A smart lock is an electronic door lock that allows you to lock and unlock a door without using a traditional physical key.

Instead of carrying keys, you use a smartphone, PIN code, digital key, remote control or other secure authentication method to gain access. Smart locks provide keyless entry, remote access management and greater control over who can enter your home or business.

In short:
A smart lock replaces or upgrades a traditional lock by allowing secure digital access instead of relying solely on physical keys.

Smart locks are increasingly used in homes, offices, apartment buildings, holiday rentals and commercial properties because they simplify access management while improving convenience and security.

If you've ever lost your keys, forgotten them inside, paid for key copies or worried about who still has access to your property, a smart lock offers a modern solution.

Key takeaways

• A smart lock is a keyless door lock controlled by a smartphone, PIN code or digital key.
• Smart locks make it easier to manage access for family members, guests, employees and contractors.
• Most smart locks use Bluetooth, WiFi or other wireless technologies.
• Access can be granted, scheduled or revoked instantly.
• Smart locks can be used in homes, offices and holiday rentals.
• Many modern smart locks are more secure than traditional locks because they eliminate key duplication and physical key vulnerabilities.

A smart lock performs the same function as a traditional lock: securing your property.

The difference is how access is managed.

Instead of handing out physical keys, you can:

• Unlock the door with your smartphone
• Create digital keys for family members or colleagues
• Grant temporary access to guests or contractors with Bold Pro
• Set scheduled access for cleaners, nannies or maintenance staff
• Revoke access instantly
• Monitor who enters and exits

This makes a smart lock particularly useful for modern households and businesses that need flexibility and control.

The Bold smart lock is a smart lock that completely replaces your existing euro profile cylinder. Unlike many retrofit smart locks that attach to an existing lock, Bold is a fully integrated smart cylinder lock that replaces the entire euro cylinder.

Because Bold replaces the complete lock cylinder, it has been independently tested and certified as a security product. Bold smart locks carry the SKG*** certification, one of the highest recognised security ratings for door locks in the Netherlands, demonstrating strong resistance against burglary attempts.

The lock communicates securely with your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses encrypted communication for additional protection. Because the cylinder has no external keyhole, common attack methods such as lock picking, key copying, drilling and core pulling become significantly more difficult.

Using the Bold app, you can:

• Manage access permissions
• Share digital keys with family, friends or colleagues
• Create temporary access for guests or contractors
• Schedule access for cleaners, maintenance staff or employees
• View access activity
• Activate your lock remotely using Bold Connect

In addition to smartphone access, Bold offers multiple ways to unlock your door:

• Smartphone access via Bluetooth
• Backup PIN code access
• The Bold Clicker
• Remote activation through Bold Connect
• Secure webkeys, allowing someone to unlock the door through a protected link without downloading the app

Whether you're securing your home, office or rental property, Bold combines convenience, flexibility and certified security in a single smart lock solution.

Want to learn exactly how the technology works? Read our guide: How does a Bold smart lock work? A complete guide.

One of the most common questions people ask is:

What is SmartLock and how does it work?

A smart lock uses wireless technology to verify your identity before granting access.

Most smart locks communicate through:

• Bluetooth
• WiFi
• NFC
• Z-Wave
• Smart home platforms

With the Bold smart lock, Bluetooth technology allows the lock to recognise your authorised smartphone when you approach your door. Watch this video to see how our Bold smart locks work.

 

Auto Entry technology

Using Auto Entry, the lock detects your phone as you approach.

The lock does not automatically open when you enter the neighbourhood. Instead, it only activates when you are standing directly at the door. Once activated, simply turn the outside knob by hand to unlock the door. The lock never opens automatically by itself, ensuring you remain in control at all times.

The result is a seamless keyless entry experience that combines convenience with security.

What if my phone battery dies?

This is one of the biggest concerns people have about smart locks, but with Bold there are multiple ways to regain access.

If your phone is out of battery, lost, damaged or replaced, you can simply log in to your Bold account on another smartphone. This could be your partner's phone, a family member's device, a neighbour's phone or even a colleague's phone. Once you log in, the previous device is automatically logged out, ensuring your digital key remains secure.

