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 Kwikset Security Features

  • “Keeping Your Home Secure: Features and Settings You Can Enable”  

Your Kwikset Lock comes with a variety of built-in features designed to keep your home secure, and when paired with your phone and the Kwikset App, you gain an extra layer of protection.. This guide will walk you through these features and show you how to set them up for maximum security. 

1. Screen Lock

What it does: 

Prevent unauthorized access to your Kwikset app by requiring a PIN, fingerprint, face ID, or password before the app can be opened. 

How to set it up:
On iOS (iPhone/iPad)
   1. Open Settings.
   2. Go to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older devices). 
   3. Set up a passcode if you haven’t already. 
   4. Enable Face ID or Touch ID for app access. 
   5. Confirm that your device lock is active before using the Kwikset App.

On Android:
   1. Open your mobile device’s Settings. 
   2. Go to Security or Biometrics & Security. 
   3. Choose your preferred lock method: PIN, password, fingerprint, or face ID. 
   4. Confirm that the setting is enabled before using the Kwikset app. 

2. App and Firmware updates

We recommend updating your Kwikset App and smart lock firmware to the latest versions to ensure optimal performance and peace of mind. These updates include enhanced security, performance improvements, and important bug fixes to keep your smart lock in top shape. 

Update Your Kwikset App 

Visit the App Store or Google Play and ensure you have the latest version of the Kwikset App. 
                                
Update Your Smart Lock Firmware   
   1. Open the Kwikset App 
   2. Navigate to Lock Settings > Utilities > Firmware Update 
   3.  Follow the on-screen prompts If you're already on the latest firmware, you’ll see a “Firmware is Up to Date” message. 

Enable Auto-Updates 
Turn on automatic updates in your app settings to keep your app up to date with ease. 

Support Answers – Quick Links 
   - How do I update the firmware on my smart lock using the Kwikset App? | Kwikset
   - Kwikset Smart Locks Application - Release Notes | Kwikset
   - Kwikset Smart Locks Application - App FAQs | Kwikset

3. Auto Lock   

What it does: 
Automatically lock your door after a set amount of time if it’s left unlocked. 

How to set it up: 
   1. Open the Kwikset App. 
   2. Select your Halo Lock from the device list. 
   3. Go to Lock Settings → Auto Lock.
   4. Toggle ON and select your desired delay time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute). 

4. Auto Lock at Scheduled Time 

What it does: 
Locks your door automatically at specific times of the day using smart home integrations like Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT.

How to set it up: 
   1. Connect your Kwikset Halo Lock to your smart home platform or IFTTT. 
   2. Create a new automation or applet. 
   3. Set the trigger as your chosen time (e.g., 10:00 PM). 
   4. Set the action to Lock Door. 

5. Secure Screen

What it does:
The Secure Screen feature adds an extra layer of security to your smart lock by preventing unauthorized access through fingerprint smudges or predictable patterns. When enabled, it requires you to press random digits before entering your access code, making it harder for anyone to guess your code based on wear marks on the keypad. 

How to set it up:
   1. Open the Kwikset App. 
   2. Select your lock and go to Lock Settings. 
   3. Enable Secure Screen. 

6. Vacation Mode 

What it does:
Vacation Mode disables all keypad, touchscreen, and fingerprint entry, ensuring no one can unlock the door using these methods. You can still use a physical key or the Kwikset App for access. This feature is ideal when you’re away for an extended period. 

How to set it up:
   1. Open the Kwikset App. 
   2. Select your lock and go to Lock Settings. 
   3.  Toggle Vacation Mode ON. 

7. Two-Step Authentication 

What it does: 
 Adds an extra login step—requiring a code sent to your email or phone—before you can sign in to your Kwikset account. 

How to set it up: 
   1. Open the Kwikset App. 
   2. Go to Account Settings. 
   3. Enable Two-Step Verification. 

8. Biometric Login 

What it does: 
Biometric login lets you sign in to the Kwikset App using your fingerprint or face ID, so you don’t have to enter a password every time. This provides a secure and convenient way to login to the App.

How to set it up:
   1. Make sure your phone has fingerprint or face recognition enabled in its phone settings. 
   2. In the Kwikset App, go to Account Settings. 
   3. Enable Biometric Login. 

9. Email, Push Notifications & History Monitoring 

What it does:
Keeps you informed about lock activity in real time (via push notifications and optionally email) and lets you review past events in History.

A. Configure Push Notifications

- In the Kwikset App, go to Notifications.
- Select the Alert types you want:
   - Lock/Unlock Events
   - Low Battery
   - Tampering
- Ensure your phone's system settings allow notifications from the Kwikset App:
   - iOS: Settings → Notifications → Kwikset → Allow Notifications. 
   - Android: Settings → Apps → Kwikset → Notifications → Allow. 

B. Configure Email Alerts  

Note: Email alerts may require enabling them in the app or web portal depending on your account and region.

   - In the Kwikset app (or Web Portal), go to Account Settings → Notifications (or Alerts). 
   - Enable Email alerts and select the types of events to receive by email (e.g., lock/unlock, low battery, tamper).    
   - Verify your email address is correct and verified. 

C. Review History (Activity Log)  

   - Open the Kwikset app. 
   - Go to History (or Activity). 
   - Review recent events (time, user/code, action such as Locked, Unlocked, Failed code, Battery status). 
   - Use filters (if available) to narrow by date, device, or event type. 

Troubleshooting Tips 

  • If your phone is lost or stolen and you cannot access the Kwikset app:  
    • Log in to the Web portal , choose Email in your Two-Step authentication, go to Account Settings and disable phone access 
    • You can also change your Kwikset account password immediately in the WEB portal to prevent unauthorized access. 
    • Enable Two-Step Authentication for extra security. 
    • What steps should be taken if a phone is lost or stolen, and access to the Kwikset App is unavailable? 
    • Log in to the Web portal, choose Email as your Two-Step authentication, and change your Kwikset account password immediately to prevent unauthorized access.
    • In the Web portal, go to Account Settings and disable phone access 
    • Once you regain access, remove the stolen phone from the paired devices list in the app. 

Preventive Tip: Always enable Screen Lock, and Two-Step Authentication on your phone to reduce risk if it’s ever lost or stolen.