Installing a smart lock that works with your existing deadbolt means you can still use your keys to unlock the door—especially when the smart lock malfunctions.
But as you probably know, only a few smart locks out there work with most standard deadbolts. So if you’re not sure what smart lock to get that can fit with your existing deadbolt, then this post is your go-to resource. Let’s head right into it!
Don’t forget to check out our guide to the Best Keyless Cabinet Locks for more lock ideas!
What smart locks work with existing deadbolts?
Table of Contents
As of now, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, August Smart Lock Pro, August Smart Lock (2nd gen), Yale Assure SL, and Kwikset Kevo Convert appear to be the best smart locks that work with most existing deadbolts.
Read on to see the features of each lock, compatible deadbolts, and incompatible deadbolts.
Best Smart Locks that Work with Existing Deadbolts: Features
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock comes equipped with several exciting features. As you’ll expect, the lock works with most standard single cylinder deadbolts. So if you’re looking for a smart lock that can work with your existing deadbolt, this is the lock for you.
But keep in mind that the lock doesn’t work with some deadbolts such as double cylinder deadbolts, mortise locks, Medeco, and single-sided deadbolts. Go here to see a list of compatible and incompatible deadbolts.
What’s more, let’s take a closer look at other features of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
Built-in Wi-Fi: Unlike other August Smart Lock models, this one comes with built-in Wi-Fi, meaning you don’t need a Wi-Fi bridge to connect to Wi-Fi for remote access. You can connect directly to Wi-Fi and control your lock via the August app on your phone from miles away.
Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock: With the auto-lock feature, you won’t have to worry whether the door is locked, as it automatically locks after a specified time—when it’s not locked. Also, the auto-unlock feature detects when you arrive home and automatically unlocks the door.
Remote Access: You can control this lock from miles away, so long as you have the app on your phone and it’s properly connected to your Wi-Fi network. Things you can do via the app include locking and unlocking, sharing ekeys with friends, family, or anyone you want to give access to your home. You also get notifications when anyone locks/unlocks your door.
Voice Control: You can also control this lock via voice commands. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You still don’t need a hub/Wi-Fi bridge to connect to Alexa, the built-in Wi-Fi does the job.
2. Yale Assure Keyless Smart Lock
Next in our picks is the Yale Assure SL key-free smart lock. This smart lock is packed with several exciting features, and as you expect, it works with most existing deadbolts.
Basically, this lock will replace your existing deadbolt on any standard door of 1-3/8 inches to 2-1/4 inches thick. Of course, you can still keep your existing deadbolt, so you can lock and unlock your door with your existing deadbolt keys.
Aside from that, you can control the lock remotely when paired to a compatible Z-Wave system—such as Samsung SmartThings and Wink. It’s also compatible with the Ring Alarm Security System, so you can control it remotely via the Ring Alarm app (requires a hub for this function).
That’s not all, you can also control (lock and unlock) the lock hands-free via Alexa voice assistant.
And you won’t have to worry if you forgot to lock your door, as the lock features an auto-lock that ensures your door is always locked. You can disable the feature if you want to.
3. Kwikset Kevo Convert
Looking to upgrade your existing deadbolt into a smart lock? Kwikset Kevo Convert is another smart lock that fits with most existing deadbolts and you may want to give it a try. The lock works with most Kwikset, Schlage, Baldwin, and Weiser cylinder deadbolts and the installation is easy.
But that’s not all about the Kwikset Kevo Convert; the lock has several other features you may like. Let’s take a closer look.
Remote Access: This lock allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely via the Kevo app. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices. You can also share ekeys with anyone you want to give access to your home via the Kevo app. However, connecting to Wi-Fi for remote access requires a Kevo Plus Connected Hub—sold separately.
Smart Home Compatibility: Kevo Convert is designed to work with several smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa, Nest Learning Thermostat, Skybell, Ring Doorbell, and IFTTT.
Auto-Lock: The lock also features an auto-lock that will automatically lock your door after some seconds when you leave it unlocked. Though this feature is disabled by default and you have to enable it yourself if you want it active.
As you can see, Kwikset Kevo Convert comes equipped with several features, including remote access. And of course, it works with your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your keys to unlock and unlock your door.
4. August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Generation)
So here’s another August Smart Lock that works with most existing deadbolts. But unlike the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, this model requires the August Wi-Fi Bridge to connect to Wi-Fi as it has no built-in Wi-Fi. That is, you can’t connect it directly to your smartphone for remote access without a Wi-Fi bridge.
But when connected via a Wi-Fi bridge, you can control and monitor your door from anywhere, so long as your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network with internet access. You will also get notifications on your phone when anyone locks or unlocks your door.
August Smart Lock Pro also works with Alexa voice assistant, meaning you can pair it with Alexa and then control your door through voice commands. You can ask Alexa to lock, unlock the door and also check entry history in the Alexa App. But keep in mind that this only works when you have an Alexa device and account. You’ll also have to integrate your lock with Alexa via a Wi-Fi bridge.
Other features of this lock include auto-lock, biometric verification, and facial recognition.
5. August Smart Lock
Basically, all August Smart Locks are compatible with most existing deadbolts and this is one of the best to consider if you want to upgrade your existing cylinder deadbolt to a smart lock. The lock attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door, so you can still use your existing keys to lock and unlock your door.
For remote access, the lock can be paired to your smartphone via the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge. When Successfully paired, you can lock and unlock your door remotely, share ekeys, and as well get notifications when your door is unlocked/locked by a third party.
The lock also features auto-lock and auto-unlock. It automatically locks the door when it’s unlocked and also detects your arrival and unlocks the door.
For added security, the lock requires biometric verification opt-in or facial recovery before operating it remotely
Read More: The BEST Commercial Keypad Door Locks. Looking to protect your business? These commercial keypad door locks are great options to consider!
Wrapping Up
Smart locks can sometimes malfunction. A typical example is being locked out when the lock isn’t responding. If this happens, you want to unlock your door with a physical key, and you can either do this on a smart lock that comes with a deadbolt, or a smart lock that works with an existing deadbolt.
While there are smart locks that can replace your existing deadbolt, it makes more sense to retain your existing deadbolt and still use the keys to lock and unlock your door.
So if you were looking to get a smart lock that works with your existing deadbolt but not sure which one to get, this article points you in the right direction.
To recap, Kwikset Kevo Convert and August smart locks are the best smart locks that work with most existing deadbolts. However, be sure to check compatibility with your existing deadbolt before you get one.
You may also read our articles about Smart Locks with a Handle and Deadbolt and Smart Locks for Commercial Doors.