What does smart lock installation actually involve?
A smart lock is a deadbolt or handleset with a small motor, a circuit board and a way to receive instructions: a keypad, a phone app, a fingerprint reader, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, or some combination. Installing one sounds like a ten-minute screwdriver job on the box, and sometimes it nearly is. Often it is not, because the lock is only as good as the door it sits in.
Before any hardware goes on, we look at the door itself. Is the bore hole the right size? Is the backset, the distance from the door edge to the center of the hole, a standard measurement the lock expects? Does the deadbolt line up cleanly with the strike plate in the frame? A motorized lock that has to fight a bolt rubbing the wrong side of the strike will drain batteries quickly and eventually stall. Fixing alignment first is what separates a smart lock that works for years from one that works for a month.
Then comes the part people underestimate: configuration. Setting up the app, pairing the lock, creating user codes, choosing auto-lock behavior, and testing everything from both sides of the door is half of the job. We do not hand you a boxed lock and a QR code. We leave it working, and we show you how to run it.
Which kind of smart lock fits your door?
Most of the calls we get for keyless entry installation come down to a handful of lock styles. The right choice depends on how you live, what your door is made of, and how much you want your phone involved.
Here is how the main types differ in practice.
- Keypad locks: a numeric pad with no phone required. Simple, dependable, and good for households where not everyone wants an app. You can give each person a separate code and remove it later without changing a key.
- Bluetooth locks: they talk to your phone when you are close to the door. Battery use is modest, and they work even when your internet is down, but you generally cannot control them from across town unless a bridge accessory is added.
- Wi-Fi locks: connected to your home network so you can lock, unlock, and check status remotely. Convenient, but they depend on a strong signal at the door and tend to use batteries faster.
- Fingerprint and combination locks: a keypad plus a biometric reader. These suit people who dislike remembering codes, though a fingerprint reader needs a clean sensor and a sensible fallback.
- Retrofit smart locks: devices that mount over the inside of your existing deadbolt and keep your outside keyway and keys. They are a lighter-touch option, and they suit renters who cannot change the exterior hardware.
- Full-replacement smart deadbolts: the lock is swapped out entirely, which is usually the cleaner route if your current deadbolt is old, worn or sticky.
Locked out or need a locksmith now?
We answer around the clock, every day of the year.
Call (213) 577-1366Why do smart locks stop working, and when is repair or replacement the answer?
Smart lock troubleshooting is a regular part of our week, and the cause is rarely mysterious. The most common culprit is battery power. Low batteries cause slow motors, half-turned bolts, and a lock that unlocks in the app but not the door. Next is alignment: a door that has shifted, sagged, or swollen makes the bolt drag, and the motor takes the punishment. After that come connection problems, such as a router replaced without re-pairing the lock, a weak signal, or an app update that dropped a setting.
When we diagnose a smart lock, we work from the simple to the complex. We check the batteries and contacts, test the bolt by hand with the lock removed from power, confirm the door and strike are square, and then look at pairing and settings. If the electronics have failed, we tell you straight whether smart lock repair is realistic or whether smart lock replacement makes more sense. Many consumer smart locks are built as sealed units, so a failed circuit board often means a new lock rather than a fix.
We also help when a smart lock is installed but badly set up: codes nobody remembers, an auto-lock that shuts you out when you carry groceries, or a lock that was fitted on a door that never lined up. If that is your situation, a service visit is usually less work than starting over, and we will say so when it is the case.
How do we install a smart lock, step by step?
The process is the same whether you are in a bungalow or a condo, though what we find at each step changes from door to door.
- We talk through what you want: who needs access, whether you want remote control, whether you have a hub or smart home system, and whether you want to keep using physical keys.
- We inspect the door, frame, existing deadbolt, and strike plate. We measure the door thickness and the backset and check for sticking, rubbing, or loose screws.
- We confirm the lock you chose fits, or we recommend one that does. If you have not bought a lock yet, we explain the trade-offs and help you pick one that suits the door.
- We remove the old hardware, correct any alignment problems, and mount the new lock with the right bolt and strike so it throws freely without force.
- We install the batteries, pair the lock to your phone or home network, and create your first access codes.
- We test the lock repeatedly from inside and outside, with the door open and closed, to confirm it locks fully and does not get stuck halfway.
