Are Keyless Door Locks Secure? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Keyless entry door locks are one of the most practical upgrades you can make to your front door. They replace a physical key with a digital access method, and in doing so, they give you something a traditional lock never could: visibility and control over exactly who enters your home and when.

Yes, keyless entry door locks are secure. In several important ways, they are more secure than a traditional key. This article covers how they work, the different types available, the security features that matter most, and the Tapo options worth considering.

Key Takeaways

• Keyless locks are secure. They use encrypted storage, automatic lockout after failed attempts, and a timestamped activity log so you always know who accessed your home and when.
• No physical key needed. A keyless entry door lock replaces the traditional key with a PIN code, fingerprint, palm recognition, or smartphone app. Most models include backup keys for emergencies.
• Your door locks itself. Auto-lock secures the door after a set period, and you can grant or revoke access digitally at any time, no key exchange required.
• There are four main types to choose from. Keypad, fingerprint, palm recognition, and app-based locks each suit different households. Many smart locks combine two or more methods.
• Tapo's lineup requires no subscription. Options range from an entry-level keypad to the advanced DuoBiometric^TM DL130, with all core features included at no extra cost.

What Is a Keyless Entry Door Lock?

A keyless deadbolt door lock replaces the traditional key with one or more digital access methods. Instead of inserting a key, you unlock your door using a PIN code, a fingerprint, palm vein technology, a smartphone app, or a combination of these. Most keyless locks also include backup physical keys for emergencies.

The "smart" part comes from connectivity. Most keyless entry door locks connect to your home's Wi-Fi network or use Bluetooth, allowing you to lock and unlock the door remotely, receive real-time alerts, and manage who has access, all from an app on your phone.

Installation is typically straightforward. Most models are designed to replace a standard deadbolt without drilling new holes or rewiring anything. Setup usually takes around 15 minutes.

What Makes Keyless Door Locks Secure?

Modern keyless entry door locks are secure, and the protection they offer goes beyond what a traditional key can provide. Here is what sets them apart.

Access You Can Control and Track

Fewer keys in circulation means fewer risks. While keyless locks include backup keys for emergencies, daily access is managed digitally. You control who gets in through the app, and you can revoke that access instantly without a locksmith or a lock change.

A full activity log. Every lock and unlock event is recorded with a timestamp. You can see exactly who accessed your home and when, directly in the app.

Temporary and scheduled access codes. You can create a one-time code for a delivery, a scheduled code for a housekeeper, or a time-limited code for a guest that expires automatically. No key exchange required.

Built-In Protection

Auto-lock. Most keyless locks automatically lock after a set period of time. If you forget to lock the door on your way out, it handles the locking for you.

Redundant access methods. The most secure keyless locks combine more than one access method, such as a keypad and fingerprint, or palm vein and fingerprint. Having multiple ways in means that no single issue, a forgotten code, a worn fingertip, or a drained battery, can leave you stuck outside. 

Automatic lockout after failed attempts. If someone presents the wrong code, fingerprint, or palm scan too many times, the lock restricts access and sends you an alert.

How Your Data Stays Private

Encrypted storage. Fingerprint templates and access data are stored on the device itself, not uploaded to the cloud. There is no external database of your biometric information to target or breach. Tapo smart locks encrypt that data using 128-bit AES, a standard strong enough for banks and government agencies to protect their most sensitive data. 

Types of Keyless Entry Door Locks

Keyless entry comes in several forms. The right type depends on how you prefer to access your home and who else needs regular access.

Keypad Locks

Keypad locks use a PIN code entered on a numbered keypad to unlock the door. They are a practical starting point for households where multiple people need access. You can assign individual codes to family members, create one-time codes for guests, and set scheduled codes for regular visitors, such as a dog walker or cleaning service. No one needs to share a key or a code they didn't choose.

Fingerprint Locks

Fingerprint locks register a specific fingerprint and unlock in under a second when recognized. There is no code to remember or share. For households where quick, personal entry matters, fingerprint access is faster and more private than a PIN.

Palm Recognition Locks

Palm recognition locks read the unique vein pattern beneath the surface of your palm using near-infrared light. The entry is completely contactless, works even with wet or dirty hands, and is the most advanced biometric option available. Because vein patterns are internal, and the scan relies on live blood flow in the hand, it can’t be spoofed with a photo or lifted pattern from a surface you have touched.

DuoBiometric™ Locks

DuoBiometric™ locks combine palm vein recognition and fingerprint access in a single device. Palm becomes the everyday entry method, fingerprint serves as the reliable backup, and both are stored encrypted on the lock itself.

App-Based Access

App-based access lets you lock and unlock your door remotely from anywhere using a smartphone. It is useful for letting in a guest when you’re not home, checking whether you locked up, or granting temporary access without needing to be present.

Many smart locks combine several of these methods. You don’t have to choose just one.

Tapo Keyless Entry Door Locks

Tapo's electronic door lock lineup covers every level of keyless access, from a straightforward keypad model to advanced DuoBiometric™ entry. Every model includes app control, remote locking and unlocking, a detailed activity log, real-time alerts, auto-lock, and access code management for family, guests, and regular visitors. Backup physical keys are included with every lock, and no subscription is required for any core feature.

Entry-Level Keypad Lock: Tapo DL100

The Tapo DL100 is the simplest way to go keyless. There are no biometrics, no complicated setup, just a backlit keypad with up to 200 customizable codes, and a battery that runs on standard AA batteries included in the box.

It’s a practical fit for households that want keyless convenience without a learning curve. The illuminated keypad makes nighttime entry easy, and peek-proof PIN entry lets you add random digits before or after your real code, so no one can guess it by watching. Batteries last up to seven months in Wi-Fi mode (based on Tapo laboratory testing), and a USB-C port on the exterior provides emergency power if they run low. 

