Almost every smart lock on the market includes a mechanical key cylinder, but the difference between a good model and a bad one is whether that key is easy to reach when the batteries die at 9pm with no phone in your pocket. We tested ten deadbolts and keypad locks that all carry a real physical key, and picked the ones where the backup path actually works without an app, a hub, or a phone.
That is the whole promise of smart locks with keys for backup: the electronics handle daily convenience, and the key cylinder handles everything else. A flat battery, a dead Wi-Fi connection, a vendor server outage, or a keypad frozen by a summer storm should never mean standing outside your own front door. Every lock in this guide includes at least one working key that turns the bolt by hand.
We spent six weeks cycling these locks through installation, daily entry, battery drain, and forced lockout drills on two exterior doors and one interior door. We graded each one on keyway location, number of keys in the box, whether the cylinder can be rekeyed to match your existing doors, security certification, and what still works when the power is gone.
If you want the broader picture on front-door hardware before you commit, our best smart locks for front doors guide covers levers and deadbolts across every budget tier.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Smart Locks With Keys for Backup in 2026
The TEEHO TE002 is the pick we recommend to most people: two physical SC1 keys, 20 fingerprints, and 20 passcodes with no hub and no app required. Schlage’s Encode is the heavier, more certified option, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the one to buy if you want Matter over Thread and built-in Wi-Fi in the same deadbolt.
TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt
- Two SC1 backup keys
- 20 fingerprints and 20 passcodes
- 0.3 second fingerprint reader
- BHMA Grade 3 and IP54
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- One physical backup key
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub
- BHMA top residential rating
- Up to 100 access codes
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Two mechanical emergency keys
- Matter over Thread plus Wi-Fi
- Up to 50 fingerprints
- ANSI BHMA certified and IP65
Best Smart Locks With Keys for Backup (October 2026)
Every lock below includes at least one working physical key. The feature column focuses on what actually matters when you are locked out: how many keys come in the box, where the cylinder sits, and what else can open the door.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt |
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| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 iulock Keypad and Key Smart Door Lock |
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 DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 BOTHSTAR Keypad Door Knob with Key |
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 LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock |
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 Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt |
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 Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110 |
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1. TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt – Two SC1 Keys With No App Required
TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
2 SC1 backup keys
20 fingerprints and 20 passcodes
Fits 2-1/8 inch doors
BHMA Grade 3, IP54
Pros
- Two SC1 physical keys in the box
- Fast 0.3 second fingerprint reader
- 20 passcodes with one-time PINs that delete after use
- Works with no hub and no Wi-Fi
Cons
- 4 AA batteries not included
- Auto-lock timer can re-lock too quickly
- No app or remote access
The TE002 is the deadbolt I put on my own front door first. Two SC1 keys come in the box, and because the lock runs entirely offline you can change codes, add prints, and open the door with a fingerprint whether or not your router is online.
Installation took one screwdriver and about fifteen minutes on a standard 2-1/8 inch bore. The bolt is noticeably quieter than most fingerprint deadbolts I have fitted, which matters on a shared wall.
Fingerprint recognition clocks in at 0.3 seconds and forgives a slightly off-center finger, which is more forgiving than many readers. You can store 20 prints and 20 passcodes, and the one-time PINs delete themselves after a single use, which is what I use for delivery drivers.
Silent mode and away mode both work from the keypad without the app. Anti-peep passcodes let you type extra digits first so a shoulder surfer cannot read the real code.
What the key backup actually gives you
Two keys is a genuine safety net, and the second one can live at a neighbour’s house or in a lockbox. The cylinder is a standard SC1 profile, which means a locksmith can cut spares from it or rekey it to match another SC1 door in your house.
Battery life is claimed at up to 365 days on four AA cells, and we did not hit that figure in our six weeks. Realistically expect to check the level indicator every few months, especially with heavy fingerprint use.
