App Enabled

Locks you administer from a phone rather than at the keypad. The app is where users are added and removed, codes are issued, schedules are set and the event log lives. Which app platform the lock runs on matters more than the hardware badge, because the platform decides what you can do and how long it stays supported.

What the app actually gives you

User management - add and revoke people without touching the lock or changing a shared code.
Code issuing - permanent, timed, one-time and recurring codes, depending on platform.
Event log - who opened the door and when, with retention depth varying by platform.
Notifications - low battery, door left unlocked, and unlock alerts. Most require a gateway or built-in WiFi.
eKeys - a digital key sent to another person's phone, revocable at any time.
Settings - auto-lock delay, volume, privacy modes and lockout thresholds.

Platform is the real decision

Two locks with identical hardware specifications can behave very differently depending on the platform behind them. Consider capability, local support and where the data is held.

Consideration	Why it matters
Code types available	Timed and one-time codes are platform features, not universal hardware features
Gateway requirement	Bluetooth-only platforms need a bridge before anything works remotely
Local support	A locally distributed and supported platform means warranty and troubleshooting are handled in Australia
Data handling	Where the account and event data is hosted, and who operates the cloud infrastructure
Longevity	App platforms are discontinued more often than lock hardware fails

Chapter 15 compares the four platforms side by side, including capability, security posture and data sovereignty. Worth reading before you choose hardware.

Related categories

Bluetooth Smart Locks · WiFi Smart Locks · Modules and WiFi Gateways · By Access Method

Common questions

Do I need the app to use the lock day to day?
No. App-enabled locks still work from the keypad, fingerprint reader or credential without a phone present. The app is for administration, not for routine entry.

Can I control the lock when I am not home?
Only if the lock has built-in WiFi or a gateway on the same network. Bluetooth-only locks are administered within about 10 m of the door. What a gateway adds.

What happens if the manufacturer discontinues the app?
The lock keeps working on its keypad and local credentials, but remote features and app administration stop. This is the main argument for choosing a platform with a long local support history rather than the cheapest hardware. Five questions to ask about a platform.

Guides and reference

Ch 15 - App platforms · Ch 14 - TTLock platform guide · Which platform is right for you · TTLock and Tuya security compared