Let's get straight to the point: a smart lock is the solution for you if you’re fed up with keeping track of flimsy keys. Why do we secure our prized possessions with such ancient technology anyway? It’s 2023 and life is too short to keep looking for your keys. A smart lock is an electric lock that allows you to unlock and lock without keys. For example, you open the door via your phone or with a personal PIN code. Imagine a life where you never lose your keys again, get locked out or close the door behind you while your keys are still inside. That sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well, it is reality. And not that of the future, but that of the here and now. It's just as suitable for your home as it is for the office. With a smart lock, you free yourself completely from the hassle of keys. And you don’t just feel the benefits yourself. You can easily share access - from a specific time of day to as long as you want - with others. Share your access with your children, the cleaner or the delivery man. Plus, for business use, easily create digital keys for your colleagues or grant a customer temporary access.

As a start, we would like to introduce you to our smart lock: the Bold. This is the smart door lock that you place in the cylinder opening of your front door, back door or even the shed door. The lock connects wirelessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, which we additionally secure by means of data encryption so that we are not entirely dependent on Bluetooth protocols. Through the Bold app, you can activate the lock and give others access. But there are other ways to open the lock - such as with a PIN code. Want to know how such a PIN code works? Watch this video about setting up a backup PIN code. A way to open the door with one push of a button is via the Bold Clicker. Want to be able to activate your Bold from a distance? You can do that too. Combine your smart lock with Bold Connect with WiFi connection. This way, you unlock and lock the door wherever you are. If you want to buy a smart lock, there are a few things to consider though.

Keyless access made simple

One thing you know for sure: with a smart lock, you ensure a 100% keyless life. Because you use your phone, a PIN or a remote control to open the door. And do you have to grab your phone every time you open the door? No way, at least not if you have a Bold Smart Lock. Then just keep that phone in your pocket. Because there is a friend who is always there for you, and his name is Bluetooth. In the Bold app, you turn on the auto-activation function with ease. Your Bold Smart Lock recognises you and activates itself as soon as you get home. Do you activate the 'auto-activation'? Then the lock will recognise you as soon as you enter the 200-metre zone. Does your lock then open immediately? No. Your lock only opens when you stand in front of your door. So you avoid having to search for your key (or phone) with your hands full of stuff. And it remains safe to use this function.

And if your phone is empty? No worries. With your PIN, you can easily enter your home or office even without your phone. Enter your 5-digit code by turning the outside knob - just like a bank safe - and you're in. And is your phone completely lost or broken? Don't panic. Log in on another phone. Because then you automatically log out on the device that is lost, broken or empty. It's much safer.

How does a smart lock work?

A smart lock is a simple way to future-proof your lifestyle. With Bold, your phone becomes your key — but that doesn’t mean you have to pull it out every time you get home. Just keep it in your pocket. With the Bold app, you can easily enable Auto-Entry. Once it’s on, your lock recognises you as soon as you enter a 200-meter zone around your home or office.

But don’t worry, the lock doesn’t open the moment you enter the zone. It only activates when you’re right at the door. Bold recognises you instantly and automatically activates the lock. Simply turn the knob and step inside. No keys and no searching. It's smooth, hands-free access, exactly how it should be.

If your phone runs out of battery, there’s no need to stress. You can still unlock the door with your Backup PIN. Just turn the outer knob like a safe and enter your five-digit code.

And if your phone is lost or broken, just log in on a different device. As soon as you do, the lost or inactive phone is automatically logged out. It’s safe, quick, and totally in your control.

What types of smart locks are there?

There are actually two types of smart locks on the market: the smart lock that you place on your current cylinder and the smart lock model that replaces your current cylinder altogether. Bold belongs to the latter category. Installation is easy. Within 5 minutes, you will have the smart lock installed on doors with a europrofile cylinder.

Both types of smart locks use smart home technology and home automation - that means your door opens and locks with an app, a personal PIN or a fingerprint. The communication between the smart lock and the app, for example, can be done in different ways. For example via: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, Z-wave home automation or NFC. All ways use wireless and energy-efficient technology. Decide for yourself what you are comfortable with to open your doors.

Some smart locks you can open from a distance using wifi. Do you combine Bold Smart Lock with the Bold Connect? Then you can activate the lock - temporarily - wherever you are in the world. Very handy if you rent out a house, or if your cleaner comes by while you're on holiday and you name it.

