WiFi

WiFi is what makes a lock reachable when you are not there: unlock remotely, issue a code to someone standing at the door, and get notified when it opens. It can be built into the lock or added with a gateway. Either way the network requirements are specific, and getting them wrong is the main cause of complaints.

Built-in WiFi or gateway?

Approach	How it works	Considerations
Built-in WiFi	The lock joins your network directly	Fewer parts to buy. Higher battery drain from holding the connection
Bluetooth plus gateway	A mains-powered bridge connects the lock's Bluetooth to your network	Longer lock battery life. Gateway placement matters, and it must stay powered

Network requirements

2.4 GHz band - almost all smart locks are 2.4 GHz only. They cannot see a 5 GHz network.
Band steering - routers that present both bands under one name are the single most common cause of dropouts. Splitting the SSIDs usually resolves it.
Signal at the door - measure at the lock position, not in the hallway. Masonry, foil-backed sarking and metal screens all attenuate heavily.
Captive portals and guest networks - a lock cannot complete a browser sign-in, so it cannot join those networks.
Static behaviour on outage - when the internet drops, local keypad and Bluetooth access continue. Only remote features stop.

If a lock keeps dropping off, it is almost never the lock. Work through band steering, signal strength at the door and router firmware in that order. Why smart locks drop off WiFi.

Battery impact

A lock holding a persistent WiFi connection consumes considerably more power than the same lock on Bluetooth. Expect shorter replacement intervals, and factor that into the choice if the door is difficult to service. A Bluetooth lock with a mains-powered gateway gives the same remote capability without the battery penalty.

Related categories

Bluetooth Smart Locks · App Enabled · Modules and WiFi Gateways · Power Accessories

Common questions

Does the lock still work if the internet goes down?
Yes. The keypad, fingerprint reader and credentials all continue to work locally. Only remote unlocking, remote code issuing and notifications stop until the connection returns.

Why does my smart lock keep disconnecting?
Band steering is the usual culprit, where the router advertises 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one network name and the lock loses its connection when steered. Splitting the networks into separate names normally fixes it. Causes and real fixes.

Is a WiFi lock less secure?
It has a larger attack surface than a Bluetooth-only lock, which is a real consideration. What matters most is the platform's security practice: encryption in transit, account protection and how promptly vulnerabilities are patched. Platform security compared.

Can I add WiFi to a lock I already own?
If the lock supports a gateway or plug-in module, yes. Check the model's accessory list. Modules and gateways.

Guides and reference

Ch 08 - Gateway comparison · Ch 03 - WiFi and remote access · Why smart locks drop off WiFi · Gateways compared