Introduction
If you’ve ever shopped for a smart lock, chances are you’ve wondered: “Does it have to run on Wi-Fi?”
The truth is, not all smart locks speak the same “language.”
Some chat with your phone via Wi‑Fi, others use Matter over Thread (think of it as a smart‑home handshake), and many — including Lockin’s supports both, giving you flexibility without extra complexity.
In this guide, we’ll break down how these three connections actually work and help you decide which combination makes sense for your home — no tech jargon, just clear comparisons you can use.
How These Connections Actually Work
- Wi-Fi: The lock connects straight to your home router. From there, it can send alerts or unlock commands through the internet — perfect for remote control and status checks.
- Matter over Thread: Thread devices create a low-power mesh and talk to each other first, then connect via a Matter-enabled hub (like a HomePod or Nest Hub) to the rest of your smart home and the cloud. The result? Fast, brand-agnostic control that feels seamless.
- Bluetooth: Pairs your phone directly with the lock using encrypted short‑range communication. No internet required, perfect for quick nearby access or when Wi‑Fi is down.
Wi-Fi Smart Locks: Easy Remote Control
Wi-Fi locks are popular because they just work with the network you already have. You can check your door from your desk at work or even while traveling.
Why people like them:
- Lock or unlock from anywhere, get instant alerts if someone comes home
- Plug-and-play with Alexa or Google Home
- No extra hub — just your existing Wi-Fi
What to keep in mind:
- Uses more battery than other options
- Depends on a steady Wi-Fi signal
Lockin’s Veno Plus takes this route: built-in Wi-Fi for remote control right out of the box.
Matter over Thread: The Next Big Thing in Smart Homes
Matter is the new universal language for smart devices, and Thread is the quiet workhorse powering it — a low-energy mesh network that keeps everything connected.
How it plays out: Thread devices talk to each other first, then connect through a Matter-enabled hub (like a HomePod or Nest Hub) to link up with the rest of your home system and the cloud. The experience feels quick, reliable, and works no matter which brand’s name is on the box.
Why it matters:
- Works across Apple, Google, Samsung, Amazon, and more
- Low lag, low power — perfect for larger smart home setups
- Future-proof as Matter adoption grows
Heads up:
- You’ll need a Matter hub to unlock the full feature set
- The ecosystem is still expanding, but moving fast
Lockin’s Veno Pro already supports Matter over Thread, so it’s ready for homes that are building toward a fully connected future.
Bluetooth Smart Locks: Simple but Limited
Bluetooth remains popular for its simplicity and low energy use. It’s perfect for quick, nearby unlocks — and also serves as a backup when Wi‑Fi or hubs go offline.
How it works: Your phone and the lock pair directly using encrypted Bluetooth signals. Great for quick unlocks — but only when you’re standing nearby.
Pros:
- Minimal power draw, long battery life
- No extra setup or hardware required
Cons:
- No true remote access
- Guest codes and alerts usually need extra hubs
Which One’s Right for You?
- Want to check and control your door from anywhere? Go Wi-Fi.
- Building a home full of devices from different brands? Matter over Thread fits best.
- Prefer low‑power, nearby convenience? Bluetooth is your answer.
Lockin’s Approach: Why Not Have Two at once?
Lockin smart locks combine Wi‑Fi and Matter over Thread into a single device.
That means:
-
Remote control and notifications via Wi‑Fi
- Future‑proof integration through Matter for multi‑brand setups
Whether you lean toward the all-rounder Veno Plus or the smart-home-ready Veno Pro, you’re set up for how homes work now — and where they’re headed.
Where This Leaves You
Smart locks aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all — and they don’t all need Wi‑Fi. The real question is what fits your everyday life: do you want remote control from anywhere, a setup that plays nice with different brands, or just something simple that sips battery?
With Lockin, you don’t have to compromise. One lock gives you Wi‑Fi for full control, and Matter for a home that’s ready to grow smarter over time.