16 Things You Need To Know About Biometric Door Lock

What Are Biometric Door Locks?

A biometric door lock is a sophisticated device that enables homeowners to unlock their doors using their fingerprints, palm, or face. Identical to any other intelligent door lock, a biometric door lock gives an additional layer of protection in your home or workplace.

The locks are not entirely impenetrable to burglary assaults since they may be circumvented using forced entry tactics.

These locks are designed to provide convenience by removing the need to keep track of a key rather than offer better security.

The biometric door intelligent locks include a fail-safe lock if the battery packs or energy source powering the lock fails.

Fingerprint door locking systems are ideal for security since each fingerprint is almost always unique. As a result, unlike alphanumeric passwords, you are unlikely to lose or forget your fingerprints.

Figure 1: A biometric fingerprint door lock

How do Biometric Door Locks Work?

A Biometric door lock works by scanning and generating numerical templates from fingerprint data to verify the user.

In replacing a standard key, biometric door locks open the door using personally identifiable information. An optical sensor can be used to record the biometrics of anybody authorized to access your door through the system you set up.

The biometric door lock functions by flashing a flashlight over your fingerprint and capturing a digital photograph of the resultant image.

When the light-sensitive microchip scans the fingerprint, it recognizes its ridges and valleys and converts them into 1s and 0s, creating the user’s unique code.

Once the algorithm has been matched, it’s time to open it. The Minutia matching procedure is often used to do this.

Several minuscule points are marked on your finger pads and their initial location and orientation. This data is saved in the long-term memory.

The incoming input is compared to a fingerprint template previously saved during the matching process.

A green LED indicates a match has been made, facilitating unlocking the door. The whole procedure takes just a few hundredths of a second to finish.

Figure 2: How a biometric door lock works

What are the Types of Biometric Door Locks?

Among the most often used biometric door locks are the following:

Luckily Fingerprint Smart Lock: Ideal for various applications such as the main door, room door, or workplace door, among others. The lock is constructed of zinc alloy and has a satin finish that is weather and highly resistant to corrosion.

Figure 3: Luckily, Fingerprint Smart Lock

SMONET Keyless Lock: It is moderately safe since it has an auto-lock function and additional security measures, such as an anti-peep ability and a built-in alarm.

When the door is left unlocked for a short period, the auto-lock function automatically locks the door, depending on how the lock is configured.

Figure 4: Simonet biometric door lock

Kwikset Halo Touch fingerprint door lock involves keyless access using your fingerprint on the keypad. The Halo Touch intelligent door lock can save up to 100 fingerprints or 50 users, allowing you to share entry with your friends and family.

Also, the Halo Touch fingerprint door lock is a WiFi-linked fingerprint lock that links to home WiFi networks and smart devices like phones to enhance safety.

Figure 5: Kwikset Halo Touch fingerprint smart door lock

Ultraloq Smart Lock: It can be activated or deactivated from any location. Access is controlled remotely using a smartphone app that includes a WiFi bridge. This method allows users to unlock, share, and see a log of who has entered and when.

Figure 6: Ultraloq Smart Lock

What are the Advantages of Biometric Door Lock?

• Improved biometric door locks with Iris scanning close the security gap that fingerprint-based systems leave open. For instance, authentication through voice, on the other hand, does not need a finger to access the door.
• In cases where biometric door lock that employs iris scanners may be costly, you always have the option of using those with fingerprint locking systems or those that require that your eyes are scanned. Usually, fingerprint door lock systems seem ideal for high-security government facilities.
• Generally, biometric door locks are considerably more economical and pleasant in private homes and businesses. As a result, installing the biometric door lock eliminates the need for constant replacement. The funds you have worked hard to obtain may be saved this way.
• There is no possibility of misplacing, unlike using keys with a nasty habit of dissipating into thin air after slipping out of pockets, fingers, or bags. It is impossible to lose your fingers unless it is an accident.
• A biometric door lock is user-friendly. It is easy to use a fingerprint system by placing your finger on the scanner. As a result, the procedure is simplified and expedited.
• A Biometric door lock provides an aesthetic advantage. Fingerprints to lock and unlock the door enhance the premise’s visual appeal and attractiveness. It quickly inspires astonishment and serves as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Above all, a fingerprint door lock undoubtedly helps maintain the privacy and security of your residences and workplaces.

What are the Disadvantages of Biometric Door Locks?

There are several drawbacks to biometric door lock systems, but they are still helpful to notice them. It is not hard to deceive them, despite it being quite tricky.

