Digital Door Lock Batteries: How Long They Last and What Happens When They Run Out
The first question almost everyone asks about a smart lock is: what happens when the battery dies? The short answer is that you will not be locked out. Here is how battery power works on our locks and how to look after it.
Photo: Unsplash
How long do the batteries last?
- ZEAL: four AA batteries, about one year of normal use.
- SENTRY: a rechargeable 4200 mAh battery, about six months between charges.
Battery life depends on how often the door is used, and features like face recognition and a video screen use more power than a simple fingerprint lock.
ZEAL's batteries sit in the inside panel.
Low-battery warnings
Smart locks warn you well before the battery runs flat, usually with a sound or a light when you open the door. When you see it, change or charge the battery that week.
If the battery does run flat
- Emergency power port: plug a power bank into the port on the outside. ZEAL, NEXUS and SENTRY use Type-C, ONYX uses Micro-USB. The lock wakes up and you open it normally.
- Mechanical key: every smart door lock in our home range has a key backup. Keep it inside the house, not in the car.
AA or rechargeable?
AA batteries are easy to find anywhere and last longer between changes. A rechargeable battery means you never buy cells, but you need to remember to charge it. Both are fine. Choose the one that suits your routine.
Tips
- Use good-quality alkaline AA batteries. Avoid mixing old and new cells.
- Note the date when you change or charge the battery.
- Keep a power bank and cable in a drawer near the door.
Battery warranty
Our door locks carry a 3-year warranty on the lock and 1 year on the battery.
Choosing a lock? See our smart door lock price guide or browse all smart door locks.
