Locks are an important way to protect our homes and businesses and an indispensable part of our lives. Currently, there are mainly two types of locks on the market: physical locks and smart locks. With the development of technology, smart locks have developed various types, such as keypad locks, key card locks, biometric locks, and digital key locks. Smart locks provide us with higher security access restrictions. However, like any technology, smart locks are not immune to malfunctions and problems, which can cause inconvenience or even threaten our safety. In this article, we will explore common reasons why the smart lock isn’t working and provide practical tips on how to troubleshoot and prevent future issues.
Smart locks are a product that combines integrated circuit design, electronic technology, electronic components, and various innovative recognition technologies. Smart lock features include the mechanical design of the lock body, built-in software cards, computer network technology, voice assistant, network alarms, auto-unlock option and auto-lock option.
Unlike traditional locks, they are more intelligent in security, user identification, and management. In general, smart locks have multiple unlocking authentication methods, including entering a PIN code on a contact plate, using key cards (such as Mifare card), using biometric authentication technology (such as fingerprint unlocking), using mobile device unlock, and temporary user codes enter. Once the user is authenticated, the lock will automatically unlock.
Furthermore, smart door locks have virtual password protection function technology, which allows users to input any number as a virtual password before or after the registered password, effectively preventing the leakage of the registered password while still allowing access to the lock.
Smart locks also have built-in embedded processors and smart monitoring devices, which enable interaction with tenants at any time and allow the user to control the lock to open the door for visitors remotely. Overall, smart locks provide a convenient and security measure to manage access to your property.
Common Reasons Why Smart Lock not Working
Firstly, you need to determine the cause of the inability of the smart lock before corresponding solutions can be applied.
The mechanical key is the most direct way to open the smart lock. And electronic module malfunctions or power outages do not affect the normal use of the mechanical key. Therefore, using the mechanical key to unlock can preliminarily determine whether the problem is the electronic module or the mechanical lock body.
If the mechanical key can unlock the lock, it indicates that the cause is the electronic module malfunction, which is generally due to insufficient power, incorrect user information recognition, or the door lock entering a self-protection mode.
Battery problem: If there is no response from the lock’s keypad light, fingerprint pad light, or voice prompt, it may be that the lock has run out of battery power.
Tips: Most modern electronic door locks have a temporary battery option, specifically, you can use a power bank to connect to the lock’s temporary power supply port to temporarily power the lock, and then use the user information to unlock it. Replace the smart lock battery regularly can avoid this problem.
Connection problem: Intelligent locks rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to function properly. If the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable, the lock may not work properly.
Tips: Try to move the lock closer to the hub or router. If there still not working, try to restart them.
Software issues: Sometimes smart door lock system failure will cause the lock isn’t working. You can try to check the latest version of the app and finish the app update. If there still can’t work, you need to contact the smart lock supplier to solve them.
Card verification failure: Unregistered card information, damaged cards, and incorrect card recognition positions will all prompt card verification failure.
Tips: Re-swipe the card, if there still can’t work, you need to reissue the room card from the system.
Fingerprint verification failure: Voice prompt “Fingerprint verification failure”, which means that fingerprint recognition has failed.
Tips: You can try wiping your fingerprint clean or slightly moistening the fingerprint before attempting recognition. The fingerprint recognition position should be based on the position where the fingerprint was enrolled. If the user’s fingerprint is shallow or scratched, it will also lead to verification failure. You can also record multiple fingerprint heads to increase the accuracy of fingerprint recognition.
Self-protection mode: Voice prompt “Illegal operation, the door lock has been locked” and an alarm sounds when touching the keypad or fingerprint, it is because of multiple incorrect password inputs to lead the lock entering self-protection mode.
Tips: Many intelligent locks on the market are set to a locked state to protect the lock from illegal opening. The lockout time is generally three or five minutes, and the waiting time varies depending on the brand. In this case, the lock can also be opened with a key. After the door lock automatically relieves the self-protection mode, you still can unlock it with passwords, key cards, fingerprints, keys, smart devices, and more.
If the mechanical key cannot unlock the lock, it indicates that the cause is the mechanical module, which may require professional repair.
Mechanical problem: Sometimes electronic locks experience mechanical problems, such as a broken latch or a stuck mechanism. In these cases, you need to contact a professional to fix them.
Installation problem: Incorrect installation, faulty hardware or hardware incompatibility can cause the smart lock to stop working.
Tips: It is essential to ensure that your lock is installed correctly and is compatible with your door and home automation system. It is recommended to choose a professional installer to complete the installation.
Firmware problem: Smart locks rely on firmware to function properly. If the firmware is damaged or outdated, the lock may not work as expected.
Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures, humidity, or exposure to the natural environment will all affect the performance of the smart lock.
Smart locks are more complex than mechanical locks, and the problem you may encounter with smart locks will be more than traditional locks. Therefore, when purchasing a smart door lock, you’d best choose a reliable manufacturer that has a product guarantee and can find after-sales service at any time.