Need another backup option? The Bold smart lock also includes a personal backup PIN code. By entering your 5-digit code using the outside knob, you can unlock the door even without access to your smartphone.

With multiple access methods available, you're never dependent on a single device to get into your home or office.

There are two main types of smart locks:

1. Smart lock attachments

Smart lock attachments fit over your existing lock and add smart features without replacing the original cylinder.

One advantage is that you can often continue using your existing key. However, because the original lock remains in place, the external keyhole also remains. This means you still rely partly on traditional lock security and remain exposed to risks such as lost or copied keys.

2. Smart lock cylinders

These replace the entire lock cylinder. The Bold smart locks belong to this category.

Benefits include:

• Cleaner design
• Better integration
• Improved security
• No external keyhole
• Installation typically takes less than five minutes on doors with euro profile cylinders.

No, most smart locks do not require WiFi for everyday use.

The Bold smart lock uses Bluetooth to communicate securely with your smartphone, allowing you to unlock your door, share access and use Auto Entry without an internet connection.

For users who want remote access, Bold can be paired with Bold Connect, which links the lock to the internet. This makes it possible to activate your lock remotely, manage access while travelling and assist guests or service providers when you're not nearby.

As a result, WiFi is optional rather than required, giving you the benefits of a smart lock without depending on a constant internet connection.

For homeowners, a smart lock offers convenience and peace of mind.

Instead of hiding spare keys or making copies for family members, you can simply provide digital access. For example, you can give trusted people access only when they need it. A cleaner can enter every Tuesday morning, a dog walker can access your home during afternoon walks, and a nanny can unlock the door during working hours, all without exchanging physical keys.

For homeowners looking for a secure and user-friendly solution, Bold combines keyless entry, remote control and scheduled access in one system. You stay in control while the people you trust can access your home when needed.

Many homeowners switch to smart locks simply to eliminate the hassle of carrying keys while gaining more control over who can enter their home and when.

Smart locks are particularly popular among Airbnb hosts and holiday rental owners because they simplify guest access and eliminate the need for physical key handovers. For owners managing one or multiple vacation rentals, digital access provides greater flexibility and control throughout the guest journey.

Instead of meeting guests in person for check-in or collecting keys at check-out, hosts can grant temporary digital access that automatically becomes active when a stay begins and expires when it ends. This means guests can arrive whenever it suits them, while hosts remain in full control of access.

With Bold Pro, hosts can manage access remotely, making it easy to accommodate late arrivals, last-minute bookings or service providers such as cleaners and maintenance teams. Combined with the Bold Connect, access can be managed from anywhere in the world.

For property managers looking to automate guest access, Bold integrates with reservation management platforms, allowing access rights to be linked directly to bookings and stay durations.

1. More control over access

One of the biggest advantages of a smart lock is the ability to control exactly who can enter your property and when.

Instead of handing out physical keys, you can create digital access for family members, guests, employees or contractors. Access can be granted instantly, restricted to specific times and revoked whenever needed.

This gives homeowners and businesses far greater control than traditional key systems.

2. Convenience

Smart locks remove many of the everyday frustrations associated with physical keys.

No more:

• Lost keys
• Forgotten keys
• Expensive key replacements
• Lockouts

With solutions such as the Bold smartlock, you can unlock your door without searching for your keys or even taking your phone out of your pocket.

3. Easy access sharing

Need to give someone access? Simply send a digital key.

You can create access for:

• Family members
• Friends
• Guests
• Employees
• Contractors

There is no need to copy keys or arrange handovers.

4. Temporary and scheduled access

Smart locks allow you to create access that automatically expires when it is no longer needed.

This is ideal for:

• Cleaners
• Dog walkers
• Holiday rental guests
• Maintenance companies
• Temporary employees

5. Better business access management

Using Bold Pro, organisations can:

• Manage employee access
• Monitor entry activity
• Assign permissions
• Create user groups
• Schedule access rights across multiple locations

6. Enhanced security

Unlike traditional locks, smart locks eliminate many risks associated with physical keys, including unauthorised key copying and keys that are lost or never returned.