- We walk you through the app, the manual override, how to change codes, and what to do when the batteries run low, so you are not calling us for something you can handle in a minute.
Locked out or need a locksmith now?
We answer around the clock, every day of the year.
Call (213) 577-1366How much does smart lock installation cost in Burbank?
We do not quote a number on a web page, because the honest answer depends on the job, and a number you read online is usually wrong by the time it reaches your door. What we can do is explain what moves the cost up or down.
The lock itself is the largest variable. A basic keypad deadbolt and a premium Wi-Fi lock with a fingerprint reader sit in very different places, and you can supply your own lock or have us source one. Door condition matters next. A clean, square door with a standard bore takes less work than one that needs a bore enlarged, a strike plate reset, or a frame repaired. The number of locks matters, since setting up several doors in one visit is usually the more economical route compared with returning for each one separately.
Other factors include whether you need old hardware removed and rekeyed, whether you want smart home integration beyond the basic app, and whether the job is a scheduled appointment or a late-night call. Our mobile vans come to you, and we are happy to talk through the scope by phone at (213) 577-1366 so the estimate reflects your actual door, not an average one.
What should you know about smart locks on Burbank homes and buildings?
Burbank has an unusually wide mix of doors, and that shapes how a smart lock installation goes. In Magnolia Park, the 1920s-1940s bungalows often still carry original mid-century door hardware. Older doors there may have thick, aged wood, unusual bore sizes, or worn mortise-style parts, so a retrofit sometimes needs careful drilling or a different lock choice. If you want to keep a vintage look, a retrofit smart unit that mounts on the inside of an existing deadbolt can preserve the outside of the door. If the old lockset is simply tired, a full replacement is cleaner, and we can rekey the existing locks separately when you want to keep the hardware you have.
The postwar ranch homes across the flats tend to have more standard doors, which makes keypad and Wi-Fi deadbolts straightforward. Up in the Hillside district above Glenoaks Boulevard, the Verdugo foothills bring more sun and wind exposure than the flats. Direct sun and dry Santa Ana winds are hard on finishes and electronics, so we pay attention to which side of the lock faces the weather and where a keypad will sit. Because Burbank is inland, there is no salt-air corrosion to worry about, which is one less thing to protect against.
Valley heat also matters for any door in town. In summer, wooden doors swell, and a swollen door pushes the bolt against the strike. A smart lock will expose that problem fast, since the motor struggles where a hand-turned key might simply be forced. We adjust the strike or the door so the lock can do its job in July as well as in January.
Downtown Burbank and the Media District have added mid-rise condos and large controlled-access apartment complexes. In those buildings, the unit door is usually yours to change only with permission, and the building entry system is separate from anything we put on your front door. If you are a tenant, check with your landlord or management first. If you do get locked out of an apartment while sorting this out, see our apartment lockout service. For offices near the Media District that need many users, scheduled access, or gate integration, a single smart deadbolt is often not the right tool, and access control installation is the better fit.
The Rancho District keeps equestrian-zoned single-family lots, where a house may sit far back from the street and have several outbuildings or side gates. A smart lock with good Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range is worth planning for there, since a weak signal at the door is the most common cause of a lock that disconnects from your phone. We serve homes across Burbank ZIP codes 91501, 91502, 91504, 91505 and 91506. Our storefront is in Westwood, about 16 miles away, and our mobile vans make the trip to you.
Locked out or need a locksmith now?
We answer around the clock, every day of the year.
Call (213) 577-1366What are the security trade-offs of a smart lock?
A smart lock is convenient, but convenience is not the same as security, and we would rather be clear about that than sell you something. A mechanical deadbolt that is well installed on a solid door remains very difficult to beat. A smart lock adds new risks and new strengths. You lose the ability to lose a key, and you gain the ability to remove a code the moment someone no longer needs it. You also take on a battery that can run out, an app that needs updates, and, with Wi-Fi locks, an account that should have a strong password.
We recommend a few habits. Keep a physical key backup in a safe place, since a dead lock and a locked door are a bad combination. Replace batteries when the lock warns you, not when it stops. Use unique codes rather than sharing one with everyone. And do not treat the lock as a substitute for a strong door and frame; a smart lock on a weak jamb is still a weak door.
