Smart locks are becoming one of the most popular home-security upgrades across the UK - but with popularity comes the biggest question homeowners have:
“Can burglars hack a smart lock?”
It’s a fair concern. Whether you own a house, a rental property, or manage multiple entry points in a business, the idea of someone remotely unlocking your door feels terrifying.
The good news?
Modern smart locks - especially models like the WME DL1 and DL2 - are significantly more secure than most traditional key-based systems.
This guide separates myth from fact, breaks down real-world hacking scenarios, and explains the technology WME locks use to protect UK homes.
✅ 1. Can Smart Locks Be Hacked? The Short Answer
Technically yes - ANY digital device can be hacked.
But in real-world UK burglary cases, smart lock hacking is extremely rare, while traditional lock snapping, bumping, and key theft remain major risks.
ONS burglary data shows:
- 76% of break-ins involve physical lock manipulation, not digital hacking
- Lock snapping is one of the top forced-entry methods in the UK
- Smart lock hacking cases are almost non-existent compared to key theft or manual break-ins
So, while hacking is a possibility, the biggest real risk remains outdated mechanical locks - not smart locks.
🔍 2. How Burglars Actually Break Into Homes
Before examining hacking, it’s important to understand real burglar behaviour.
Home Office data shows most burglars gain entry using:
| Entry Method | Likelihood | Smart Lock Protection? |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Snapping (uPVC/composite doors) | Very high | DL2 protects against this |
| Unlocked Doors | High | Auto-lock prevents this |
| Stolen / Copied Keys | Common | No physical key to steal |
| Breaking a window | Moderate | Lock unaffected |
| Digital Hacking of Smart Locks | Extremely rare | Multiple layers of encryption |
Most break-ins are about speed and noise.
Burglars do not carry laptops, WiFi hacking devices, or digital tools.
They want entry in under 30 seconds, which is why they target traditional locks that can be snapped instantly.
🛡️ 3. Can WiFi Smart Locks Be Hacked? Let’s Break Down the Facts
Smart locks use three main layers of protection:
A. AES Encryption (Bank-Level)
Both the WME DL1 and WME DL2 use AES 128–bit encryption, the same standard used by banks, government systems, and major security providers.
This prevents:
- Data interception
- Replay attacks
- Brute-force digital unlocking
- App cloning
To crack AES encryption by force would take thousands of years using modern computing.
B. Anti-Tamper Protection
If someone tries to:
- Pry the lock
- Hit the keypad
- Remove the battery cover
- Pull or cut wires
The DL1/DL2 triggers:
✔ Internal alarm
✔ App notification
✔ Automatic lockout
You’re warned instantly - something traditional locks cannot do.
C. Password Safeguards
WME locks include:
- Failed password auto-lockout
- Incorrect attempt alarms
- PIN masking
- Temporary passwords
- One-time dynamic codes
After several failed attempts, the lock disables input, making brute-force attacks impossible.
🔬 4. What About Signal Jamming or Replay Attacks?
These are common myths on social media, but in reality:
Signal Jamming
→ Doesn’t unlock the door
It only blocks communication, and the lock remains physically secure.
Replay Attacks
→ Cannot work due to encryption
Modern smart locks encrypt communication with time-based keys.
→ WiFi Hacking
Only possible if someone already breached your home WiFi, which is far more difficult than breaking a physical lock.
Your smart TV, Alexa speaker, laptop, and phone are all more likely to be hacked than your smart lock.
🧱 5. Real-World Testing: How Secure Are the WME DL1 & DL2?
WME locks undergo testing similar to UK insurance-rated hardware.
DL1 Smart Lock Security Features
- PIN, card, fingerprint & app access
- Incorrect password lockout
- Auto-lock & passage mode
- No exposed wiring
- Built-in tamper alarm
- Mechanical backup key (for emergencies)
DL2 Smart Lock Security Features
- Designed for UK uPVC & composite multipoint doors
- Motorised locking mechanism
- Door-open sensor
- Anti-tamper casing
- AES encrypted app control
- Auto-locking
- Better protection against lock snapping
Because the DL2 works with a multipoint system, it protects against the most common UK attack vector: snapping the euro cylinder.
If someone tried to snap the lock, the internal motorised system remains engaged, keeping the door locked.
🔐 6. Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: Which Is Easier for Burglars?
| Threat Type | Traditional Lock | Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Snapping | ❌ Very vulnerable | ✅ DL2 prevents snapping |
| Key Theft / Copying | ❌ Common | ✅ No key needed |
| Picking / Bumping | ❌ Easy for burglars | ✅ Not possible |
| Forced Entry | ❌ Single point | ✅ Multipoint (DL2) |
| Digital Hacking | – | ⚠️ Possible but extremely unlikely |
| Remote Alerts | ❌ None | ✅ Instant notifications |
Smart locks remove the most common break-in risk: weak mechanical keys.
📱 7. App Risks: Can Someone Hack the Smart Life App?
Highly unlikely.
Smart Life uses:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Encrypted cloud communication
- No local password storage
- Device binding (only your phone can control your lock)
As long as you:
✔ Use a strong password
✔ Enable two-factor authentication
✔ Keep your phone updated
— your system remains secure.
🚪 8. Are Smart Locks Safe for Flats, HMOs & Rentals?
Yes - they are safer than traditional keys.
Benefits for shared spaces:
- No lost keys
- Temporary codes for cleaners or guests
- Access logs for security disputes
- Door status alerts
- Auto-lock reduces accidents
The DL2 is ideal for:
- uPVC apartment doors
- HMOs with frequent turnover
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb)
🏠 9. When Is a Smart Lock Not Recommended?
Smart locks may not suit:
❌ Very old warped doors
❌ Properties with unstable WiFi (unless using non-WiFi modes)
❌ Poorly fitted doors with structural issues
But for 95% of UK homes, smart locks improve both convenience and security.
⭐ Final Verdict: Can Burglars Hack Your Smart Lock?
It’s theoretically possible - but realistically extremely unlikely.
Real-world burglars target:
- Weak cylinders
- Keys under flowerpots
- Unlocked doors
- Poorly fitted hardware
Smart locks eliminate all four.
A correctly installed smart lock (DL1/DL2) is significantly safer than most standard UK locks.
📌 Want to Upgrade Your Security?
🔐 Browse Smart Locks (DL1 & DL2)
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