Smart Lock FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

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Thinking about upgrading to a smart lock but not sure where to start? You're not alone. We've answered the most common questions we hear from customers across the UK to help you make the right choice for your home or business.

What is a smart lock?

A smart lock is an electronic door lock that lets you unlock your door without a traditional key. Instead, you can use your fingerprint, a PIN code, an RFID card or fob, a smartphone app, or a combination of these methods. Most smart locks also keep a log of who has entered and when, giving you greater visibility and control over your property's security.

Do smart locks work with my existing door?

In most cases, yes. Our smart locks are designed to fit many existing multipoint locking systems commonly found on UK timber, uPVC and composite doors — so in many cases you won't need to replace your lock body at all. Our TITAN and Orion retrofit onto standard mortice lock setups, while the Neptune and Saturn are compatible with a wide range of popular multipoint mortice lock bodies. We recommend checking your door thickness — our locks support doors between 35mm and 65mm thick.

Which lock is best for my door type?

It depends on your door and locking system. The good news is that most LockWise smart locks are designed to fit many existing multipoint locks, so you may not need any additional hardware:

  • Timber or composite doors with a multipoint lock — the Neptune or Saturn are ideal. These handle-style smart locks replace your existing door handle and are compatible with a wide range of popular multipoint mortice lock bodies, including many standard UK and European cases.
  • uPVC, composite, or aluminium doors — the TITAN or Orion retrofit onto standard mortice setups and suit a wide range of door types. If your door uses a multipoint system, our Compatible Mortice Lock kit makes the upgrade straightforward.
  • Wooden or metal doors needing a standalone lock — the Jupiter or Venus are slim, surface-mounted smart locks suitable for residential, office, and rental doors.
  • Gates, sheds, or storage units — the Trojan fingerprint padlock is a portable, keyless solution that works anywhere a padlock would.

If you're unsure whether your existing lock is compatible, get in touch and we'll help you find the right fit.

Do you have a smart lock with a camera?

Yes — the LockWise Earth Pro is our premium smart door lock with a built-in 1MP camera and integrated doorbell. It lets you see who's at your door in real time via the Tuya Smart App, even when you're away from home. It also features fingerprint recognition, PIN code, RFID, and mechanical key access, making it one of the most feature-rich locks in our range.

Can I use a smart lock on a gate, shed, or storage unit?

Yes. The LockWise Trojan is a fingerprint padlock designed for exactly this purpose. It's keyless, rechargeable via USB-C, and stores up to 20 fingerprints. With a durable zinc alloy body and a Morse code emergency backup, it's a versatile security solution for anywhere a traditional padlock would be used.

What is a key safe and do I need one?

A key safe is a secure wall-mounted box that stores a physical spare key, accessible via fingerprint, PIN, or app. The LockWise Callisto is our smart key safe, and it's particularly popular with Airbnb hosts, holiday let owners, and property managers who need to grant access to guests or contractors without being on-site. It's rated IP65 waterproof and supports remote access via the TTLock or Tuya app when paired with a compatible gateway.

Which locks work without a Wi-Fi gateway?

All of our smart locks work via Bluetooth as standard — no gateway required for local access using the app, fingerprint, PIN, or RFID. However, for remote access (locking and unlocking from anywhere in the world), most locks require our LW2 Wi-Fi Gateway.

The exception is the Orion with the Tuya platform selected, which has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and does not need a separate gateway for remote control.

Are smart locks secure?

Absolutely. Our smart locks include multiple layers of protection: anti-peep PIN entry (where you can add random digits before or after your real code), tamper alarms, incorrect attempt lockout, and a mechanical backup key for emergencies. The TITAN is also IP66 waterproof and tested to 200,000 unlock cycles — twice the lifespan of many standard locks.

What happens if the battery dies?

You have two failsafe options so you'll never be locked out. First, every lock comes with a physical backup key — just like a traditional door key — so you can always get in the old-fashioned way. Second, all our smart locks feature an emergency USB Type-C power port, so you can temporarily power the lock using a power bank and regain electronic access. Low battery alerts also give you plenty of advance warning before the battery runs out.

Can I control my smart lock remotely?

Yes, with the addition of our LW2 Gateway. This small Wi-Fi bridge connects your Bluetooth smart lock to the internet, allowing you to lock and unlock your door, manage access credentials, and view activity logs from anywhere in the world via the TTLock App. It's ideal for Airbnb hosts, landlords, and anyone managing a property remotely.

How many people can have access?

Our locks support multiple users. You can create permanent access for family members, temporary access for guests or tradespeople, and scheduled access for cleaners or delivery drivers — all managed through the TTLock or Tuya app. Access can be revoked instantly at any time.

What's the difference between the TITAN and the Orion?

Both are premium smart door locks with fingerprint, PIN, RFID, app, and key access. The key differences are:

TITAN — IP66 waterproof, tested to 200,000 cycles, available in brushed nickel and powder-coated finishes. Works with traditional mortice locks and smart lock mortice systems.

Orion — IP65 rated, 304 stainless steel construction, available in matte black and brushed silver. Compatible with both TTLock and Tuya Smart platforms, giving you built-in Wi-Fi as an option without needing a separate gateway.

If you want built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the Orion with Tuya is the simpler setup. If you prioritise maximum durability and unlock cycles, the TITAN is the stronger choice.

Do I need a professional to install a smart lock?

Most of our customers install their smart locks themselves — no specialist tools required. Each lock comes with full installation instructions. If you're replacing an existing lock on a standard UK door, the process typically takes under an hour. For multipoint locking systems on timber doors, our Compatible Mortice Lock kit makes the upgrade straightforward.

What if I have more questions?

We're here to help. Browse our full range of smart locks and accessories or get in touch with the LockWise Solutions team directly. We're happy to advise on the right product for your door, property type, and security needs.