If your main concern is resisting forced entry rather than convenience, ask us about high-security locks. Sometimes the best answer is a high-grade mechanical deadbolt, and sometimes it is a smart lock with a sturdy strike and reinforced frame. We will tell you which one fits your situation.
Smart locks for rentals, landlords, and short-term stays
Smart locks are popular with owners who manage people coming and going. A landlord can issue a code to a contractor for a single day. A host can set a code for a guest and clear it after checkout, which is much simpler than meeting someone with a key. For those uses, features like scheduled codes, an access log, and easy code deletion matter more than fingerprint readers or fancy finishes.
If you manage properties, locksmith services for landlords cover the broader work of keeping units secure between tenants. For furnished rentals, our page on vacation rental locksmith work explains what hosts typically need. We keep this page about the lock itself: choosing it, installing it, and making it behave.
Why call Wilshire Lock & Key for a smart lock?
We have been in business since 1987, and we have watched locks go from brass keys to apps. That history matters because smart locks still depend on old mechanical fundamentals: a square door, a clean bore, and a bolt that moves freely. Plenty of smart lock problems are really door problems, and a locksmith sees those every day.
We run a storefront in Westwood plus mobile service vans, and we are one company. There is no dispatch middleman who sends a stranger to your door. The person who answers (213) 577-1366 works for the same business that sends the van, and the phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. David, the owner and lead technician, oversees our work.
One more thing worth knowing: California requires locksmith companies to hold a Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) locksmith company license, known as an LCO license. Ask any locksmith you are considering, including us, for that license number before you let them work on your home. It is a fair question and a good habit.
If your project is bigger than a single smart deadbolt, such as a new entry set across the whole house, our lock installation service covers that, and so does our deadbolt installation work if you want a conventional keyed bolt added alongside a smart one.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a smart lock I already bought?
Yes. Many customers bring a lock they purchased online or at a store. We check that it fits your door, install it, pair it with your phone, and set up the codes. If the lock does not suit the door, we will say so before drilling anything.
Will a smart lock fit my older Burbank home's door?
Often yes, but older doors need a closer look. Bungalows with original mid-century hardware may have unusual bore sizes or worn parts. We measure the door thickness and backset, then either fit a standard smart deadbolt, adjust the bore, or suggest a retrofit unit that keeps your existing exterior hardware.
What happens if the batteries die or the Wi-Fi goes down?
Most smart locks have a backup: a physical key, a keypad that works without internet, or a terminal where you can touch a nine-volt battery to wake the lock. Bluetooth and keypad locks keep working without Wi-Fi. We show you your lock's backup method during setup, and we recommend replacing batteries when the first low-battery warning appears.
Do I need Wi-Fi to use a smart lock?
No. Keypad locks and Bluetooth locks work without any home network. You only need Wi-Fi, or a bridge accessory, if you want to lock, unlock, or check the door from outside your home. We help you choose based on whether remote access is actually useful for you.
Can you repair a smart lock that stopped responding?
Frequently, yes. We check batteries, alignment, the bolt's movement, pairing, and settings. Many problems turn out to be a sticking door or low power rather than a failed lock. If the electronics have died, we will tell you honestly whether smart lock replacement is the more sensible route.
Can I put a smart lock on my apartment door in Burbank?
That depends on your lease and your building. Many managers require approval, a copy of the key or code, or a specific type of lock, especially in controlled-access complexes near Downtown Burbank. Ask your landlord before changing anything. A retrofit smart lock that mounts on the inside is often easier to get approved.
Are smart locks safe from hacking?
No lock is perfectly safe, and we will not claim otherwise. Most real-world break-ins still involve forced doors, not hacked apps. You reduce risk with a strong account password, firmware updates, unique access codes, and a solid door and frame. If the door itself is weak, no lock will make up for it.
Do you handle smart locks for offices or businesses?
For one or two doors, a smart deadbolt can work. For offices with many employees, scheduled access, or gates, we usually recommend a proper access control system. Tell us how many people need access and we will point you to the right setup.
Can you come out at night or on weekends to set up a smart lock?
Yes. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (213) 577-1366. Scheduled installations are easier to plan, but if a lock has failed and you cannot secure your door, call and we will work out the quickest way to get you covered.
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Smart Lock Installation near Burbank
Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.
Last updated 2026-10-11.