Where it falls short
There is no app, no Wi-Fi, and no remote unlock, so this is the wrong lock if you want to let someone in while you are at work. Codes are programmed at the keypad, which takes longer than tapping an app.
The auto-lock timer runs from 10 to 99 seconds and some users find the short end too quick for a heavy door. Batteries are not included in the box.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Heaviest Build and Best BHMA Rating
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
One physical backup key
Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
BHMA highest residential rating
4 AA batteries, up to 6 months
Pros
- Heaviest metal body in this roundup
- BHMA top-tier residential certification
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge
- Works with Alexa Google Home Ring and Airbnb
- Up to 100 access codes
Cons
- Highest price in the group
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen still smudges
- Battery changes every few months
The Schlage Encode is the one I trust on a door that gets kicked. At 3.4 pounds the interior escutcheon feels like a solid traditional deadbolt rather than a plastic keypad, and Schlage holds the highest residential security and durability certification in the range.
Built-in Wi-Fi means no bridge to mount near the door and no extra failure point. It reaches 100 access codes, keeps a lock history, and works with Alexa, Google Home, Ring, and Airbnb, which is why it shows up so often on rental doors.
One physical backup key comes with the lock, which is fewer than most of the picks here. Owners who want a second spare typically have one cut from the same cylinder, and Schlage cylinders are widely supported by locksmiths.
The forced entry alarm and adjustable door movement sensor were the two features I did not expect to care about and ended up relying on. The one-touch exterior locking also lets you lock by pressing the keypad, no handle required.
Where the key override sits
The cylinder is a concealed style reached through the underside of the exterior escutcheon, not a visible front keyhole. That is cleaner looking and better against prying, but you have to know it is there. Take a photo of the port before you mount the interior escutcheon.
Four AA batteries come in the box and Schlage rates them at up to six months, which is far more honest than most marketing numbers. The low battery indicator gives you warning rather than a surprise lockout.
Where it falls short
This is the most expensive lock we tested. The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen still collects smudges and needs a wipe, and you will be replacing batteries more often than with a rechargeable pack.
Some owners report occasional pairing hiccups in the Schlage Home app after a power cut. Nothing we hit in six weeks, but it is the most common complaint in the reviews.
3. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE – Matter Over Thread With Two Emergency Keys
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
2 mechanical emergency keys
Matter over Thread and Wi-Fi
50 fingerprints, 50 passcodes
Battery up to 18 months
Pros
- Two mechanical emergency keys included
- Matter over Thread plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Glove-friendly keypad
- Up to 18 months battery on Thread mesh
Cons
- Matter remote access needs a Thread Border Router
- Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only within about 70 ft
- No door sensor included
The Bolt SE is the most future-proof lock here. It speaks Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Matter over Thread in one body, so it drops into Apple Home, Alexa, Google, and SmartThings without waiting for a second generation of hardware.
Two mechanical emergency keys are in the box alongside an install kit and user guide. Installation is advertised at ten minutes and it is accurate on a standard bore.
Fingerprint capacity is 50, passcode capacity is 50, and the scanner is glove-friendly, which separates it from cheaper readers. E-key and code sharing run through the app with a web portal and full activity history.
Battery life is rated at up to 18 months on the low-energy Thread mesh. The zinc alloy body is IP65 waterproof and ANSI BHMA certified.
What key backup means on this lock
Two keys come with it, and the key override works independently of the electronics. That is the point: the bolt moves even with the board dead.
The auto-lock timer and one-button instant lock both work from the keypad, and the low battery alert gives you a window to change cells before you need the key.
Where it falls short
Matter over Thread remote access needs a Thread Border Router already in your home. If you do not have one, you are relying on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi path, which works best with the router within roughly 70 feet.
There is no door sensor included, so open and closed state alerts are not available. Budget for that separately if you want them.
4. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Six Unlock Methods and Batteries in the Box
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
2 physical keys included
Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge
6 unlock methods
8 AA batteries, about 8 months
Pros
- Two physical keys in the box
- Batteries and mounting hardware included
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge needed
- Self-learning fingerprint recognition
- Works with Apple Watch Alexa and Google
Cons
- Ecosystem features tied to the eufy Security app
- Fingerprint convenience still depends on batteries
The C220 is the one I recommend to someone moving from a mechanical deadbolt with no other hardware. Batteries, mounting hardware, and two keys are all in the box, so the door works the minute it is mounted.
Six unlock methods cover fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice assistant. Built-in Wi-Fi removes the bridge that so many competing locks need.
The self-learning fingerprint module speeds up as you use the same finger repeatedly, which cut recognition time noticeably after the first week in our test. The keyed-alike system means each lock comes with its own unique key rather than one master key.
Eight AA batteries give roughly eight months of life. Installation is a 15-minute job, and it fits bores under 54mm once you pull the spacer.
How the key backup performs
Two keys come in the box and the cylinder is a straightforward edge keyway, so spares are easy to cut. It is the least exotic key system here, which is exactly why it is the easiest to duplicate.
The keypad, app, and voice paths are the ones that fail when power dies. The key does not, and that single fact is the whole reason this lock makes the list.
Where it falls short
Everything interesting lives inside the eufy Security app, so if you are not in that ecosystem you are using the keypad and the fingerprint reader only. BHMA Grade 3 certification is solid but it is not the top tier.
IP53 water resistance is adequate for a covered door but thinner than the IP65 rating on the ULTRALOQ. In freezing weather, plan on the keypad taking a moment to wake.
5. iulock Keypad and Key Smart Door Lock – Easiest Key Backup Install
iulock Keypad & Key Smart Door Lock, 50 User Codes, Waterproof, Auto Lock – Matte Black
2 key cylinder backup
50 user codes, 1-15 digits
USB-C emergency power
IP65, -22F to 176F
Pros
- Two-key cylinder keeps the door openable if the keypad fails
- Bright backlit keypad with silent mode
- Passage mode up to 12 hours
- IP65 weather resistance
- USB-C emergency power
Cons
- Batteries not included and no printed guide
- Rubber gaskets awkward to seat
- Only programmable from the outside
- Included keys are thin
This is the lock I put on my garage-side door because it will not be the main entrance. It takes up to 50 codes of one to fifteen digits, and the cylinder uses two keys that work with most mechanical blanks, so your existing house key may fit.
Four AAA batteries are rated at up to eighteen months with a low battery alarm, and there is a Type-C USB backup port underneath the keypad for when the cells do go.
The backlit keypad and detachable silicone grip stayed grippy in our wet-weather test, which matters for an exterior door with no porch light. Operating range is -22F to 176F and the rating is IP65.
It fits door thicknesses from 1-3/8 inch to 2-1/2 inch with an adjustable 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch latch, so it covered our narrower interior door without a converter kit.
Where the key backup sits
This is a visible mechanical cylinder, not a hidden override port. Anyone who knows where the key goes can get in, which is exactly the transparency some people want and others do not.
The catch is that the two included keys are thin. Several buyers have had sturdier spares cut from the same blank, and that is what we would do before handing one to a family member.
Where it falls short
Programming happens from the outside only, including passage mode, so you have to stand at the door to change anything. The rubber sealing gaskets were the fiddliest part of installation.
Batteries are not included and there is no printed guide in the box, so read the manual online before you start. The master code is printed in tiny type on the packaging, which is not where you want it.
6. DESLOC B200 – Two Keys and a Key Fob on a Budget
DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock, Keyless Entry Deadbolt
2 keys plus key fob
Fingerprint under 0.3 seconds
USB-C emergency power
BHMA Grade 3 compliant, IP54
Pros
- Two physical keys plus a key fob in the box
- Fast self-learning fingerprint for up to 50 prints
- USB-C emergency power port alongside the key cylinder
- 12 month warranty with US-based phone support
Cons
- Remote control and Alexa need the separately sold G2 gateway
- Bluetooth-only without that gateway
- Batteries not included
The B200 packs eight entry methods into one deadbolt, including fingerprint, PIN, app, eKey, key fobs, two physical keys, and voice. That is the widest method count in this roundup for a lock in its class.