What are the advantages of a smart lock?

Got a minute? Then let’s talk about the freedom of going completely keyless. The benefits? Practically endless. But let’s start with something simple — and familiar. Ever lost your keys or stood outside your door digging through your bag, juggling groceries or a laptop? Or maybe you’ve had to wait around for someone to let you in because you locked yourself out… again?

With a smart lock, all of that becomes a thing of the past. A smart lock gives you convenience both at home and at the office. With the right accessories, you can even activate it from wherever you are. Using it at home? Grant access to family or friends through the app — they’ll get a text message invitation to create their own Bold account. Two-factor authentication is required to log in, so security is always top-notch.

Using Bold in the office? You can set up a Bold Business Account for your team with ease. Through the Smart Access Manager, you can track who opens the door and when. You can also schedule access — perfect if the cleaner only needs to come in on Wednesdays between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Want to know more about Bold for Business and how it could work for your team? You’ll find all the details on our Bold Business page.

Need to give temporary access? No problem. Whether you're renting out your home or working with a freelance contractor, you can grant time-limited access via the app. No more meeting in person just to hand over keys — and when the job’s done or the guests leave, access ends automatically. You can even schedule access for certain times of day — handy for babysitters, delivery drivers, or the plumber.

And of course, it’s all safe and secure. Bold carries the SKG*** certification and is approved by the Dutch Police’s Safe Living quality mark (PKVW). Many major insurers in the Netherlands and Belgium cover damages in case of theft — and having an SKG-certified lock certainly helps. Still, it's always wise to check the details of your home or business insurance, or ask your provider directly.

One more thing: the lock has no keyhole at all. That means common burglary methods like drilling or core pulling don’t work. There’s nothing to grip, nothing to pull — just a sleek, solid cylinder that’s built to keep unwanted visitors out.

Are there any drawbacks to a smart lock?

Honestly? Not many. But here’s what you should know.

Not every smart lock fits every door. The Bold is designed to fit nearly all European doors, but it’s still a good idea to double-check. Use our video guide to make sure your door is compatible. You’ll also need to measure your current cylinder — it’s quick and easy, but a necessary step.

Most smart locks run on batteries, and yes, batteries can run out. While many smart lock batteries last several months, Bold goes the extra mile — ours lasts over two years. You’ll get plenty of warning before it runs low, so you have time to replace it. And even in the rare case that the battery dies completely, there are always ways to get back in.

It’s also true that very young children or elderly people may not always have a smartphone on hand. That’s why we created the Bold Clicker — a simple, keychain-sized button that opens the door with a single press. It’s a smart solution at home and at work.

And what if you sell your house? You can always reinstall your original lock and take your Bold with you. Simple as that.

How secure is a smart lock?

In a word: very. In fact, smart locks are often more secure than traditional locks, especially since they have no keyhole to tamper with. No drilling, no lock picking, no core pulling. Just solid, modern protection.

Of course, security is also about how you manage access. With smart locks, just like physical keys, it’s important to be thoughtful about who you share access with. Limit permissions, track who has access, and revoke it when needed.

And when it comes to Bold specifically? You’re looking at top-tier protection. The Bold Smart Lock is compatible with security hardware including core pull protection, anti-drill plates, and multi-point locking systems. It also carries the SKG*** certification — the highest possible rating from the independent SKG institute. That means it’s heavily burglary-resistant, even against advanced tools. This rating also qualifies your home for the Politie Keurmerk Veilig Wonen (PKVW) — a big plus when it comes to insurance coverage.

What should you look for when buying a smart lock?

Start with safety. Choose a lock that’s been thoroughly tested and officially certified. Not all smart locks are equally secure, so this step really matters.

Next, make sure the lock works with your current hardware. Can it be used alongside core pull protection? Does it fit your door? For example, the Bold Smart Lock fits doors with a euro profile cylinder. It’s available in 8 sizes, so you’re likely to find the perfect fit. Just measure your current lock (inside and outside) to be sure. You’ll find a helpful guide here.

If you have other smart devices in your home or office, check if the lock integrates well with your system. That way, you’re not just upgrading your door — you’re enhancing your whole smart setup.

Still have questions or need help installing your Bold?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you every step of the way.