If you have an ADT system and you want to install a smart lock, there are some things you need to know.
ADT uses Kwikset locks in all of their home security packages, and therefore most Kwikset smart locks will work with ADT systems. The specific lock ADT uses is the Kwikset 914 Deadbolt. ADT is willing to answer any questions regarding compatibility.
Kwikset locks are great, and they have taken the smart home market by storm. With the sheer volume of products out there, it can be difficult to sort out the good and the bad. In the coming paragraphs, I hope to get rid of any confusion in your mind about what smart lock to get as well as if it is compatible.
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
914 SmartCode Traditional Electronic Deadbolt with Z-Wave Technology | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kwikset 914 Deadbolt
There is a reason Kwikset is a leading brand in the smart lock market, and the Kwikset 914 is the perfect case study into why that is.
Check it out on Amazon by clicking this link here.
I love this deadbolt for a lot of reasons, and let’s just jump right into why.
Looks
A lot of smart locks look completely ridiculous. The problem with ugly locks is that they are usually the first thing that people really see when they come to your door. Especially with the many buttons that sit on smart locks, they tend to attract attention.
If you are not careful, you can have a really expensive door, door handle, porch decor, etc while having a cheap and ugly looking deadbolt. Since Kwikset has been making locks for quite a while, this lock is a great looking device that won’t scare off your guests. It even has several different colors so that you can match your current look.
Features
Many people get a smart lock without really understanding what they want, and that is okay if you only want to enhance your current experience. I, however, am the kind of guy that doesn’t want to simply enhance, I want a complete overhaul.
The Kwikset 914 is a complete overhaul of your current system. This lock comes equipped with so many different features and amenities that you will be amazed at all of the new capability.
I won’t get too deep into it here since you can go watch the video they have on Amazon that will show off all the fancy stuff they have going on, but really this thing is great.
I will talk about one feature of this lock that is really important to me; the keypad.
Many people buy a smart lock with the idea that they will simply use their phone as a key from now on, which is great and they should think that. I simply want to invite you to ponder how great it is that you can send anybody access to your home remotely with a simple pin in a text message, and then revoke that access later.
My brother, for example, doesn’t always have his phone with him on a run, but he can gain access to his house with a simple keypad. That is why keypads are a must on doors.
Ease of installation
Locks that are installed into the door can be tricky. I know that phrase will be confusing to you, but let me explain.
Many locks are simply integrated into your current system, and those install in less than ten minutes depending on what tools and technical knowledge you have.
This Kwikset lock is a little different in that it is a complete replacement of your current deadbolt. Everything you install is new. This takes some times since some doors need some very specific things in order to get them to line up. It is not something you should shy away from if you don’t know what you are doing though. I know I had no idea what I was doing the first time I installed a lock, but I did it without any help, so you should be fine.
Check out this video below and see what it is like to install.
Why Kwikset locks are compatible with ADT?
Kwikset locks are awesome, and plenty of security companies love to use them, so you should not be surprised to learn that ADT is no different.
For those of you that have an ADT system, you obviously will value the added security that is offered by a smart lock. Kwikset locks are great because they do their job in terms of security, and they also do their job in terms of ease of use.
Kwikset installation is really easy and effortless, and that is why many security companies like them. They have several different options when it comes to looks, features, and price.
Kwikset locks come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, but really what you are looking for are ones that are Z-wave enabled.
That’s the great thing with Kwikset locks, almost anyone of their locks is great and it is hard to choose wrong. That being said, it is probably a good idea to talk to a sales rep from ADT before making a purchase.
Why you should let ADT install the lock for you?
ADT is a great company that is focused on customer service, and the more research that you do will help you to understand that they really want to be involved in your smart lock installation.
The worst thing that could happen is that you go out and purchase a smart lock that you like, but isn’t compatible with ADT because of some strange policy that you are unaware of in your contract with them.
The best possible situation is to call ADT and have them install a smart lock through their process, meaning they use the lock that they know will work and if it doesn’t then it is on them to fix it.
I know that this might be a little more pricey, but honestly, this is what you are looking for.
You can go ahead and install just about any smart lock and find that it will do its job well, but if you want it to connect to your current home security system, you are going to have some difficulty working through all the kinks.
Do yourself a favor and go to ADT to get your lock, and the seamless installation and implementation are going to be satisfying.
Honestly, connecting a smart lock to ADT can be tricky, so if you are really not into troubleshooting then you really should just call ADT and see what they can do for you.
Be really careful when calling ADT because they are known to upsell like crazy. Make the decision that when you call them you are only going to have them install a smart lock and nothing else.
When you should not let ADT set one up
Reason 1: The upsell
If you call ADT and they tell you that in order to connect a smart lock they need to upgrade your package for complete connectivity, then you might be better off hanging up and rethinking your strategy.
Although ADT security is awesome, they can be a little tricky in terms of what type of amenities are available to you. If they tell you that you need to change your contract in order to get smart lock compatibility, it might be a better idea to just go out and buy yourself a Kwikset 914 Deadbolt and install it yourself.
Reason 2: Door Compatability
If you are at all concerned that your door will not fit the full lock replacement type of lock, then it might be a good idea to get another type of lock, and generally, those are not going to be compatible with ADT. Don’t worry if your lock is not compatible, especially since it really isn’t that big of a deal, read on to learn more about what to do if your lock is not compatible.
Is compatibility that big of a deal?
Honestly, no.
ADT is a great service with a lot of awesome features, but a smart lock is great because of how simple they are, and if it doesn’t integrate perfectly then you really shouldn’t worry.
Generally, smart lock companies have their own homegrown app or solution that will serve just about every purpose that you could have for a smart lock.
The worst thing that could happen is that you install your smart lock and find out that it isn’t going to work, and then you go out and install the smart locks software and maybe a little extra hardware that connects it to the internet. You might actually like the locks own software more than the ADT version.
Related Questions
Are smart locks expensive? Smart locks cost $150-300 and can be installed yourself. Batteries are replaced on average around once a year. They are relatively cheap when the features and added security are considered.
Will Locksmiths install smart locks? Most local locksmiths will install smart locks, and will even ensure that they are compatible with specific doorways. Locksmiths will typically charge 100 dollars for such an installation.
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