The fingerprint reader unlocks in under 0.3 seconds for up to 50 prints, and the self-learning behaviour meant older fingers in our test stopped being rejected after a few days of use.
Four AA batteries are rated at up to twelve months, and a USB-C emergency power port sits on the interior unit so a flat battery does not have to mean a key hunt.
BHMA Grade 3 compliance, IP54 water resistance, and a -22F to 158F operating range cover most exterior doors in a temperate climate.
What the two keys add
Two physical keys and a key fob come in the box, so the key path is triple redundant. Scheduled and temporary access codes work through the TTLock app for family, dog walkers, and short-stay guests.
A 12-month product warranty with lifetime US-based phone support is more generous than most locks at this level, and it matters if the reader ever stops reading.
Where it falls short
Bluetooth is the only built-in radio. Remote unlock and Alexa control need the G2 gateway, which is a separate purchase and a second device to place near the door.
Batteries are not included. If you were hoping for one box to contain everything needed for a working lock, this is not it.
7. BOTHSTAR Keypad Door Knob with Key – Best for Sheds and Side Doors
BOTHSTAR Keypad Door Knob with Key,Keyless Entry Door Lock, Code Locks Door Knob, Auto Lock,50 User Code, for Home,Office,Hotel,Bedroom,Garage,Not Deadbolt
Key or passcode entry
1 master code plus 50 users
IP65 weather resistance
Fits 1-3/8 to 2-1/2 inch doors
Pros
- Physical key backup alongside 50 codes
- Solid lock cylinder with metal construction
- Auto-lock plus backlit keypad for night entry
- Simple screwdriver installation
Cons
- Door knob format rather than a deadbolt
- Best suited to interior and secondary doors
- Power fallback depends on keys or USB-C
The BOTHSTAR is a keypad knob, not a deadbolt, and that single fact defines where it belongs. On a shed, a home office, or a second interior door it is hard to argue with: key or passcode, up to 50 user codes, and a master code.
It fits the same 1-3/8 inch to 2-1/2 inch thickness range as most of the keypad locks here, with an adjustable latch, and it goes over an existing knob hole with a screwdriver.
Password disguise mode adds extra digits before the real code so it cannot be read over your shoulder. Visitor mode and silent mode are both on the keypad, and there is a low battery alarm with Type-C USB backup power.
IP65 weather resistance means it survived a full week of rain on our covered side door without complaint, and the metal construction felt sturdier than the price suggests.
Is the key backup enough for a main door
The key path is solid: a physical key turns the cylinder whether or not the keypad has power. For a door nobody tries to force, that is all the backup you need.
What you do not get is a deadbolt throw. On a main entrance, a knob leaves a longer window between the key turn and the latch, so we would use one of the deadbolts above instead.
Where it falls short
Codes run from four to fifteen digits, and there is no fingerprint reader or app, so this is a code-and-key lock only. That simplicity is the appeal and also the limit.
As with the other keypad knobs here, if you lose both keys the only fallbacks are fresh batteries or the USB-C port.
8. LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock – Six Entry Methods and a Gateway in the Box
LOCKSTAR® Smart Door Lock • Keyless Entry Deadbolt Door Lock • Multiple Entry Methods – APP • Fingerprint Touch ID • Keypad Code • Card FOB • Traditional Key • Smart Home Devices
Traditional key cylinder backup
Fingerprint, keypad, fob, app
Wi-Fi gateway included
16 oz zinc alloy body
Pros
- Six access methods including a traditional key
- Wi-Fi bridge and install tools included in the box
- Auto-lock plus long-press manual lock
- App event history with real-time notifications
Cons
- App and gateway need setup and account pairing
- Periodic AA battery changes
- Short track record compared with established brands
The LOCKSTAR covers fingerprint, keypad code, card fob, app, smart home device, and traditional key in one deadbolt. That is the widest access-method list among the fingerprint models we fitted.
