Smart home tech has taken off massively in the UK, but there’s still one device people hesitate to trust: smart locks.
It makes sense. Your front door is the barrier between “everything you own” and “everything outside”, so the idea of replacing a solid, mechanical lock with something digital naturally raises questions.
Are smart locks safe? Can they be hacked? Will your home insurance cover them? And what actually happens during a break-in attempt?
Today, we’ll clear up the myths, look at the facts, and break down the real security standards that matter here in the UK. We’ll also show how the latest DL1 and DL2 Smart Locks by WME stack up against those requirements.
Myth 1: “Smart locks are easier to hack than traditional locks.”
Fact: Modern smart locks are tested against cyber attacks AND physical attacks.
A lot of people imagine hackers sitting outside your home, tapping into your Wi-Fi and magically unlocking your door. In reality, high-quality smart locks go through far stricter cyber testing than most consumer devices.
The best models include:
- AES-128/256 encryption (military-level data protection)
- Secure key storage
- Anti-tamper alerts
- Encrypted Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections
- Automatic lockouts after repeated failed QR/PIN attempts
For example, the WME DL1 and DL2 Smart Locks use encrypted wireless technology, meaning the lock and your phone create a secure, unique “handshake” each time. A hacker would need your unique digital key – and even then, they’d run into layered encryption.
Compare this to a traditional lock.
Standard cylinders can be:
- Picked
- Snapped
- Bumped
- Drilled
- Bypassed with simple tools sold online
When you put the two side-by-side, a quality smart lock often offers more protection, not less.
Myth 2: “If the Wi-Fi goes down, you’re locked out.”
Fact: Premium smart locks work offline, with multiple backup entry options.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Smart locks don’t rely solely on Wi-Fi. In fact, most don’t need Wi-Fi for day-to-day use at all.
Both the DL1 and DL2 offer:
- PIN codes
- Fingerprint access (up to 100 prints)
- NFC / keycard entry
- Mechanical backup key
- App access via Bluetooth (works offline)
So even if your broadband goes down, your battery dies, or the app updates, you always have a way in.
Myth 3: “Smart locks aren’t covered by UK home insurance.”
Fact: Insurers care about security ratings, not whether the lock is digital.
Home insurers in the UK focus on compliance with recognised security standards – not the “type” of lock.
Here’s what insurers look for:
✔ British Standard (BS3621 / BS8621 / BS10621)
These standards mean locks have passed rigorous tests against drilling, picking, and forced entry.
✔ PAS 24 and TS 621 Requirements
These relate to enhanced security for external doors – often used in new builds and upgraded front doors.
✔ 3-Star or Diamond Cylinder Ratings (SS312)
Relevant for euro cylinders, protecting against lock-snapping, the UK’s most common forced-entry method.
✔ Anti-tamper design
Insurers like to see locks that resist bypassing and forced entry. Many smart locks exceed this requirement with hardened steel, reinforced housings, and encrypted internal mechanisms.
WME’s DL1 and DL2 Smart Locks are designed to comply with key UK security expectations, making them suitable for most UK home insurance policies. If you’re unsure, a quick check with your insurer usually clears it up – but almost all major providers now accept-rated smart locks as long as your door itself is compliant.
Myth 4: “Smart locks are easy to break with physical force.”
Fact: Smart locks often outperform traditional locks in physical break-in tests.
Traditional locks fail under:
- Lock snapping
- Bumping
- Torque attacks
- Simple crowbar leverage
- Cylinder extraction
High-quality smart locks, however, use:
- Reinforced alloy or stainless steel bodies
- Hidden fixings
- Anti-pry housings
- Deadbolts thicker than typical mechanical models
- Internal attack sensors that trigger alarms or notifications
The DL2 in particular uses a reinforced deadbolt and anti-pry frame, which makes it significantly harder to force open than a basic mechanical lock you'd find on many UK homes.
Myth 5: “Batteries will die and I’ll be stuck outside.”
Fact: Smart locks warn you weeks in advance and include emergency power options.
Most smart locks, including WME’s DL1 and DL2, give you:
- Low-battery alerts (push notifications + on-lock indicator)
- Emergency Type-C power port
- Backup mechanical key access
And battery life is long – typically 6–12 months depending on usage.
It’s almost impossible to be “caught out” unless you ignore the lock’s warnings for weeks.
So… Are Smart Locks Actually Safe?
**In short: Yes—**if you choose a high-quality, UK-rated model.
A cheap smart lock from an unknown marketplace? Probably not.
A security-tested, encrypted, insurer-friendly smart lock? Absolutely.
In fact, smart locks now offer more protection, more control, and more convenience than traditional locking systems.
Here’s what matters most when choosing one:
What to Look for in a Smart Lock (UK Buyers’ Checklist)
✔ Meets UK security expectations – BS and PAS standards
✔ Strong physical build – hardened alloy, anti-pry design
✔ Encrypted wireless technology
✔ Multiple entry methods – PIN, fingerprint, app, keycard, backup key
✔ Offline operation
✔ Auto-locking and event logs
✔ Low-battery and tamper alerts
WME’s DL1 and DL2 tick every box.
DL1 vs DL2: Which Smart Lock Should You Choose?
DL1 – Simple, secure, and ideal for most front doors
Perfect if you want a clean upgrade without overcomplicating things.
Best for:
→ Standard UPVC or composite doors
→ Homeowners wanting reliable multi-access security
→ First-time smart lock users
Key features:
- Fingerprint unlocking
- PIN code
- NFC card
- Bluetooth app access
- Backup mechanical key
- Anti-tamper alerts
- Auto-lock function
- Encrypted wireless communication
DL2 – Premium, heavy-duty security for maximum protection
A more advanced unit with stronger physical hardware and upgraded sensors.
Best for:
→ Main entrances
→ Landlords and short-stay hosts
→ Home offices, studios, and side doors
→ Anyone who wants the highest security rating available
Key features:
- All DL1 features PLUS…
- Reinforced deadbolt
- Wider fingerprint reader
- More access logs
- Multi-layer anti-pry housing
- Higher break-in resistance
- Faster NFC scanning
The DL2 is designed for people who want complete confidence, even if they travel often or manage multiple properties.
Real-World Benefits You’ll Notice Straight Away
1. No more hiding keys under plant pots.
Send temporary codes or NFC cards instead.
2. Track who comes in and out.
Perfect for kids, carers, cleaners, and tradespeople.
3. Never wonder “Did I lock the door?” again.
The auto-lock feature sorts it for you.
4. Better protection against forced entry.
Smart locks don’t have exposed cylinders to snap.
5. More control, even when you’re not home.
Check the lock status from your phone anywhere in the world.
So… Should You Upgrade to a Smart Lock?
If you want stronger security, modern convenience, and full control of your home access, the answer is yes.
Smart locks are no longer “the future”— they’re now one of the most secure options for UK doors, provided they meet the right standards.
The WME DL1 and DL2 Smart Locks give you all the protection of a premium mechanical lock plus:
- fingerprint access
- PIN codes
- digital keys
- real-time alerts
- encrypted tech
- physical break-in resistance
…and the confidence that your door is protected 24/7.