• A finger picture may trick scanners that employ optical technologies to acquire information. The use of a mold allows a person to evade capacitance-based scanners. With the help of live finger detection and pulse and heat detectors, such scenarios may be averted.
• Another massive concern with fingerprint-based door locks is that if someone does manage to generate a copy of your biodata, like fingers that can be used to access doors, you may find yourself in danger. Because fingerprints cannot be reset like a standard password, replacing locks or using a combination of pins and fingerprints will be necessary.
• Also, the biometric door lock scanner may not identify if your finger has complications such as scars, wounds, or abrasions.
• Usually, a biometric door lock is susceptible to power outages and battery drain, which might leave you stuck outside your office or house. However, with today’s technology, a mechanical device allows you to open the door if the lock fails.

Figure 7: Possible limitations of a biometric door lock

How Do You Keep The Biometric Door Locks In Good Working Order?

• A soft, dry cloth should be used to wash the surfaces of biometric door locks on an as-needed basis to maintain their cleanliness. To prevent damage or corrosion to the lock’s body, never use water, chemicals, or any solvents to clean the surface of the lock.
• It is possible to call professionals to apply butter to the lock body if the biometric door lock replacement is inflexible or does not maintain its position after being replaced.
• Changing the battery requires unscrewing the two screws right above the locking lip, removing and replacing it with the new battery, then screwing the battery box setting screw back in.
• Keep your biometric door lock lubricated in addition to cleaning as often as it is necessary. Also, one of the most crucial, yet often forgotten, stages in the maintenance of your door locks is to replace the deadbolt—usually, products like petroleum. Graphite lubricants are effective, but Teflon and other dry oils are often the best and most convenient because of their ease of application.

How Can You Identify and Fix Biometric Door Lock Errors?

Beyond the possibility of hacking, a few more issues might arise while employing biometric door locks.

One of them is the use of delayed fingerprint identification. In this case, the lock’s fingerprint may not be sufficiently sensitive, and it may take numerous tries and several seconds or minutes before the door is unlocked completely.

In addition, if you have injured fingers that result in wounds, scars, or abrasions, the biometric door lock scanner may have difficulty recognizing and identifying you. You can solve this issue by using the access codes entry mode or another entry mode that your lock provides.

Further, biometric door locks may have generic difficulties similar to those experienced by other digital door locks. This might involve low battery life and difficulty integrating into intelligent devices. But if you get the finest fingerprint locks from well-known manufacturers, you may avoid this situation.

A dirty scanner screen may make the biometric door lock not function properly. For instance, If the fingerprint matches the one stored on the sensor, the sensor will unlock. The red light is illuminated, followed by two brief beeps, and the door may not open till the light is turned off.

Therefore, you must clean the scanner display if the sensor interface is dusty.

Using incorrect fingerprints may also result in an error that makes the smart door lock not work. The failure to engage in the registration mode may be due to incorrect usage of fingerprints or tampering with fingerprint registration, which is a possible cause.

As a result, you must use the correct fingerprint and thoroughly check the handbook for proper operation.

A flashing red light may indicate low battery life. If the battery has to be replaced, the only option is to remove the connection and re-adjust the jumper.

Failure to identify fingerprints may be caused by dirt, dryness, or a filthy or fuzzy touch screen. Fingerprints may be read simply by wiping fingers with a tissue. After that, you need to re-adjust the fingerprints.

What Are Technologies Employed In Biometric Door Locks?

Biometric door lock uses fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, iris scanning, palm identification, and DNA-based identification are some of the most well-known approaches.

Multimodal biometrics is a technique that integrates different biometric sources to boost security and accuracy.

Figure 8: Registering fingerprint

How Secure are Biometric Door Locks?

Because biometric door locks often use fingerprints and sometimes personal identification numbers, it enables you to open your door safely without using keys that can be duplicated.

When installing a biometric door lock, you won’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy set of keys. Additionally, it may alleviate the stress of misplacing actual keys and re-key or getting a replacement.

Some fingerprint door locks may even be accessed remotely using a smartphone app. It implies that you can manage safety through an app on your smartphone from kilometers away. Hence biometric door lock offers you greater security.

If you have a WiFi fingerprint door lock, this is an excellent alternative since it allows you to monitor and control your lock even while you are not at home. It will enable you to check your access logs and see who has entered your house at a particular time.

However, burglars can get through the locks if they use violent entry, but this is not guaranteed. A biometric lock doesn’t protect you better than a primary lock if it can be broken with your body. Also, hackers may be able to open your door as if they were you if the biometric door lock has a flaw.

What Is The Right Thing To Do When Biometric Door Locks Become Dysfunctional?

When a biometric door lock is not functioning correctly, it becomes as ineffective as any other machine or piece of equipment. The failure might be caused by the natural wear and tear of the equipment components, or mechanical faults could push it with the chip and antenna.

However, various additional factors might contribute to the situation.

However, if you are not an expert in the industry, you should not be concerned about repairing your biometric door lock. Having many years of combined expertise, we have a knowledgeable team of professionals that can put your biometric door lock back in working condition.