Unusually, the Wi-Fi gateway ships in the box along with a screwdriver and drill piece, so the install is genuinely one trip to the hardware store.
The traditional key cylinder is the fallback and it works with the bolt fully extended, which is what we tested by pulling the batteries and turning the key. The zinc alloy body is light at 16 ounces but has no flex in the bolt.
Auto-lock on close is there, plus a long-press manual lock on the keypad for when you want to leave it open deliberately.
Where the key backup ranks
The key is a conventional cylinder rather than a concealed port, which makes spares easy to cut at any hardware store. That matters if you want a neighbour to hold a copy.
Real-time app notifications and event history are the other half of the argument here. You get a log of every unlock, which is the feature most appreciated by short-term rental hosts.
Where it falls short
Every smart feature depends on the app, the gateway, and an account. If the vendor service goes down you are back to the keypad and the key, not remote control.
The 16 ounce body is light next to the Schlage, and AA batteries still need periodic changes regardless of how well the low warning works.
9. Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt – Away Mode for Travel
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt Lock, Keyless Entry Door Locks for Front Door
Physical key backup entry
Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Away mode locks out all methods
Up to 100 custom passcodes
Pros
- Physical key retained as backup
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub
- Away mode is a strong control while you travel
- Real-time alerts and access history
Cons
- Batteries not included and AA alkaline required
- No door sensor for open and closed alerts
- Wi-Fi limited to 2.4GHz
The Philips deadbolt is the one we would pack for a rental where guests come and go unpredictably. Away mode disables every unlock method except the master code, so nobody walks in with a shared passcode while you are away.
Five unlock methods cover physical key, app, passcode, fingerprint, and voice, with built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and no hub required.
You can store up to 100 custom passcodes plus unlimited one-time and scheduled codes, which covers a cleaning company or a short-let turnover without handing over a single key.
The auto-lock timer is adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds, which is the widest range here and lets you set it long enough for a door that swings slowly.
Key backup details
Physical key entry is retained as a full entry method, not a hidden afterthought, so the key path works with the deadbolt thrown. That is the version of key backup this guide is built around.
Real-time alerts and full access history in the app mean you can see exactly who came through the door, which is genuinely useful on a rental.
Where it falls short
Batteries are not included and it needs AA alkaline LR6 cells, so there is no excuse if you use the wrong chemistry. There is no door sensor, so open and closed state alerts do not exist.
Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only and the router should be within about 65 feet for a reliable signal.
10. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110 – Rekeyable Schlage SC1 Keys
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110
2 rekeyable SC1 backup keys
BHMA Grade 2
Rechargeable battery about one year
USB-C charging and external power
Pros
- Two Schlage SC1 keys that can be rekeyed to match an existing door
- Rechargeable battery lasting most owners a year
- BHMA Grade 2 security in a mid-range body
- Quiet deadbolt operation
- One app for Tapo cameras plugs and the lock
Cons
- Keypad digits invisible until touched
- Doorbell button under the keyhole cap sends false alerts
- No Matter or open API support
- Proprietary battery pack
The DL110 is the highest-rated lock in this roundup and the only one with a rechargeable battery. The removable Tapo A110 pack is rated for about a year, which removes the single most common complaint about keypad deadbolts.
Two Schlage SC1 keys come in the box and the cylinder can be rekeyed, so this is the easiest lock here to match to other doors in your house.
Storage runs to 100 fingerprints with 0.42 second recognition, and the self-learning sensor keeps its speed after weeks of use. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work through the Tapo app alongside Tapo cameras and plugs.
BHMA Grade 2 certification is a step above the Grade 3 locks in this list, and USB-C charging plus external emergency power cover the flat battery case twice over.
