Batteries
Smart Lock Batteries
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Replacement cells for smart locks, keypads and readers. This category is currently hidden from the storefront. The technical notes below apply whenever batteries are discussed on a product page or in support.
Battery selection
- Use good alkaline cells — most locks are calibrated to alkaline discharge behaviour and report battery level against that curve.
- Avoid rechargeable NiMH — nominal 1.2 V per cell instead of 1.5 V means a four-cell lock sees 4.8 V rather than 6 V, which triggers premature low-battery warnings and can prevent the motor throwing the bolt. Choosing batteries.
- Replace as a complete set — mixing old and new cells drags the whole set down to the weakest one.
- Never mix chemistries or brands — discharge curves differ, which produces erratic level reporting.
- Lithium in the cold — lithium cells hold voltage better at low temperatures, which is rarely a factor in Queensland but matters in alpine installations.
Expected life
Alkaline cells in a Bluetooth lock commonly last six to twelve months in normal residential use. A lock holding a persistent WiFi connection, or one on a high-traffic door, will run considerably shorter. Heat shortens life further, so a west-facing exposed door is the worst case. Battery management.
Change batteries when the first warning appears, not when the lock stops. Most locks warn well in advance, and the warning period is designed to be acted on rather than ignored. What to do when the battery dies.
Related categories
Power Accessories · Smart Locks With Backup Key · All Accessories · WiFi Smart Locks
Common questions
Can I use rechargeable batteries in a smart lock?
It is not recommended. The lower nominal voltage of NiMH cells produces false low-battery warnings and can leave insufficient voltage to drive the bolt motor reliably.
It is not recommended. The lower nominal voltage of NiMH cells produces false low-battery warnings and can leave insufficient voltage to drive the bolt motor reliably.
How often will I need to change them?
Typically six to twelve months on a Bluetooth lock in residential use, less on a WiFi lock or a high-traffic door. Heat and cold both shorten the interval.
Typically six to twelve months on a Bluetooth lock in residential use, less on a WiFi lock or a high-traffic door. Heat and cold both shorten the interval.
Why does the lock say low battery straight after I changed them?
Usually a mixed or part-used set, or rechargeable cells reporting low voltage. Fit a complete fresh alkaline set before suspecting the lock. Low battery diagnostic.
Usually a mixed or part-used set, or rechargeable cells reporting low voltage. Fit a complete fresh alkaline set before suspecting the lock. Low battery diagnostic.
Guides and reference
Ch 13 — Power and battery FAQ · The realities of battery life · Battery life on Yale locks