Quote: Every few weeks, I see people either locked in or locked out due to faulty smart locks. 
Just want to remind people to only get smart locks that has a mechanical override at ALL COST - meaning that you still can open it with a key. 
You don’t want to be stuck outside after a long day outside at 11pm, end up calling up a locksmith who would reluctantly arrive only 2 hours later and charge you $500 to open it because you are desperate.
Or taken hostage at home with a door that won’t open. 
Even those with a emergency charging port, may not help because it may not be a battery issue.

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I personally witnessed this event. LOL

In this situation, the new owner was unable to contact the previous owner to obtain the necessary unlock codes. However, they successfully accessed the front door using a master key. What a relief!

I am a Feng Shui Master, not a seller of locks, humorously speaking.

 

A Feng Shui Master's expertise lies in guiding people on how their living environments and personal choices can harmonize with Feng Shui principles to enhance well-being and prosperity—not in dealing with the nuts and bolts of home security!

Our advice goes beyond the practicalities, focusing instead on energetics, auspicious placements, and the subtle ways in which spaces affect our lives.

While a lock seller may solve issues of access, a Feng Shui Master helps unlock a different kind of fortune—one that’s rooted in balance and positive flow.

This is an insightful observation. Formal education can provide knowledge and credentials, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee wisdom, common sense, or practical intelligence. True intelligence is often demonstrated through the ability to think critically, adapt to new situations, and make sound decisions qualities that aren’t always measured by academic achievements. It's a reminder that the value of a person lies not just in their degrees, but in how they apply their knowledge and interact with the world around them.

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A dispute between a Singapore smart lock distributor and a Chinese manufacturer left over 50 homeowners locked out after app access was cut. 

The manufacturer filed a police report, while new distributor Ascend Hardware stepped in mid-July and offered assistance to affected customers.

Ouch!

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Even the emergency key does not work

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Group: Singapore Home DIY User: Alex Goh

"The electronic lock failed. The emergency key also does not work. Got it earlier cos of emergency key. I reckon something broke inside. It is also not the first time. Got family trapped inside. Had to pull the bolt from the gap.

Contemplating either using back usual lock and key or to trusty brand like Yale that I used in previous house for years. Over years, I am getting more worried with such electronic locks.

Any other new technology that have better fail safe options? Else, seriously considering going back old school lock and key. Hoping to get ideas."

(Note: The brand of the lock shown in the image is "eazea".)

Unsolicited Advice on Fail-Safe Lock Technologies

The situation described in the post: having a family trapped inside because both the electronic mechanism and the mechanical emergency key failed—is a severe safety hazard. In residential security, locks must guarantee "free egress," meaning you should always be able to get out in an emergency (like a fire) without a key or electricity.

The failure here wasn't just an electronic glitch; it was a catastrophic mechanical failure of the internal tailpiece or bolt mechanism, which is unfortunately common in budget or lesser-known smart lock brands.

If you want the convenience of smart technology without compromising on physical safety and reliability, here are the best options and technologies to consider:

1. Retrofit Smart Locks (The Ultimate Fail-Safe)

If you are considering going "back to old school lock and key," a retrofit smart lock is the perfect compromise.

* How it works: Brands like August, SwitchBot, or Wyze do not replace your entire lock. Instead, you install a high-quality, traditional deadbolt (like a heavy-duty Schlage or Yale), and the smart device only attaches to the inside thumbturn.

* Why it’s a better fail-safe: The outside of your door remains a standard mechanical keyhole. The inside remains a physical thumbturn. The smart device simply turns the metal rod for you. If the motor breaks, the battery dies, or the electronics fry, you can still easily turn the thumbturn by hand from the inside or use a physical key from the outside.

2. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certified Smart Locks

The poster mentioned looking at "trusty brands like Yale." The difference between a trusted brand and an off-brand is usually the quality of the internal metal components.

* The Technology: When shopping for a full-replacement smart lock, look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 certification. This is a standard that tests locks for hundreds of thousands of cycles and brute-force attacks.

* Recommendations: Brands like Schlage (Encode Plus), Yale (Assure line), and Kwikset build smart locks with high-grade internal mechanics. Their mechanical key overrides are directly linked to the bolt, bypassing the electronic motor entirely.

3. Independent Dual-Mechanism Locks

Some advanced electronic locks separate the electronic mortise/bolt from the mechanical one.

* If the electronic bolt jams, the lock has a completely independent mechanical cylinder that operates a separate lever or bolt to open the door. This redundancy ensures a single point of mechanical failure doesn't trap you.

4. Smart Locks with "Clutch" Mechanisms

Higher-end commercial and residential smart locks use a mechanical clutch. When the correct code is entered, the clutch engages, connecting the handle to the bolt. When locked, the handle spins freely.

* Fail-safe benefit: From the inside, the handle is always permanently connected to the bolt (never relying on the clutch or electronics). Pulling the inside handle mechanically retracts the bolt 100% of the time, guaranteeing safe exit.

Summary Recommendation for the User

Given the trauma of having a family trapped, do not buy another fully integrated, budget-brand smart lock.

The best path forward is to buy a highly rated, purely mechanical deadbolt from a trusted brand (Schlage, Yale, Medeco) to ensure absolute physical reliability. Then, attach an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock to the inside of that deadbolt. This gives you app control, auto-locking, and digital access, but relies on a time-tested, unbreakable mechanical foundation for emergencies.