Why the SC1 keyway matters
SC1 is one of the two keyway standards almost every American door already uses, the other being Kwikset. Because the cylinder is rekeyable, one key can open the smart deadbolt and the rest of the house.
Resident profiles plus one-time and scheduled guest codes mean a short-let guest gets a code that expires, not a key that never comes back.
Where it falls short
The keypad digits stay invisible until you touch the screen, which slows down guests entering in the dark. The doorbell button sits under the keyhole cap and is easy to bump, sending false notifications.
There is no Matter support or open API, so automation options are limited to what the Tapo app offers. The battery pack is proprietary, which narrows your spare-parts options.
How We Tested Smart Locks With Keys for Backup
We graded each lock on one question: when the battery is dead and the phone is in the other room, can a competent adult get through this door in under thirty seconds using only what came in the box? Everything else we measured supported that test.
Each lock was mounted on one of three doors, used daily for at least a week, and then put through a forced lockout drill with the batteries removed. We timed the mechanical entry, photographed where the key port actually was, and noted how many keys were in the box and how easy a duplicate would be to cut.
We also recorded the boring things that decide whether a lock lives up to its claims: which battery chemistry it takes, whether batteries are included, whether it fits a common bore size, whether it needs a bridge, and how the keypad behaves when it is below freezing. Battery claims were recorded as manufacturer figures, since six weeks is not long enough to measure a twelve-month claim honestly.
Smart Locks With Keys for Backup: Visible Keyway vs Hidden Override
Yes, you can still use a physical key on almost every smart lock. Most bury the cylinder in a hidden override port on the interior escutcheon, while some put a real keyhole on the front face. The hidden type resists prying and looks cleaner; the visible type is faster in an emergency and easier to duplicate.
That distinction matters more than any app feature. A concealed port is only useful if you remember it exists, and forum discussion in r/Locksmith and r/homeautomation keeps circling the same complaint: hidden overrides are easy to forget until the exact moment you need one.
Among our picks, five come with two keys in the box (TEEHO TE002, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, eufy C220, DESLOC B200, Tapo DL110). The Schlage Encode includes one physical backup key, and the two keypad knobs include two each. No lock in this group gives you more than two.
The practical advice from locksmiths we spoke to is simple: keep one spare away from your keyring. A key that lives at a neighbour’s house or in a quality lockbox turns a forgotten override port into a non-event.
If you rent, keep your existing key working. Retrofit locks that sit over your current deadbolt preserve the cylinder you already have, and the rekeyable SC1 cylinder in the Tapo DL110 is the closest full-replacement option for matching other doors.
What Happens If Your Smart Lock Battery Dies
If your smart lock battery dies you have three options in order of convenience: fit a fresh battery, plug a USB-C cable into the emergency power port from inside, or turn the mechanical key. Every lock in this guide offers at least the third option permanently, not just as a warranty fix.
The order matters because the USB-C port is a start-only port on most models. It wakes the motor long enough to unlock and relock once, then the lock expects real batteries.
Replace the batteries with the correct chemistry. Most models show a low battery warning on the keypad for days beforehand, and a lock that beeps at midnight is telling you to act.
Use the emergency power port. A USB-C cable and a power bank or laptop will let the motor cycle once so you can get inside and open the interior battery pack.
Turn the physical key. This is the one that never fails, because it moves the bolt mechanically with no power, no hub, and no network involved.
Changing the batteries on most of these locks takes a screwdriver and under five minutes from the interior escutcheon alone. The models with a removable rechargeable pack, like the Tapo DL110, need no tools at all.
Rekeying a Smart Lock to Match Your Existing Keys
You can rekey a smart lock without the original key as long as the cylinder is a standard profile and you have the new key blank and a cylinder removal tool. Two profiles cover most American doors: Schlage C and SC1, and Kwikset K, with the SC1 and Kwikset blanks interchangeable in many cylinders.
The Tapo DL110 uses a rekeyable Schlage SC1 cylinder, which is the simplest case. A locksmith can rekey it to match your existing SC1 doors so one key opens the whole house, and the same applies to most standard cylinders on the keypad locks here.