YGS Hotel Smart Lock Troubleshooting Steps
In this form, you will find a list of the most common issues with YGS hotel smart door locks and the door lock system:
Resetting Your Smart Lock
The process for resetting a smart lock will vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, here is a general step guide you can follow to reset your smart lock:
Check the user manual: Look for built-In instruction specific to your lock model in the user manual or online documentation provided by the manufacturer.
Remove batteries: If your smart lock is battery-powered, remove the batteries for a few minutes to reset the lock. Re-insert the batteries after a few minutes have passed.
Locate the reset button: Some smart locks have a reset button that you can press with a paperclip or similar tool. This button is usually located on the inside of the lock mechanism.
Hold the reset button: Hold down the reset button for a few seconds until you see the lock indicator light flash or hear a beep. This indicates that the lock has been reset.
Reconfigure the lock: Once the lock has been reset, you’ll need to reconfigure it to your preferences. This may involve setting a new password or re-pairing it with your home automation system.
When did you need to reset your smart lock?
In general, a smart lock may need to be reset if it is malfunctioning, experiencing connectivity issues, system instability, or if you need to change the access codes or other settings associated with the lock. The specific steps for resetting a smart lock will depend on the brand and model, so you’d best follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their customer support for assistance.
It’s important to note that resetting your smart lock will erase any stored user data or preferences, so be prepared to reconfigure the lock from scratch.
Preventing Future Smart Lock Issues
Keep the lock clean: Regularly clean the lock’s surface and the latch to prevent dirt and debris from interfering with the mechanism.
Keep the lock updated: Check for any available firmware updates for your lock and install them as needed. Updated firmware can fix bugs and improve the lock’s performance. And don’t forget the software update, regularly updating your smart lock system can effectively prevent your door locks from hacking.
Ensure compatibility: Make sure the lock is compatible with your door and home automation system before purchasing or installing it. Incompatible hardware can cause the lock to stop working.
Protect the lock from the elements: Smart locks can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and exposure to the elements. Consider installing a weather-resistant cover or shield to protect the lock.
Avoid hacking attempts: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if possible. Be cautious of suspicious emails or links that could compromise your lock’s security.
Regularly check and replace batteries: Check the battery power levels of your smart lock regularly and replace the batteries as needed. Generally, most intelligent locks have 1-2 years of battery life. Low batteries can cause the lock to malfunction or fail entirely.
FAQs about smart lock not working
Question 1: What is a smart door lock?
A smart lock is a lock that is more intelligent in terms of user recognition, security, and management than traditional mechanical locks. It is the locking component of an access control system. It supports IoT functions and is connected to LANs and the Internet.
Smart locks are used in many places, including government departments, as well as hotels, school dormitories, residential areas, villas, and guesthouses.
Question 2: Are smart locks easy to crack?
After the black box incident, many consumers think that intelligent locks are vulnerable to being cracked using devices like black boxes, fake fingerprints, or cyber attacks. Actually, after this event, many smart lock suppliers upgraded their products, and can now withstand black box attacks.
Question 3: Can a smart lock be installed on an outside door?
There mainly divided into two situations: doors with obstructions and doors without obstructions. In my opinion, doors with obstructions can be installed with smart door locks, while doors without obstructions are not recommended.
Essentially, smart locks are electronic products, although they have some waterproofing, prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain can affect their lifespan and cause malfunctions in the future.
Question 4: My home lock guide plate has a special size, is it difficult to install an intelligent lock?
Some brand manufacturers will differentiate themselves and make customers their loyal customers by designing special lock directions. After long-term development, there are twelve common lock body sizes.
Consumers can send the lock body information to customer service when purchasing a new lock. The manufacturer will provide a suitable lock body according to the customer’s door situation. If there is no lock body with the same size, the manufacturer will provide a lock body with a similar size. The professional installation master will make minor adjustments to the door opening to place the lock body inside.
Question 5: My mechanical lock has a handle, will there be a hole after installing a smart lock?
Some mechanical door locks have the security panel and door handle designed together. However, after replacing with a smart lock, a door hole may appear below the smart lock due to the mismatched lock body, which is unsightly and cannot make users feel secure. In this case, we generally recommended our guests add a decorative cover to conceal the door hole or choose a smart lock with a longer lock body to achieve the same effect.
Question 6: Can smart locks be installed by oneself?
Generally speaking, we do not recommend self-installation. After all, the installation of a smart lock involves many aspects such as the thickness of the door, the length of the square steel, and the size of the opening. It is difficult for ordinary users to install them properly. Some anti-theft doors even have heaven and earth hooks, and improper installation can easily cause them to get stuck. Therefore, it is best to let professional technicians from the manufacturer install them.
Question 7: How to choose a good intelligent lock?
If your home is suitable for replacing with a smart lock, how do you choose the right one? Remember the following tips:
- Choose a simple style if your budget is low, and avoid unnecessary functions.
- Choose a high-end style if your budget is high, and try out various high-tech features.
- Pay attention to safety, quality, and brand reputation when choosing a smart lock.
- Choose an intelligent lock with C-level lock cylinder, semiconductor fingerprint recognition, anti-copy card, 1-touch locking button, virtual password protection, square bar anti-clip design, free handle design, and more secure functions.
Top 4 things you need to know before you buy a smart lock.
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