How to set up a Kwikset smart lock

💡 Need to know

• Yes, this is DIY-friendly. Kwikset smart locks are built for homeowners—not just pros.
• Keep the door open during setup. The lock needs to cycle the bolt to learn your door’s direction.
• Use fresh batteries. Weak batteries can cause pairing and calibration issues.
• Stick to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Most smart locks won’t connect to 5GHz networks.

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A smart lock lets you control access to your home—no matter where you are. Installing a smart lock or any smart home device can feel intimidating, though.

Luckily, Kwikset smart locks are actually user-friendly. At Asurion, our experts have tested many smart home devices, so we can share the best tips and tricks. Use this guide to new Kwikset smart lock setup, from installation to online connection.

How to install the hardware and power on your lock

The first part of the Kwikset smart lock setup is similar to any other lock. Follow these steps:

1. If there is an existing deadbolt in the door you no longer want, remove it. Take out the thumb turn, deadbolt assembly, and old strike plate from the door frame.
2. Make sure the holes in the door have the right measurements for the new lock.
3. Install the new latch with the part labeled “UP” on top and leave the latch out of the door.
4. Install the new strike plate in the door frame with the provided screws.
5. Install the exterior assembly of the smart lock with the mounting plate. Rotate the torque blade until it aligns with the D-shaped hole in the latch.
6. The cable goes underneath the latch through to the other side.
7. Rotate the cable through the center hole in the mounting plate, then push it into the bottom hole.
8. Use screws to secure the mounting plate.
9. Take the battery cover and battery pack off the interior assembly.
10. Connect the cable to the interior assembly and place the excess cable flat in the bottom of the interior assembly where there’s room.
11. Fit the interior assembly in place on the mounting plate and secure it with screws.
12. Install 4 AA Duracell® or Energizer™ batteries into the battery pack with correct polarity.
13. With the door open, install the battery pack.

The bolt should automatically retract and extend within a few seconds. This is the door handling process to learn whether the lock is on a left or right-handed door.

If the installation is successful, you’ll see a flashing check mark or a green light on the front of the lock. If it’s a failure, you may need to perform a manual version of the door-handling procedure, as described in the Kwikset setup guide.

Connecting your smart lock to the Kwikset app

Once your lock is properly installed, it’s time to learn how to program your Kwikset smart lock:

1. Download the Kwikset app onto your mobile device.
2. If you don’t already have one, create an account.
3. Make sure your mobile device has Bluetooth turned on and, when you connect the Kwikset lock to Wi-Fi, use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band.
4. Open the app's menu and choose Set Up A Lock.
5. Select Get Started.
6. Take the battery cover off your lock and press the “A” button to put the lock in pairing mode.
7. The app should detect the lock and show you a spinning animation.
8. Choose a name for your lock and select Complete Setup.

Use a smart lock guide if you encounter any issues using your new lock.

How to program user codes and set security preferences

With the interior cover still off:

1. Press the Program button.
2. Enter a 4- to 8-digit code on the touchscreen or keypad.
3. Press the lock button to finalize that user code.

Then you can use the app or the code you programmed to open the door instead of a key.

You can also add more codes and users:

1. In the app, select your lock.
2. Choose the user icon and enter a username.
3. Enter a user code between four and eight digits, then select Submit.
4. Change Access Type from Anytime if you want to restrict that user’s access to your home.

Some people wonder, are smart locks safe? What if the battery doesn’t work or the connection fails? These locks have built-in safety features. Just in case, many Kwikset locks come with a key. You can use the key to get in manually if all the smart unlocking methods fail.

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FAQ

How do I reset a Kwikset smart lock?

Remove the battery pack, press and hold the Program button, then reinsert the battery pack while holding the button. Keep holding until the lock signals a reset. This clears previous settings so you can start fresh.

Why won’t my Kwikset lock connect to Wi-Fi?

Most connection issues happen because you’re on a 5GHz network. Switch to 2.4GHz and try again. Also make sure Bluetooth is on and that you’re standing close to the lock during setup.

What happens if the battery dies on a Kwikset smart lock?

You won’t be locked out. Most models include a physical key as backup. Some also allow temporary external battery power so you can unlock the door.

Are Kwikset smart locks secure?

Yes. They use encrypted communication and built-in safety features. And if Wi-Fi or the app ever fails, you can still unlock the door manually.