Smart door locks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and security enhancements over traditional locks. With just a few taps on your phone, you can lock or unlock your front door no matter where you are. Upgrading to a smart door lock allows for keyless entry, customized access codes for family and friends, and integration with your broader smart home ecosystem.
Installing a smart door lock is an easy do-it-yourself project that can typically be completed in under an hour with just a few common household tools. This guide will walk through the step-by-step process to remove your existing deadbolt and install a new smart lock in its place. Follow along to upgrade your front door with enhanced security features and technology that makes coming and going more convenient than ever before.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before starting the installation, gather all of the tools and materials needed to remove the existing lock and install the new smart lock. Having everything readily available will make the process easier and more efficient.
Tools Needed
- Philips head screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Drill with assorted drill bits
- Safety glasses
Materials Needed
- Smart lock kit
- 4 AA batteries
- Adapter kit (if needed for non-standard door thickness)
- Wood shims (if needed to stabilize loose hardware)
Ensure you have fully charged batteries for powering on the smart lock device once installation is complete. Some smart lock kits come with the required screwdriver, manual, and mounting hardware. For other locks, you’ll need to supply common tools you likely already have on hand.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Deadbolt
With the tools and materials gathered, it’s time to remove the existing, traditional deadbolt from your door. Complete the following:
- Verify your door is completely unlocked before removal. Insert the key and turn to check for full range of motion.
- Using the Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew and remove the interior side deadbolt first. This includes unscrewing:
- The interior turn piece
- The trim plate covering the deadbolt mounting screws
- The mounting screws themselves
- Next, use the screwdriver to remove the exterior key cylinder and housing:
- For some deadbolts, you’ll need to remove a retaining clip or external ring first
- Unscrew and remove the cylinder housing from the door’s exterior
- Extract the cylinder tailpiece to fully remove the exterior assembly
- The remaining deadbolt mechanism should slide out of the door edge easily once both sides are detached. Remove this carefully without letting it drop.
With the old deadbolt fully removed, inspect the holes drilled through your door. Ensure they are clear of any remaining screws or debris before moving on.
Step 3: Install the New Smart Door Lock Deadbolt
The new smart door lock will include its own deadbolt mechanism with an electric motor built into the design. This attaches to your existing crossbore cutouts from the previous lock installation. Follow your smart lock manufacturer’s specific guidance, but installation typically entails:
- Inserting the deadbolt mechanism into the crossbore hole closest to the door frame.
- Pushing the assembly into place while aligning the tailpiece end through the second crossbore hole. You may need to gently persuade the parts into proper alignment with a rubber mallet.
- Tightening the retaining screws on the inside edge of the door until the deadbolt assembly feels snug and immobile. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.
At this stage, the smart lock’s deadbolt and motor should be securely installed with wiring hanging free on both sides of the door. Do not trim or adjust wiring lengths yet. Leave slack until final assembly of all lock components.
Step 4: Install the New Exterior and Interior Components
With the smart lock’s deadbolt mechanism anchored firmly inside the door, it’s time to add the remaining exterior and interior parts included with your lock kit:
Exterior Lock Components
- Slide the exterior escutcheon plate over the deadbolt tailpiece onto your door’s outer surface.
- Attach the exterior front piece of your smart lock, ensuring full connection with the inner deadbolt mechanism. This includes insertion of:
- The spindle tail connecting inner and outer lock halves
- The wire cable providing power from your door to the lock
- Secure exterior housing screws tightly once the electric cable and tailpiece spindle are fully seated.
Interior Lock Components
- Align the interior mounting plate over the deadbolt tailpiece protruding from the inner door surface.
- Insert and connect wires from the inner and outer lock assemblies.
- Attach the interior escutcheon housing, ensuring wires run cleanly through the designated channel.
- Tighten all interior housing screws securely.
With both inner and outer smart lock assemblies now installed, double check wire connections before moving onto final lock calibration and testing.
Step 5: Insert Batteries and Complete Lock Calibration
The final phase of smart door lock installation requires battery power to activate the electric motor and complete the setup process:
- Insert 4 AA batteries in the designated battery compartment, following proper positive/negative orientation.
- Power on your lock using the manufacturer’s provided instructions. An LED light should activate if powered on correctly.
- Complete the calibration sequence for your specific smart lock model:
- Most locks require a press and hold of the lock or unlock buttons
- Listen for clicking sounds of the motor releasing the lock mechanism
- Repeat this process until the lock fully calibrates
- Ensure the lock manually unlocks and locks your door properly
- Register and connect your smart lock with the compatible mobile app by scanning codes or synching through your home WiFi network per provided instructions.
Once connected and calibrated, conduct a few final test runs locking/unlocking from both the interior escutcheon and your mobile device app before considering your installation complete. Enjoy effortless keyless entry control!
Troubleshooting Tips
If experiencing issues getting your smart lock calibrated and connected, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Check battery orientation and try replacing batteries
- Ensure all wiring is properly connected between inner/outer lock assemblies
- Make sure your mobile device has Bluetooth and location enabled for app syncing
- Factory reset the lock and rerun the calibration process from scratch
Wrapping Up
Upgrading to a smart lock takes your home’s security and convenience to the next level with innovative keyless entry technology. Following this straightforward installation guide makes the switch easy, allowing you to be up and running with smartphone-controlled access in under an hour. Simplify your daily entry/exit routine while adding advanced features like customized digital access codes and integration with smart home platforms. With just a bit of DIY handiwork, you can maximize home connectivity and minimize the need for traditional metal keys ever again.