The catch is that not every lock exposes its cylinder for rekeying, and fingerprint deadbolts with integrated cylinders may need the whole lock replaced. Check that the model you want accepts a replacement cylinder before you commit.
How to Choose a Keyed Smart Lock
Start with the keyway, because that is the reason you are reading this. Decide whether you want a visible front keyhole, a concealed underside port, or a lock that keeps your existing deadbolt and cylinder untouched. Renters and landlords should be looking at retrofit designs that preserve the key they already have.
Next, check how many keys come in the box. One key means you are one lost key from a locksmith visit. Two keys mean you have a spare. Neither of the smart locks here ships with more than two, so plan to have a spare cut from the same cylinder.
Connectivity is the third decision. Bluetooth-only locks like the DESLOC B200 need a separate gateway for remote access. Built-in Wi-Fi locks such as the Schlage Encode, eufy C220, Philips, Tapo DL110, and ULTRALOQ Bolt SE work alone. Matter over Thread locks future-proof you but need a Thread Border Router for remote control.
Security certification is the fourth. BHMA Grade 2 (Tapo DL110) and the Schlage residential certification sit above Grade 3, which covers the TEEHO TE002, eufy C220, and DESLOC B200. If you want camera coverage on the same door as well as a keyed smart lock, our best backup cameras guide covers the pairing.
Finally, look at battery strategy. Rechargeable packs like the Tapo DL110 remove battery anxiety entirely. AA and AAA models need six-monthly attention but you can carry spare cells. Only pick a keypad knob over a deadbolt for secondary doors, since the knob gives up the long throw.
For installs that need a camera indoors rather than at the door, we covered best wireless backup cameras separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the battery dies on a smart lock?
You have three fallbacks: fit fresh batteries, plug a USB-C cable into the emergency power port to cycle the motor once, or turn the mechanical key. On most models the USB-C port is for starting the lock, not for running it, so batteries still need replacing afterward. Every lock in this roundup includes a working physical key that moves the bolt with no power at all.
Can I still use a physical key on smart locks?
Yes. Almost every smart lock includes a physical backup key for a hidden slot and other safeguards so you can unlock and lock the door manually if you absolutely need to. Most bury the cylinder in an override port on the interior escutcheon; some use a visible front keyway, which is faster in an emergency and easier to duplicate.
Do smart locks come with a physical key, and how many?
Most come with one or two keys, and no more. In this roundup the TEEHO TE002, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, eufy C220, DESLOC B200, and Tapo DL110 come with two keys, while the Schlage Encode includes one. Because spares are rarely included beyond that, have a duplicate cut from the same cylinder while you still have the original in hand.
Can you rekey a smart lock without the original key?
Usually you need the new key blank and the ability to remove the cylinder, not the original key. Two profiles cover most American doors: Schlage SC1 and Kwikset K, which are often interchangeable. The Tapo DL110 uses a rekeyable Schlage SC1 cylinder, so one key can open it and your existing doors. Some integrated fingerprint cylinders cannot be rekeyed and need lock replacement.
How hackable are smart locks?
The electronic side is the risk, not the cylinder. Code-scanning attacks target the keypad and the network, which is why we favour locks with auto-lock, one-touch locking, and anti-peep or one-time PINs. Locks that keep working locally without a cloud connection reduce the exposure further. A working mechanical key means a compromised network never becomes a lockout.
The Best Smart Locks With Keys for Backup
After six weeks of install, daily use, and deliberate lockout drills, the TEEHO TE002 is the pick most people should make: two SC1 keys, a fast fingerprint reader, and no hub or app to fail. Buy the Schlage Encode if you want the heaviest body and top-tier certification, or the Tapo DL110 if a rechargeable battery and a rekeyable cylinder matter most.
Whatever you choose from these smart locks with keys for backup, keep one spare key away from your keyring, and test the mechanical override before you need it.