If your biometric door lock begins to malfunction, contact the manufacturer or supplier immediately so they can advise you on the following actions.

Does Biometric Door Locks Prone To Fraud?

Unfortunately, the appropriate response is yes. It is not impossible to trick biometric door locks, but it is not easy either. A Biometric door lock system is susceptible to hacking like any other digital door lock.

It is possible to circumvent a lock, mainly based on a capacitor-based scanner, by generating a mold of your hand. Because fingerprints are more challenging to change than a conventional password, you may be forced to replace the locks or convert them to a mix of PINs and fingerprints.

In cases where your fingerprint door lock allows for wireless connectivity and you connect over WiFi, it may be subject to cyber-attacks since the connection is made via the internet.

However, you may avoid this situation by following simple cyber security guidelines, like avoiding free internet such as public WiFi, using complex passwords, and maintaining your applications up to date.

What Is The Price Of A Biometric Door Lock?

Price ranges for biometric door locks are often vast, depending on the brand, quality, material, and door lock application. Regarding the price range, you may purchase a high-end model for as little as USD 195 or as much as USD 280.

On the other hand, the pricing may vary depending on the manufacturer or suppliers. Consequently, selecting a biometric door smart lock will be influenced by your company’s needs and financial capabilities.

For more information about price ranges for biometric fingerprint door locks, please read this article: Fingerprint Door Lock Price Analysis and Purchase Advice.

Do Biometric Door Locks Use A Microchip?

Biometric door locks employ a person’s unique identifier instead of a typical key. Thermal or optical scanners are used to store the authorized user’s fingerprints. These identifiers use a microchip that stores the information.

To unlock the door, you have to put your fingerprints palm and show your face or voice, which is captured and verified with the information in the microchip, and if it matches, the door opens.

What Are The Best Ways Of Selecting Biometric Door Lock?

• First and foremost, check whether it has a touchscreen or a critical slot. This ensures that if the device cannot detect your fingerprints, or even in the event of a power loss, you will have another method of gaining access.
• Evaluate the false rejection rate and check whether it performs well in carrying out its task. Also, it is wise to use a biometric door lock made of durable metal such as brass or steel.
• You should check whether the power usage of the biometric door lock matches what you can supply. It is a wise idea to double-check the system’s capabilities. Various techniques can be powered by batteries or run on a solar panel.
• Look at the total number of fingerprints that the biometric door lock you want can save. This is vital if you use the system to protect the doors to your offices, which need many workers to come and exit simultaneously.
• The cost of the biometric door locks should be considered before deciding on an appropriate kind. Many biometric locks are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding on a lock, be sure to compare their prices.
• Biometric locks might be basic or complicated, depending on your needs. Before using biometric locks, consider how the doors and locks will be used. Locks that are simple to use and function are critical in households with children.
• It’s also essential to consider how the biometric door locks will be used on individual doors. It is not possible to use a lock on every kind of door. Because of this, it is essential to consider the door’s dimensions and type when selecting locks.
• If you buy fingerprint door locks, you should study the many alternatives.

What Are The Materials Used To Make Surfaces Of Biometric Door Locks?

Metal alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc are the most often used materials for the surfaces of biometric door locks.

A variety of benefits may be gained by using a stainless steel biometric door lock panel. Corrosion resistance is the quality of the substance in which it is contained. It is waterproof, anti-drill, and anti-mite, making it an excellent choice for the current biometric door lock.

Change in appearance, for example, is a problem with this material because of its difficulty to deal with. Stainless steel also has limited design freedom due to its inherent hardness.

The vast majority of biometric door locks available on the market are straightforward. Although it’s plain and unsightly, it’s a sturdy design.

According to some experts, because of its delicate texture and low strength, an aluminum alloy may not be the best material for the surfaces of the biometric door lock.

The texture of zinc alloy material is softer than that of stainless steel. On the other hand, zinc alloy is less corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. All zinc alloy materials must be coated after casting to prevent decay.

What are the application fields for Biometric Door Locks?

With its self-explanatory title, “biometric door lock,” this system grants entry to those permitted by detecting and identifying the unique fingerprint patterns on each user.

Therefore, biometric door locks have many application fields, including home security, learning institutions, controlled access to events, and private and government offices. Fingerprint smart padlocks or fixed locks can be used in any area.

Figure 9: secure fingerprint door lock

Can Biometric Door Locks Be Used In Homes?

Our biometric door lock is typically used in access control systems, including entry such as doors and other devices. Therefore, they are appropriate in household settings, where biometric fingerprint or facial recognition software may be used to lock and open doors and palm identification and voice recognition.

As long as the locks are coded, you should not be worried about who needs to open the digital fingerprint door for you since you have all of the necessary information in your possession already.