Smart Locks (USA, UK & Europe)

Multi-Point locks are much more secure than standard deadbolts as instead of relying on a single locking mechanism, these locks use multiple locking points to secure your door.  This makes them much harder to break into than traditional locks, which can often be picked or bypassed.  However, multi-point door locks are not very common in the United States, whereas in Europe, they…

Top 9 Smart Mortise Locks: A Review of Your Best Options

In the United States, deadbolts and cylindrical locks are much more popular than mortise locks, due to ease of installation, lower cost, and just overall familiarity. For that reason, there are very few smart mortise locks on the market. Mortise locks tend to be more common in commercial settings, such as hotels, dormitories, and office buildings, as they are usually more durable…

Double Cylinder Smart Locks – What Are My Options?

Double-cylinder deadbolts are much more secure than their single-cylinder counterparts, as their design eliminates the risk of intruders unlocking the door by breaking a nearby window and reaching inside.  However for fire safety reasons, they are not that common in the US, nor recommended. If you do have a double-cylinder deadbolt on an exterior glass door, and you want to add some…