Upgrading your apartment’s security and convenience often starts at the front door. A fingerprint smart lock eliminates the need for physical keys, offering keyless entry through biometrics, codes, or an app. This is perfect for busy urban living, providing a seamless way to grant access to family, friends, or service providers without the risk of lost or copied keys.
With so many models available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, such as installation requirements, connectivity options, and the number of access methods. Our roundup of the ten best fingerprint smart door locks for apartments will help you find the ideal blend of modern technology and reliable security to keep your home safe and accessible.
Our Top Picks for Apartment Smart Locks
- Smart Keypad Door Lock with Handle and Built-in Doorbell
- KLLOQUE Fingerprint Door Lock, Smart Fingerprint Door Knob
- Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock for Front Door
- Yale|August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad, Black
- eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry
- Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Smart
- Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock Bluetooth, 3D Biometric
- Samsung SHP-DS510MK Digital Door Lock Keyless Electronic
- TEEHO TE012W WiFi Smart Lock, Fingerprint Door Lock
- ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
Smart Keypad Door Lock with Handle and Built-in Doorbell
This Bog fang model is a versatile 5-in-1 solution for apartment entry, combining a fingerprint reader, keypad, IC cards, mechanical keys, and app control. It boasts a rapid 0.3-second recognition time, allowing you to open your door in about one second. The integrated doorbell is a thoughtful addition, sending a notification to your phone so you can grant remote access to visitors.
Installation is designed to be straightforward, potentially taking just 15 minutes with a screwdriver. It fits a wide range of standard door dimensions, making it a flexible choice for many apartment doors. Through the Tuya Smart Life App, you can manage up to 100 fingerprints and passwords, create temporary access codes for guests, and review a log of all entries, providing both convenience and oversight.
KLLOQUE Fingerprint Door Lock, Smart Fingerprint Door Knob
Ideal for interior doors like bedrooms, the KLLOQUE smart door knob offers a 3-in-1 access system with fingerprints, app control, and a traditional key. Its unique feature is the three operational modes: passage, entrance, and privacy. This allows you to easily control access, making it perfect for maintaining privacy from roommates or children.
The accompanying app lets you manage fingerprints, view unlocking records, and lock or unlock the door, though it’s important to note that remote app control requires a separately purchased gateway. For Airbnb hosts or those managing guest access, the ability to grant and revoke temporary permissions directly from a smartphone adds a significant layer of convenience and control.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock
As a leader in home security, Schlage offers the Encode deadbolt with built-in WiFi, eliminating the need for an additional hub. This allows for true anywhere access, letting you lock, unlock, and manage your door directly from the Schlage Home app. You can create and manage up to 100 unique access codes, perfect for family members, frequent guests, or service providers.
The lock provides peace of mind with customizable activity alerts and a lock history log, so you always know who is coming and going. For added convenience, it integrates with Alexa and Google Home for optional voice control, making it a central part of a connected smart apartment.
Yale|August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad
This Yale and August collaboration is designed for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to replace their existing deadbolt. The smart lock installs on the interior of your door, working with your current hardware. The separate Yale Keypad can be mounted anywhere within Bluetooth range, providing flexible keyless entry points.
It offers multiple ways to enter, including Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features, custom entry codes on the keypad, and control via the Yale Access app. The 24/7 Activity Feed in the app lets you monitor comings and goings, and you can easily share custom codes with guests, eliminating the need to hide spare keys.
eufy Security Smart Lock C220
The eufy Smart Lock C220 stands out with its impressive 8-month battery life and built-in Wi-Fi, so no extra bridge is required for remote access. Its self-learning AI technology improves fingerprint recognition with every use, aiming for a consistent and fast entry experience of under 1.5 seconds.
You have six ways to unlock the door: fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, or voice commands with Alexa/Google Assistant. If you already use other eufy security products, this lock integrates seamlessly into the eufy ecosystem, allowing you to create routines that work with devices like your doorbell for a unified smart home experience.
Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt
Wyze brings its reputation for value to the smart lock market with the Auto-Lock Bolt. It features a fingerprint sensor that can store up to 50 prints, allowing quick access for you and your frequent guests. The backlit keypad supports anti-peep technology, letting you add extra digits before or after your real code for added security.
You can schedule access times for different users and view a complete lock and unlock history directly in the Wyze app via a Bluetooth connection. This provides a clear record of who entered and when, which is ideal for monitoring household activity or guest access.
Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock Bluetooth
Lockly’s Secure Plus model emphasizes advanced security with its second-generation 3D biometric fingerprint sensor, which can store up to 99 fingerprints. It uses powerful algorithms for reliable reading, even in poor conditions, and promises access in 0.3 seconds. The patented PIN Genie keypad scrambles numbers after each use to prevent code theft from smudges.
This lock offers multiple access methods, including the fingerprint sensor, keypad, app, voice control, and physical keys. For full remote access, the optional Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi hub is available, letting you manage and monitor your door from anywhere through the Lockly Home app.
Samsung SHP-DS510MK Digital Door Lock
Samsung’s digital door lock is a keyless deadbolt system known for its durability and user-friendly voice-guided programming. The lock literally talks you through the setup process for adding users, codes, and cards, making initial configuration simple. It supports a generous 70-user capacity, accommodating a large number of unique codes or key tags.
Installation is typically a straightforward retrofit for an existing deadbolt, or it can be newly installed on a standard door. This model focuses on providing robust security and keyless convenience in a sleek, modern housing, backed by the Samsung brand name.
