Smart Lock Guide for Australian Homes: What Fits, and What to Ask Your Insurer

Smart locks eliminate the lost-key panic, the spare-key-under-the-mat security risk, and the “did I lock the door” anxiety. They also let you let in a tradie or dog walker remotely with a temporary code that expires automatically. But in Australia, the choice of smart lock is complicated by two factors: Australian door hardware, and what your home insurer expects. This guide covers both.

Australian door hardware — what you need to know

Australian doors predominantly use 60mm or 70mm backset deadbolts with a euro cylinder or oval cylinder profile — different from the US cylindrical locksets that many American smart locks replace. This means a lot of US-market smart locks either do not fit Australian doors or need adapter plates.

Before you buy anything, measure your existing lock:

• Backset — the distance from the door edge to the centre of the lock cylinder (usually 60mm or 70mm)
• Door thickness — most Australian entry doors are 35–45mm
• Faceplate dimensions — the metal plate on the door edge
• Existing lock type — deadbolt, mortise, or euro cylinder

Take those four measurements to any product page before ordering. It is the single best way to avoid a return.

What to ask your insurer — before you buy

This is the question most Australians ask first, and rightly so. We are not insurance advisers, and policies differ significantly between insurers, so the only reliable answer is the one your own insurer gives you in writing.

Australian home insurance policies commonly require external doors to be secured with a deadlock or deadlatch. What that means in practice for smart locks:

• Locks that replace your existing deadbolt while retaining a physical deadbolt throw generally sit closer to what policies describe than devices that only add electronic control
• Retrofit modules that attach to the inside of your existing deadbolt leave the original lock physically unchanged, which some owners prefer for exactly this reason
• Many policies expect you to notify your insurer when you change locking hardware

The practical step: call your insurer before installing and ask exactly this — “If I install a smart lock that retains a physical keyed deadbolt, does my policy remain valid, and do you need it in writing?” Get the answer in an email before you drill anything.

Step 1: Choose your lock type

Retrofit (deadbolt actuator): Attaches to the inside of your existing lock. The outside hardware and key cylinder stay unchanged — easiest installation, no change to the physical lock. Disadvantage: it only controls locking and unlocking; you cannot add a PIN pad on the outside.

Full replacement smart lock: Replaces your entire lock. Adds a keypad, fingerprint reader, or card unlock to the exterior. More involved installation. This is what you want if you need PIN access for guests, or want to stop carrying keys.

Padlock: For gates, sheds, and side access where you want keyless entry without touching a door lock at all.

Step 2: Install the lock

For retrofit models, unscrew your existing deadbolt's interior rose plate, fit the smart lock adapter, and follow the calibration steps in the app — the lock learns the open and closed positions automatically. For full replacement locks, remove the old lockset and follow the supplied template to mount the new unit.

Smart locks are battery powered and involve no mains wiring, so no electrician is required. If you are not confident with the mechanical fitting, a locksmith will typically install one in 30–60 minutes — worth it for a full replacement lock on your main entry door.

Step 3: Set up ecosystem integration

Pair the lock in the free Smart Life app, then link that to Google Home, Apple Home, or Alexa. Once connected:

• Check lock status from anywhere (“Is my front door locked?”)
• Lock remotely if you forgot
• Create automations: auto-lock a few minutes after unlocking, or lock when everyone leaves home
• Add temporary PIN codes for visitors, tradies, or cleaners with time-limited access
• Receive a notification every time the door locks or unlocks

Step 4: Create a guest access workflow

One of the most practical smart lock features is temporary access codes. Create a unique PIN for each regular visitor — cleaner, dog walker, family member — that is different from your own. Set expiry dates for temporary codes. Some locks generate single-use codes that work only once, which is ideal for a one-off tradesperson visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the right smart lock

Browse PureNode's smart locks — keypad deadbolts, fingerprint locks, and weatherproof padlocks for gates and sheds. Each product page lists the dimensions and unlock methods so you can check them against the measurements above.