The Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock comes with a smart design that allows you to simply touch the lock to unlock it, but that’s not the only feature that makes it so great. Here’s how to get the most out of our Kevo smart lock.
Use your previous key with Kevo
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Purchasing a new lock requires the use of new keys. You we could hire a locksmith to change the bolt pattern to match your old keys, but in most cases it’s not worth the trouble.
However, Kevo comes with SmartKey Kwikset technology that allows you to use your old Kwikset key to unlock your Kevo — no locksmith needed. This is really easy to do and only takes about 30 seconds thanks to the special little tool that comes with the lock. Check out our guide to learn how to program it. (If your home has previously used Schlage locks, you will not be able to use this key to unlock the Kevo — you will need a new Kwikset key).
Get a Kevo Fob so you don’t have to use your phone
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Kevo usually uses location data and Bluetooth from your phone to determine if you are really trying to open your door. However, this means that you must leave the app running in the background at all times. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you can use a Kevo Fob instead of a padlock, relying on your phone.
Kevo Fob acts as a direct replacement for your phone. If you touch the lock with the key fob in your pocket, it will open. So if you don’t want the app to run in the background, or you usually have Bluetooth turned off, you can use a keychain instead. Here’s how to do it.
Create «eKeys» for family members
CONNECTED:How to give Digital «eKeys» for your Kwikset Kevo to other users
One of the downsides of Kevo (unlike other keypad smart locks) is that you simply can’t share a simple code with other people if you want to give them access to your home. Instead, you have to give them your own «eKey» to use on their phone, but it’s easy to set up.
Just open the Kevo app and send the eKey to a contact on your phone (or email them if it’s not in your contacts). From there, their phone will now act as a digital key to your Kevo lock, and you can even restrict access to specific times or grant them temporary access only if they are a guest.
Control your Kevo remotely (or with Alexa) with Kevo Plus
CONNECTED:What is Kevo Plus and is it worth it?
By itself, Kevo only allows you to lock and unlock your door with your phone if you are nearby and within Bluetooth range. You you can control the lock from afar, but you need a Kevo Plus to make that happen.
Kevo Plus costs a one-time fee of $99 and comes with an internet gateway device that you plug into your router. This will connect your Kevo to the Internet, allowing you to access your castle even if you are not at home. Kevo Plus also allows you to integrate Kevo with other SmartHome devices such as the Amazon Echo to manage your lock.
Enable auto-lock if you are a forgetful person
RELATED:How to enable auto-lock for your Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock
I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to lock the door behind me. Luckily it didn’t cost me, but others may not have been so lucky. Kevo has an auto-lock feature that will automatically lock your door 30 seconds after you unlock it, so your forgetfulness won’t kick in and bite you from behind.
To turn it on, all you need to do is remove the inner cover, find switch #4 and turn it on. After that, your Kevo will automatically lock after 30 seconds, regardless of whether the door is open or closed.
Lock the door without a phone
Locking the door, Kevo still relies on your phone. So if you don’t have a phone (or key fob) you can’t lock the door by touch. However, you can enable the Triple Touch Lock feature, which allows you to lock your Kevo without the need for your phone.
You simply remove the inner cover from the lock and turn on switch #2. From there, the triple touch lock will be activated. When you leave, simply click on the lock three times in a row to lock the door.
Hide a spare key, just in case
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Even if you don’t need a key to lock and unlock your Kevo, it’s still a good idea to have a spare key on hand in case the batteries run out or some other mechanical failure occurs.
You don’t need to keep that spare key on you at all times, though it’s probably not that big of a deal since you carry your car keys with you anyway. However, you can just hide the key somewhere outside of your home if you really don’t want to carry it around.