The DL100 is rated IP54, meaning it is protected against dust and splashing water from any direction. It carries BHMA Grade 3 certification, an industry standard confirming it is suitable for everyday residential use. For doors that are sheltered from direct weather exposure, such as a covered porch, a side entrance, or a door between a garage and the home, that level of protection is more than adequate.

Fingerprint Smart Lock: Tapo DL105

The Tapo DL105 adds fingerprint access and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to a year between charges. It stores up to 100 registered fingerprints and unlocks in under half a second.

For households that use the front door constantly, coming home with groceries or getting kids inside quickly, fingerprint entry means no code to type and no phone to dig out. Based on Tapo lab tests, the rechargeable battery lasts up to a year on a single charge, so you think about recharging once a year, not monthly. When it does need power, the USB-C port makes it as straightforward as charging a phone. 

The DL105 shares the DL100's IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance and BHMA Grade 3 certification, making it a practical fit for covered porches, garage entry doors, or any installation sheltered from direct rain and extreme weather.

Fingerprint Smart Lock for  Heavy-Duty Use: Tapo DL110

The Tapo DL110 is built for households that want fast, reliable entry and a lock that holds up under heavy use and tough weather conditions.

Fingerprint recognition stores up to 100 prints and unlocks in under half a second, so getting through the door is effortless, whether your hands are full or you’re in a hurry. The rechargeable battery lasts up to a year between charges, and the USB-C port makes recharging simple when the time comes.

The DL110 is rated IP65, meaning it is fully protected against dust and can withstand direct jets of water, not just splashing. That level of protection matters if your front door is fully exposed to rain, wind, or freezing temperatures. BHMA Grade 2 certification confirms the lock is built to handle heavy daily use and last through years of regular operation. 

Peek-proof passcode entry lets you type random digits before or after your real PIN, so even if someone is watching, they can’t identify your code from the sequence. And if someone enters the wrong credentials too many times, the lock disables access automatically and sends you an alert.

Palm and Fingerprint Smart Lock: Tapo DL130

The Tapo DL130 is Tapo's most advanced smart lock, built around DuoBiometric™ technology that combines palm vein recognition and fingerprint access in a single device. It also includes a built-in doorbell, bringing access control and visitor awareness together in one installation.

Palm vein recognition is the headline feature, and it works differently from anything else on this list. Instead of reading the surface of your hand, it reads the unique vein pattern beneath your skin using near-infrared light. That pattern can’t be lifted from a surface you have touched, copied from a photo, or replicated. You simply hold your palm up to the lock, and the door opens, with no contact required. It works reliably across all hand types, including children's hands, elderly hands, and hands that are wet, dirty, or calloused. For families with young kids or older relatives, it’s a consistent, effortless way to manage the front door.

Fingerprint access is always available as a reliable backup. Both biometric methods are encrypted and stored on the device itself, with nothing sent to the cloud or held on a remote server.

The dual-battery design means the lock stays powered even while the main battery is removed for charging. A built-in door sensor triggers auto-lock the moment the door closes, rather than waiting for a timer, so the house is never left unsecured while you’re getting settled inside.

The DL130 is rated IP65 for full dust protection and resistance to direct water jets, and carries BHMA Grade 2 certification for heavy-duty residential durability. Dual-band Wi-Fi support means a faster, more reliable connection in busy households.

Upgrade Your Front Door With Confidence

Keyless door entry is a genuine step forward in home security. You get more control over who enters your home, a clear record of every entry event, and access that can be shared or revoked in seconds from your phone. No lost keys, no copies made without your knowledge, and no guessing whether the door is locked.

Tapo's range covers every access need, from the entry-level keypad DL100 to the DuoBiometric^TM DL130, with no subscription required for core features. Explore the full Tapo smart entry collection to compare models and find the right fit for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are keyless entry door locks secure?

Yes. Modern keyless entry door locks are secure and, in several ways, more secure than traditional keys. They use encrypted storage for biometric data, automatic lockout after failed attempts, and digital access management that lets you add or revoke access instantly. Every entry event is logged with a timestamp, so you always know who came and went.

Can keyless door locks be hacked?

Keyless locks are built with layers of protection that a traditional key simply can’t offer. Biometric data is stored on the device and never transmitted online, and app communication is encrypted. The more practical risk with any lock is physical: a traditional key can be copied without your knowledge in minutes. For the best protection, keep your lock's firmware up to date and use a strong, unique password for your Tapo account. 

What is the best type of keyless entry door lock?

The best type depends on how you use your front door and who needs access. Keypad locks are practical for households that need shareable, manageable codes. Fingerprint locks add a faster, more personal layer. Palm recognition is the most advanced biometric option, ideal for households that want contactless entry for all ages. Many smart locks, including several Tapo models, combine more than one method, so you’re not limited to a single option.

Do keyless door locks work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Most keyless door locks include Bluetooth as a local access option when Wi-Fi is unavailable. You can still lock and unlock the door using Bluetooth while within range, and physical backup keys are included with every Tapo smart lock for additional peace of mind. Some features, such as remote app control and real-time alerts, require an active Internet connection.

Do Tapo keyless door locks require a subscription?

No. All core features, including app control, activity logs, real-time alerts, and access code management, are included with every Tapo smart lock at no subscription cost.

What should I do if my Tapo keyless smart lock runs out of power?

Every Tapo smart lock includes a USB-C port on the exterior for emergency power. You can use a phone or a USB-C power bank to power the lock and unlock the door temporarily. All models also include physical backup keys. The DL130's dual-battery design keeps the lock running while the main battery charges.