Retrofitting: How to Make Your Dumb Locks Smart

A Lockly retrofit smart lock.

Smart locks bring an unmatched level of convenience to our doorsteps. However, many homeowners are reluctant to completely abandon their reliable traditional locks. The solution? Retrofitting their existing deadbolts with smart features.

This is where the brilliance of Lockly's Flex Touch Pro comes into play. This innovative attachment swiftly converts your standard single-cylinder deadbolts into sophisticated smart locks, all within a matter of minutes.

Why Retrofitted Smart Locks?

One reason many homeowners are hesitant to fully upgrade to smart locks is that they have already invested considerable money into rekeying their homes to enable use of a master key. If they were to replace each lock with a connected smart lock, they would have to repeat that costly rekeying process. Fortunately, there are now easy retrofit options to add smart capabilities to existing locks without needing to replace the entire locking mechanism. These smart lock retrofits provide the keyless entry, tracking, scheduling and other features of full smart locks through a module that installs alongside the standard deadbolt. Going the retrofit route brings smart home convenience at a fraction of the cost compared to ripping out locks and rekeying a home from scratch. For homeowners who have prioritized easy access and security in a traditional lock system, retrofits let them enhance those existing investments with smart features.

How Do Retrofitted Smart Locks Work?

Smart locks retrofitted onto existing hardware offer a seamless and non-disruptive method to enhance traditional deadbolts with cutting-edge access control functionalities. By simply affixing a smart module to their current locks, homeowners can unlock a host of advanced features such as biometric access, digital keys, and smartphone compatibility, all while keeping their trusted lock hardware intact. 

Retrofits maximize an old lock's utility for a fraction of the cost of complete replacements. This preservationist approach to smart home technology finally makes advanced security accessible to those on a budget, through enhancements rather than complete overhauls. For those hesitant to undertake major changes to their entryways, the introduction of retrofitted intelligence dispels any reservations. Furthermore, many homeowners have already invested in rekeying their homes with a master key. 

By choosing a retrofit, however, they can save money that would otherwise be spent on rekeying their property again. This brings the convenience of smart home technology within reach, even for those with modest means.

The Flex Touch Pro retrofit system revolutionizes access control without the need to modify existing hardware. Its compact modules enhance standard deadbolts, transforming them into state-of-the-art smart locks. It’s also compatible with most existing single-cylinder deadbolts.

Here’s how it upgrades traditional hardware into intelligent devices.

Transforming Existing Deadbolts into Smart Locks

At its heart, the Flex Touch Pro is an add-on, not a standalone smart lock. It consists of a sleek module that attaches to existing deadbolts without the need for removal. Installation takes just minutes with a simple turn of screws adhering modules using the included mounting plates.

There’s no need for drilling, altering, or replacing locks. By improving rather than replacing, the Flex Touch Pro optimizes the existing investment in locks while enabling smart features.

A person using a Lockly Flex Touch Pro retrofit smart lock.

Enabling Smart Access Features

Once attached, the retrofit module immediately activates smart features, similar to the ‘invisible’ design and small footprint of Level locks. These features include:

  • Keyless biometric access via an integrated fingerprint scanner
  • Wi-Fi connectivity for app-based remote controls
  • Door sensors to trigger real-time smart alerts
  • Issue recocable eKeys/eBadges for guests
  • Auto-locking/unlocking based on schedules or locations
  • Welcome mode for instant access
  • Scan-to-open for quick app unlocking 

This modular upgrade transforms traditional deadbolts into comprehensive smart locks, offering all the expected conveniences without altering the core lock.

Enhanced Capabilities Via Wi-Fi Bridge

While the base Flex Touch Pro module includes core smart functions, the accompanying Secure Link Wi-Fi bridge unlocks advanced capabilities such as:

  • Remote access via smartphones from anywhere
  • Real-time active monitoring and notifications
  • Remote over-the-air firmware updates 

The compact bridge plugs into a wall outlet to establish a Wi-Fi data connection, expanding the retrofit kit’s reach for all-encompassing smart security.

Quick Plug-and-Play Setup

In contrast to the usual smart lock installations that demand intricate wiring or drilling, the Flex Touch Pro offers a straightforward attachment process onto existing locks. Simply disengage the deadbolt, align the mounting plates, and secure the modules with a turn of a screw. 

Lockly provides comprehensive installation guides that visually walk you through each step.


Budget-Friendly for Renters and the Cost-Conscious

One reason you might be hesitant to fully upgrade to smart locks is that you’ve already invested considerable money into rekeying your homes to enable the use of a master key. If you were to replace each lock with a connected smart lock, you would have to repeat that costly rekeying process. 

Fortunately, there are now easy retrofit options to add smart capabilities to existing locks without needing to replace the entire locking mechanism

  • These smart lock retrofits provide the keyless entry, tracking, scheduling and other features of full smart locks through a module that installs alongside the standard deadbolt. 
  • Going the retrofit route brings smart home convenience at a fraction of the cost compared to ripping out locks and rekeying a home from scratch. 
  • For homeowners who have prioritized easy access and security in a traditional lock system, retrofits let them enhance those existing investments with smart features. 

    Before purchasing, be sure to check our retrofit compatibility guide or contact us if you have any questions about whether the product will work with your existing locks.

    The retrofit kit eliminates the need for a full lock replacement, saving costs, particularly for renters who are hesitant to modify their property. For homeowners mindful of their budget, enhancing standard deadbolts with smart features optimizes the use of existing hardware without the need for unnecessary purchases.

    The Flex Touch Pro finally brings the convenience of smart home technology within reach for those on a budget, by simply upgrading traditional "dumb" locks.

    Join Lockly’s Smart Lock Revolution

    Lockly’s Flex Touch Pro leads the way in adopting a preservationist strategy toward smart security. Rather than replacing reliable locks, it activates advanced features in traditional hardware in a cost-effective manner. The easy-to-install retrofit solution ticks all the boxes, delivering high-tech smart features through non-disruptive upgrades. It’s time to usher your old locks into the contemporary era of access control - the Flex Touch Pro way.