So you’ve got a smart lock and you’re ready to unlock your door with just your voice? Good news. The whole setup takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. This guide will walk you through connecting your smart lock to Alexa or Google Home, troubleshooting any hiccups along the way, and making sure everything stays secure.
What You’ll Need to Set Up Voice Control
- A smart lock from August, Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, or similar
- Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker
- Working Wi-Fi
- The lock’s app on your phone
- Your lock already set up in the app
Larger homes sometimes have Wi-Fi dead zones. If your lock sits far from the router, a mesh extender might be helpful.
Which Smart Locks Work with Alexa and Google
Most modern smart locks work with both Alexa and Google Home. Popular compatible brands include August, Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, Kwikset Halo, Level Lock, and Wyze Lock.
The setup process is similar across brands. You’ll connect through your voice assistant’s app, link your smart lock account, and set up voice authentication. Here’s how it works for each system.
Connecting to Google Home
The process is the same whether you have Schlage, August, Yale, or another compatible lock.
- Open Google Home app and tap the plus icon
- Choose Set up device, then Works with Google
- Search for your lock brand like Schlage Home, August Home, or Yale Access
- Sign in with your lock account
- Assign the lock to a room like Front Door or Back Door
- Set up voice match and create a PIN
Test it with “Hey Google, lock the front door.”
Google requires a PIN before unlocking. This stops anyone from unlocking your door just by saying the command out loud.
Setting Up Voice Match
Voice Match teaches Google to recognize your voice. Go to settings in Google Home, pick your profile, and follow the prompts. You’ll say some phrases so Google learns how you sound. This is helpful for families with kids or guests.
Connecting to Alexa
The Alexa setup follows the same pattern for all compatible locks.
- Open Alexa app and tap menu
- Go to Skills & Games
- Search for your lock’s skill like Yale Access, August Home, or Schlage Home
- Enable the skill and log in with your lock account
- Say “Alexa, discover my devices” or tap Discover Devices
- Create a four-digit unlock PIN
Locking needs no PIN, but unlocking does.
“Alexa, lock the front door” “Alexa, unlock the front door” then say your PIN
Managing Guest Access
Most smart lock apps let you create temporary codes for visitors. Set an expiration time and the code stops working automatically. This works independently from your voice control setup.
Use Routines to Automate Your Smart Home
Routines trigger multiple actions with one phrase. Say one thing and everything happens at once.
Alexa Routines
In the Alexa app, go to More, then Routines. Pick your trigger and actions.
- Alexa I’m leaving locks doors, turns off lights, adjusts thermostat
- Alexa good morning unlocks front door, starts coffee, opens blinds
- Alexa bedtime locks everything, turns off lights, arms alarm
Google Home Routines
Google calls them Household Routines. Open Google Home, tap your profile, then Assistant settings. Scroll to Routines. You get six slots like Good Morning, Leaving Home, Coming Home, Bedtime, plus two custom ones. Some people connect garage openers and car systems to these routines.
Troubleshooting Smart Lock Connection Issues
When your smart lock won’t respond to voice commands, start by checking if it works in its own app. If it doesn’t work there either, the problem is with your lock or Wi-Fi, not with Alexa or Google Home.
Lock Not Appearing in Your Voice Assistant
If your lock doesn’t show up after initial setup, force a refresh. In the Alexa app, tap Devices then Discover Devices. In Google Home, go to your device list and pull down to refresh.
Lock Shows Up But Won’t Respond
Try disconnecting and reconnecting. For Alexa, disable and re-enable the lock’s skill in Skills & Games, then wait 30 seconds. For Google Home, unlink and relink the service under Works with Google.
Voice Commands Don’t Work But the App Does
Check for updates in both your smart lock app and your voice assistant app. Outdated software often causes command failures. Also verify that your lock is assigned to the correct room in your voice assistant settings.
Connection Keeps Dropping
Weak Wi-Fi is the most common culprit. If your lock keeps disconnecting, try these fixes.
- Move your router closer to the lock or add a Wi-Fi extender. Smart locks near the edge of your Wi-Fi range will disconnect randomly.
- Check your router placement. Routers in hot spots like garages or near windows can overheat and throttle performance. Make sure your router has good airflow and isn’t sitting in direct sunlight.
- Restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for everything to reconnect. This clears temporary glitches.
Setting Up Voice Unlock
Both Alexa and Google Home require extra steps to unlock doors. After connecting your lock, find it in your devices list.
- For Google Home, tap the lock then the gear icon. Scroll to Allow voice unlock and turn it on. Create a four-digit PIN when prompted.
- For Alexa, the unlock PIN was set during initial setup. You can change it in the lock’s skill settings.
To unlock, say “Hey Google, unlock the front door” or “Alexa, unlock the front door.” The assistant asks for your PIN. Say the four numbers and the lock opens in a few seconds.
Keep Your Smart Lock Secure
Voice control makes life easier but needs proper protection.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your smart lock account. This blocks access even if someone gets your password.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi password. A weak password lets neighbors access your network and potentially your locks.
- Update firmware when your app prompts you. Updates fix security vulnerabilities.
- Change your unlock PIN every few months. If someone overhears your code, regular changes limit the damage.
When to Turn Off Voice Unlock
Disable voice unlock temporarily when you have contractors over or throw a party. Anyone near your speaker could hear your PIN. Turn it back on when they leave.
Check your lock’s activity log regularly for unusual access attempts.
What Happens to Smart Locks When the Power Goes Out?
Your smart lock runs on batteries and keeps working when the power goes out. But your Wi-Fi router needs electricity. No Wi-Fi means no voice commands or app control until power returns.
The lock still accepts PIN codes on its keypad. Physical keys work if your lock has a key slot. Keep a backup key somewhere safe.
Making the Switch to Voice-Controlled Security
Voice control for smart locks is straightforward to set up and use. The initial setup takes about 10 minutes, and most people feel comfortable with it within a week.
Start with basic lock and unlock commands. Add automation routines later once you’re familiar with how everything works. Keep physical backup keys handy and install firmware updates when your app prompts you.