Complete Guide to Smart Door Lock Access Methods

One of the biggest advantages of a smart lock over a traditional one is choice. Instead of a single key that can be lost or copied, you get a whole toolkit of ways to open your door — each suited to a different person, moment, or situation. This complete guide from Covlor® covers every major smart door lock access method: fingerprint, face, palm, password, NFC card, app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the trusty mechanical key — how each works and when to use it.

Biometric Access

Fingerprint

The most popular method for good reason: it is fast, personal, and impossible to leave at home. You press the sensor and the door opens in a fraction of a second. Modern capacitive sensors are accurate and hard to fool, and you can enrol several fingers per person for reliability. Explore fingerprint locks.

Face Recognition

Completely hands-free — ideal when you are carrying shopping or a child. An AI camera maps your face and unlocks in under a second, and advanced models use infrared to work in the dark and reject photos. See how face recognition works.

Palm Recognition

A newer, contactless method that reads the unique pattern of your palm or palm veins. Because vein patterns are internal, they are extremely difficult to fake. Explore palm recognition.

Code and Card Access

Password / PIN

A numeric code is the most flexible option for sharing access. Give a permanent PIN to family, or a temporary one to a guest or delivery agent that expires automatically. Anti-peep technology lets you add random digits around your real code so onlookers cannot capture it.

NFC / RFID / IC Card

Tap a card to enter — familiar, fast, and perfect for children, elderly family members, or staff. A lost card can be deactivated instantly without changing the lock. Compare NFC, RFID and IC cards to understand the differences.

Connected Access

Smartphone App

The app turns your phone into a master key: lock and unlock, share time-limited access, view entry logs, and get real-time open-door alerts. It is the hub that ties every other method together.

Bluetooth

Simple and battery-friendly, Bluetooth gives you app control when you are near the door — a good option if you do not need remote access.

Wi-Fi

For full remote control from anywhere in the world, Wi-Fi is essential. Unlock for a visitor while you are at work, or check the door from a holiday. Compare Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth.

Mechanical Key Backup

Every Covlor® lock includes physical keys and a concealed keyhole as the ultimate fail-safe. Even if the battery ever drains completely, you are never truly locked out — and an emergency USB port offers a second backup.

Access Methods at a Glance

Which Methods Should You Use?

The beauty of a modern lock is that you do not have to choose just one. The best approach is to enable several methods so every member of the household has a convenient, reliable option — fingerprint for you, a PIN for guests, a card for the kids, and the app for remote control. The Covlor® CR L51-S combines face, fingerprint, PIN, card, app, and key in a single unit. Browse the full range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the access methods of a smart door lock?

Fingerprint, face recognition, palm recognition, PIN/password, NFC/RFID card, smartphone app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a mechanical backup key.

Which access method is the most secure?

Biometrics like fingerprint and face (with liveness detection) are among the most secure, as they cannot be copied like a key or guessed like a code.

Can one lock support all these methods?

Yes. Flagship models like the Covlor® CR L51-S support face, fingerprint, PIN, card, app, and key together.

Do all methods work without internet?

Fingerprint, face, palm, PIN, card, and key all work fully offline. Only remote app control needs Wi-Fi.

What is the best method for giving guests access?

A temporary or one-time PIN is ideal — it works for a set period and then expires automatically, with no key to hand over or collect.