Many smart locks also provide access logs, allowing you to see who has access and manage permissions remotely.

From greater control and convenience to improved security and easier access management, smart locks offer benefits for homeowners, businesses and property managers alike. If you'd like a deeper dive into the key benefits, read our guide on the advantages of a smart lock.

While smart locks offer significant benefits, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind.

1. Smart locks depend on batteries

Most smart locks run on batteries, which means the battery will eventually need to be replaced.

The Bold smart locks are designed for long-term use, with a battery life of more than two years. You’ll receive multiple low-battery warnings through app notifications and email reminders, giving you plenty of time to replace it.

2. Not every smart lock fits every door

Before buying a smart lock, it’s important to check whether it fits your door and cylinder type.

Bold is designed for doors with a euro profile cylinder and is available in multiple sizes, making it suitable for many European doors. Always measure your current cylinder before choosing the right size.

3. Some users may need time to adjust

A smart lock changes the way people enter a home or building. Instead of using a physical key, access is managed through a smartphone, PIN code or other digital method.

For users who prefer a simple, key-like experience, the Bold Clicker offers one-button access without needing to use a smartphone.

4. Some smart locks still have a keyhole

Some smart locks keep the traditional key cylinder as a backup, which means you can still use your old key. However, this also means the external keyhole remains, including some of the risks associated with traditional locks.

The Bold smart lock is fully keyless and has no external keyhole. Instead of relying on a physical backup key, Bold offers secure alternatives such as PIN code access, remote activation, authorised devices, Web Keys and wearable access through Apple Watch or Garmin.

Modern smart locks can be extremely secure and, in many situations, offer greater control and visibility than traditional key-based systems.

Why smart locks can be safer

With a traditional lock, security depends largely on who has access to the physical key. Keys can be:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Copied without permission
• Never returned

With a smart lock, access is digital. This means permissions can be:

• Tracked
• Revoked instantly
• Time-limited
• Managed remotely

As a result, you always know who has access and can make changes immediately when needed.

Bold security features

Security has been a key consideration in the design of Bold. Unlike many retrofit smart locks that are attached to an existing cylinder, Bold replaces the entire euro profile cylinder. This allows the lock to be independently tested and certified as a complete security product.

The Bold smart lock includes:

• SKG*** certification
• Compatibility with anti-drill protection
• Compatibility with core pull protection
• Two-factor authentication
• Encrypted communication
• No external keyhole

The SKG*** certification is one of the highest recognised security ratings for door locks in the Netherlands and indicates strong resistance against burglary attempts. Want to learn more? Read our guide on SKG-certified locks and how they help protect homes and businesses.

Because the Bold smart lock has no external keyhole, common attack methods such as lock picking, drilling and core pulling become significantly more difficult.

Before purchasing a smart lock, consider:

• Security certifications
  Choose independently tested products with recognised certifications such as SKG***.
• Compatibility
  Confirm the lock fits your door and cylinder type.
• Access options
  Look for:
  - Smartphone access
  - PIN code access
  - Temporary access
  - Scheduled access
• Battery life
  Long battery life reduces maintenance and inconvenience.
• Smart home integration
  Ensure the lock works with your broader smart home ecosystem if required.

If your current lock meets your needs, you may not feel an immediate need to switch.

You may not need a smart lock to secure your door, but you may want one to simplify how you manage access.

However, a smart lock becomes valuable when you want more control, flexibility and convenience than a traditional key can offer.

For example, if you regularly give access to family members, guests, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, employees or tenants, a smart lock can save time and simplify access management.

A smart lock is not just about opening your door with a phone. It replaces physical key management with secure digital access that can be shared, scheduled and revoked whenever needed.

For homeowners, this means no more hidden spare keys or key handovers. For businesses, it provides scalable access management across teams and locations. For holiday rentals, it allows guests to check in and out without exchanging keys.

And for anyone tired of carrying keys, a smart lock offers a simple, secure and truly keyless way to access their property.

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.