5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Smart Lock

Smart Lock Buying Guide for European Homes

As smart home technology becomes more mainstream, smart locks are quickly gaining popularity across Europe. They promise convenience, security, and remote control — but if you're not careful, buying the wrong one can lead to frustration, wasted money, or even a locked-out disaster.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 5 most common mistakes people make when buying a smart lock and how to avoid them. Whether you're a first-time buyer or replacing your old lock, this guide will save you time and regret.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Door Compatibility (Especially in Europe)

One of the most common rookie mistakes is assuming all smart locks fit all doors. That’s simply not true — especially in Europe, where Euro profile cylinders are very different from US-style deadbolts.

❌ Common problems:

Buying a deadbolt lock that doesn’t fit Euro cylinder cutouts

Wrong door thickness or cylinder length, making installation impossible

✅ How to avoid:

Check if your door uses Euro profile cylinder (very common in Europe)

Measure your existing cylinder length and door thickness

Use the brand’s compatibility checker tool (like WELOCK Compatibility Page)

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Mistake 2: Focusing on Features but Forgetting Emergency Options

Smart locks rely on batteries, connectivity, and apps — but what happens if your phone dies, your Wi-Fi drops, or the battery runs out?

❌ Common problems:

No way to unlock when the battery is dead

No remote access when the cloud is down

No backup method if you lose your phone

✅ How to avoid:

Make sure your smart lock has at least two of the following:

Bluetooth local access (no internet required)

PIN codes/fingerprints/RFID cards

Type-C emergency power port

Mechanical backup key

WELOCK smart locks support multiple unlocking methods and offer USB emergency power — so you're never locked out.

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Mistake 3: Choosing Low Price Over Brand Reliability

It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option on the market — but ultra-cheap smart locks often come with major risks: poor build quality, no software support, or no real company behind them.

❌ Common problems:

Cloud servers shut down, disabling remote access

Outdated apps, buggy performance

No warranty or local customer support

✅ How to avoid:

Choose a well-known smart door lock brand 

Look for GDPR compliance and clear data policies

Confirm there’s English or local-language customer support

WELOCK offers multilingual customer service  and warranty coverage across Europe — peace of mind included.

 

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Mistake 4: A Fancy Lock With a Terrible App

A smart lock is only as good as the app that controls it. Even if the hardware is solid, a buggy, confusing app can ruin the entire experience.

❌ Common problems:

Bluetooth frequently disconnects

Remote unlocking fails

Unlock history doesn’t load

Confusing user interface or access control

✅ How to avoid:

Choose brands with well-rated apps on the App Store or Google Play

Watch demo videos or try the app before purchasing

Look for screenshots or UI previews in product pages

The WELOCK app offers  stable connections, intuitive controls, and detailed activity logs.

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Mistake 5: Hidden Costs and Unnecessary Add-On

Some smart locks seem cheap at first but require expensive extras to work properly.

❌ Common problems:

Lock doesn't include a WiFi bridge — must be purchased separately

Cloud services require monthly subscriptions for access logs or remote use

✅ How to avoid:

Check what’s included in the box — batteries, gateway, cards, etc.

Prioritize brands with no monthly fees or subscriptions

Compare total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price

WELOCK’s packages (like PCB51 + WIFIBOX3) include everything you need — with no hidden fees and no monthly charges.

 

✅ Summary: Buy Smart by Avoiding These Mistakes

Mistake	Avoid It By…
Door compatibility	Measure your door & cylinder, use compatibility tools
No emergency backup	Choose locks with multiple unlock options
Cheap, no support	Buy from trusted, GDPR-compliant brands
Bad app experience	Check reviews, demos, and app screenshots
Hidden costs	Confirm what’s included, avoid monthly fees

 

Looking for a feature-rich, Europe-ready smart lock that works out of the box with no hidden fees?
Check out the WELOCK PCB41 series—designed for convenience, security, and full European compatibility.