TEEHO TE012W WiFi Smart Lock
The TEEHO TE012W features built-in Wi-Fi, connecting directly to your 2.4GHz network without a separate hub. This allows for full remote control via the KK Home App from anywhere. All user data is protected with AES-128 encryption and stored locally for enhanced privacy and security.
It provides five smart ways to unlock your door: via the app, fingerprint (for up to 20 users), PIN code (for up to 100 users), physical keys, or voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant. This range of options makes it a flexible and secure choice for apartments, offices, or rental properties.
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro is a feature-rich smart lock known for its multiple innovative access methods. It often includes fingerprint recognition, a backlit keypad, and the unique ability to unlock using your smartphone’s Bluetooth or through a shake-to-open feature. Its built-in Wi-Fi allows for remote access and management without additional hubs.
Designed for easy installation and compatibility with most standard doors, it offers a comprehensive solution for keyless entry. You can generate temporary passwords for guests, receive real-time notifications, and check an entry history log, providing a high level of control and security for your apartment.
What to Look For in the 10 Best Fingerprint Smart Door Locks for Apartments
So, you’re thinking about getting a fingerprint smart door lock for your apartment. It’s a great move for convenience and a solid security boost. But before you just pick the shiniest one, there are a few things I always check to make sure I’m getting the right fit for my home.
First up, let’s talk about installation. This is a big one for renters. You probably don’t want to, or aren’t allowed to, drill a bunch of new holes in your door. Look for locks that are described as “easy to install” or “retrofit” models. Many of the best fingerprint smart door locks for apartments are designed to replace just the interior part of your existing deadbolt, using the same holes. This means you can usually install it yourself in under 30 minutes with a screwdriver, and just as easily swap the old lock back when you move out. Always double-check the compatibility with your current door and deadbolt setup before buying.
Next, consider the power source. Almost all of these locks run on batteries. You’ll want a model that gives you plenty of warning before the batteries die—like a low-battery alert on the keypad or in the app. Some even have a backup option, like a 9V battery you can touch to terminals on the outside to give it a quick jump of power. It’s also smart to check if the lock has a physical key override. While the whole point is to use your fingerprint, having a key is a good failsafe if the electronics fail. Just make sure you leave that key with a trusted neighbor or in a secure place, not inside your apartment.
Connectivity is another key area. Do you need a lock that connects to Wi-Fi so you can control it from anywhere, or is Bluetooth enough for when you’re just arriving home? Wi-Fi models let you lock/unlock remotely and give out virtual guest passes, which is super handy for pet sitters or friends. Bluetooth-only models are often simpler and might have better battery life, but you need to be close to the door to use the app features. Also, check if it works with your preferred smart home system, like Google Assistant or Alexa, if that’s important to you.
Finally, think about the fingerprint scanner itself. Not all scanners are created equal. Look for one that can store multiple fingerprints and has a high recognition rate. Some advanced models use biometric technology that can read your fingerprint from any angle, which is a lot more convenient than having to place your finger in one exact position every time. Also, check how many other ways you can get in. A good backup is a keypad for a PIN code, which is useful for your fingerprints not scanning (maybe your hands are wet or dirty) or for giving temporary access to guests without having to register their prints.
FAQ
Are fingerprint door locks safe for an apartment?
Generally, yes, they are very safe. They add a layer of security because your fingerprint is a unique key that can’t be copied like a physical one. Many models also have features like anti-peep keypads (so no one can see your frequently used numbers) and tamper alarms. The security also depends on you—make sure to register your fingerprints clearly and use a strong PIN code if the lock has a keypad. For an apartment, one of the main security benefits is that you never have to worry about a lost key or a previous tenant still having a copy.
Will a fingerprint lock work on my apartment door?
Most likely, yes. The most popular styles for apartments are designed to be retrofitted onto standard residential doors with a standard deadbolt hole. Before you buy, you should measure your door’s backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the deadbolt hole) and the crossbore (the large hole where the deadbolt goes through). Most locks are made for common measurements like a 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch backset. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s compatibility guide to be sure it will fit your specific door.
What happens if the power or batteries die?
This is a common concern, but the good models have it covered. First, you’ll get plenty of advance warning with beeps and app notifications that the batteries are getting low. If you miss those and the batteries die completely, nearly all locks have a backup way to get in. This is often a physical key override or the ability to power it temporarily with a 9V battery held against external contacts. This is why I always recommend choosing one of the 10 best fingerprint smart door locks for apartments that includes at least one of these backup methods.
Can my landlord legally prevent me from installing one?
This depends on your lease agreement and local laws. Some landlords are perfectly fine with it, especially if you use a non-destructive, retrofit model and agree to reinstall the original lock when you move out. Others may have rules against altering locks for security or insurance reasons. The best approach is to always get written permission from your landlord or property manager before you make the purchase or attempt installation. Explain that it’s a temporary upgrade that improves security and can be easily reversed.
How many fingerprints can these locks usually store?
The capacity varies by model, but most can store between 50 and 100 fingerprints. This is usually more than enough for a single apartment, allowing you to register all your fingerprints (in case one is dirty) and add prints for family members, roommates, and a few trusted friends. The setup process is typically done through the lock’s app or a programming button, and it’s very straightforward. You can also usually delete individual prints at any time, which is great if someone no longer needs access.