Do Smart Locks Work During Power Outages?

Smart locks are the future of home security—keyless entry, remote access, voice control, and automation all in one. But many homeowners have one major concern:
What happens when the power goes out?
Will your smart lock still work, or will you be locked out of your own home?

Let’s break down how smart locks function during power failures, what backup systems they offer, and how you can stay prepared to ensure your security is never compromised—even in the dark.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Home Door Locks

How Smart Locks Get Their Power

Unlike traditional locks, smart locks rely on technology to function. But that doesn’t mean they’re all wired into your home’s electrical system. Most residential smart locks operate using batteries, not your house’s main power supply. Here's a closer look:

• Battery-powered smart locks: These are the most common. They run on AA or lithium batteries, allowing them to function independently from your home’s electricity.
• Wi-Fi or Z-Wave connected locks: These communicate via your internet or smart home hub but still use internal batteries to lock and unlock.

This means that even during a blackout, the locking mechanism usually continues to work as long as the batteries are charged.

Do Smart Locks Work in a Power Outage?

Short answer: Yes, most smart locks work during a power outage—but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1. Battery Life Becomes Crucial

Since smart locks rely on battery power, they’ll continue to operate unless the batteries die. That’s why keeping track of battery levels is critical.

Many smart locks send alerts to your smartphone when batteries are running low. If yours doesn’t, set a calendar reminder to check them every few months.

2. Remote Features Might Be Limited

Smart locks often come with features like:

• Remote access via smartphone
• Integration with virtual assistants (like Alexa or Google Assistant)
• Scheduled locking or unlocking

These features depend on internet access or a smart hub. So, if your Wi-Fi router goes down during a power outage, you may not be able to control the lock remotely. However, you can still use:

• Keypads
• Physical keys (for models that include one)
• Bluetooth (if supported and your phone is close enough)

3. Some Smart Locks Include a Manual Key Option

Many smart locks are designed with a fail-safe in mind. If your battery dies or the tech fails, you can use a physical backup key. If you’re shopping for a smart lock, this is an important feature to look for—especially if you live in an area with frequent power outages.

What If Your Smart Lock Uses a Hub or Smart System?

If your smart lock is integrated into a larger smart home ecosystem—such as SmartThings or Apple HomeKit—then the hub may lose power in an outage. This can:

• Disable automation settings
• Prevent remote control
• Interrupt security routines

But again, this doesn’t affect the core lock mechanism if it’s battery-operated. You’ll still be able to use the lock manually or via Bluetooth.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

Being proactive is the key to making sure you don’t get stuck outside during a blackout.

Check Your Lock’s Battery Status Regularly

Set reminders to change or charge the batteries—especially if you're going out of town.

Keep a Spare Physical Key

Even if you rarely use it, it’s good to keep a backup key in a secure, accessible place.

Choose a Lock With Bluetooth Access

Bluetooth often works even when Wi-Fi doesn't—handy in case your router goes out with the power.

Install a Battery Backup for Your Router

If you want to maintain remote access during blackouts, you can use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your Wi-Fi router. That way, your smart home stays online longer.

"How Often Should You Lubricate Your Locks?"

What About Smart Locks With Motorized Deadbolts?

Some high-end smart locks have motorized deadbolts that draw more power. These can be more sensitive to battery levels and may fail to function properly when batteries are critically low. Choose models with long battery life and clear battery indicators.

The Bottom Line

Smart locks are designed with convenience and security in mind—even during emergencies like power outages. While certain features like Wi-Fi access may go offline, the lock itself usually continues to function thanks to its battery power.

So yes—your smart lock will most likely keep working in a power outage.
Just stay on top of battery maintenance and choose a model with backup options to be fully covered.

If you're upgrading your home’s security, make sure to choose a smart lock with power-failure protection, multiple entry methods, and low-battery alerts. That way, you're never left out in the cold.