Smart locks are becoming one of the fastest-growing home security upgrades in the UK - but with new technology comes hesitation, confusion, and a LOT of myths.
If you’ve ever wondered whether smart locks can be hacked, whether insurers accept them, or whether they’re actually safer than traditional keys, you’re not alone.
At WME, we speak to homeowners, landlords and tradespeople every day, and we hear the same concerns again and again.
The truth?
Most of the fears around smart locks are outdated or completely false.
In this guide, we break down the biggest myths UK homeowners still believe - and reveal the real facts behind today’s smart lock technology.
Myth 1: “Smart Locks Can Be Easily Hacked”
The truth: They’re harder to bypass than traditional keys.
This is by far the most common concern.
But here’s the thing:
Most break-ins in the UK do not involve hacking.
They involve…
✔ Lock snapping
✔ Stolen keys
✔ Picking cheap cylinders
✔ Forcing weak doors or frames
Smart locks such as the WME DL2 Smart Lock don’t suffer from these risks because they use:
- AES 128-bit encryption (same security standard used by banks)
- Rolling codes that change every use
- Anti-tamper sensors
- Automatic lockout after repeated incorrect attempts
- Real-time notifications on your phone
To hack a modern smart lock, a burglar would need specialist equipment, time, and access to the lock - and even then, encryption makes it extremely unlikely.
Meanwhile, snapping a traditional euro cylinder takes around 8 seconds.
👉 Explore secure smart locks like the
-
WME DL2 Smart Lock (premium, multipoint, packed with security features)
-
WME DL1 Smart Lock (affordable but still advanced)
Myth 2: “If the Wi-Fi goes down, I’ll be locked out”
The truth: Smart locks don’t rely on Wi-Fi to open.
Wi-Fi is for convenience - not operation.
Both the DL2 and DL1 continue to function perfectly using:
✔ PIN codes
✔ Fingerprints
✔ RFID cards
✔ Mechanical key backup
Wi-Fi is only needed for remote features like app notifications or temporary passwords.
Even during a power cut or broadband outage, the door still unlocks normally.
Myth 3: “Batteries will die and the lock won’t work”
The truth: Battery life is long, with multiple backup options.
Modern smart locks are extremely power efficient.
The DL2 Smart Lock uses long-life AA batteries and typically lasts 6–12 months depending on usage.
Plus you receive:
✔ Low-battery warnings via app AND on-device
✔ Emergency USB-power port
✔ Mechanical key override
You’re far more likely to lose a traditional key than experience a dead smart lock.
Myth 4: “Smart Locks Aren’t Strong Enough for UK Doors”
The truth: The DL2 is specially engineered for UK multipoint doors.
Most global smart locks are designed for American single-latch doors - completely different to our UK multipoint or uPVC systems.
This is why the WME DL2 was built specifically for:
✔ uPVC doors
✔ Composite doors
✔ Wooden doors
✔ 35–65mm thickness
✔ UK-style multipoint locking systems
This gives it the same physical strength and security as a traditional handle - but with vastly improved convenience and smart control.
👉 Browse the full WME Smart Lock Collection
Myth 5: “Smart Locks Make My Home Less Insurable”
The truth: Insurers care about the strength of the lock, not the tech.
UK home insurance providers are generally concerned with:
- Whether the door is multipoint locked
- Whether the cylinder meets British Standards
- Whether the property is secure when left unattended
A smart lock does not void insurance - and in many cases, it can improve your security profile because:
✔ You cannot accidentally leave the door unlocked
✔ No spare keys can be lost, copied or cloned
✔ You receive alerts on tampering
✔ You can prove door access history
When combined with good hardware, smart locks meet or exceed the security expectations of most insurers.
Myth 6: “Smart Locks Are Only for Tech-Savvy People”
The truth: They’re easier than using a smartphone.
The DL2 and DL1 were designed for everyday UK households, including:
- Families
- Elderly residents
- Airbnb or rental hosts
- Tradespeople
- Office access management
Opening the door is as simple as:
✔ Putting your finger on the sensor
✔ Entering a 4–6 digit PIN
✔ Tapping a fob
✔ Using your smartphone
No complicated setup. No coding. No maintenance.
Myth 7: “Smart Locks Are Too Expensive”
The truth: They’re cheaper long-term than replacing keys & cylinders.
Cost is a major factor UK households consider.
But traditional locks have hidden ongoing expenses:
- Replacing lost keys
- Changing cylinders when a tenant moves out
- Hiring locksmiths for lockouts
- Security upgrades after attempted break-ins
Smart locks eliminate these entirely.
Plus, WME’s direct pricing makes them more affordable than big-brand models like Yale.
Both offer unmatched value in their category.
Myth 8: “A Smart Lock Will Cause More Problems Than It Solves”
The truth: It solves nearly every issue caused by traditional locks.
Let’s compare:
| Problem | Traditional Locks | Smart Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Lost keys | Very common | Impossible |
| Forgetting to lock | Very common | Auto-lock |
| No access history | Impossible | Full log |
| Guests/trades access | Inconvenient | Temporary PINs |
| Key copying | Easy | Not possible |
| Lockouts | Frequent | Never (PIN, app, key) |
Smart locks were designed to remove friction from everyday life - and the DL2 executes this better than most major UK brands.
Myth 9: “Burglars Prefer Smart Locks as a Target”
The truth: Burglars prefer weak cylinders, not encrypted electronics.
According to ONS burglary statistics, the majority of UK break-ins occur through:
- Lock snapping
- Unlocked doors
- Weak wooden frames
- Windows left open
Not a single police report category lists “smart lock hacking” as a common method.
Why?
Because it’s extremely difficult and time-consuming - and burglars want fast entry with minimal risk.
The DL2’s anti-tamper alarms and instant smartphone alerts make it a very unattractive target.
So… Should UK Homeowners Trust Smart Locks?
100% - if you choose a reputable, well-engineered model.
Cheaper imports? Not recommended.
Poorly installed smart locks? Risky.
But premium devices like the WME DL2 and DL1 offer:
✔ Strong physical security
✔ Bank-level encryption
✔ UK door compatibility
✔ Easy DIY installation
✔ Full control from anywhere
✔ Better protection than keys
This is why smart locks are rapidly becoming the new standard for UK home security.
Recommended Next Steps
To build your smart home security system:
🚪 Read: Will a Smart Lock Fit My Door? Complete UK Compatibility Guide
📱 See: How to Set Up the DL2 Smart Lock on Your Phone
Need Help Choosing the Right Lock?
WME’s security specialists can guide you through compatibility, features, and installation.
Chat with our team or browse the full smart lock selection today.