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Comment by qkhhly | Hacker News Reader

I have a better idea: using a QR code as your door key.

* Install a lock that does not have any external mechanism to unlock it. No key holes, no password pad, nothing. So there will be no lock picking in any way.

* Use your peep hole as a camera.

* Show a QR code to said camera.

* Door unlocks if QR code is correct.

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What's the failsafe mode? (e.g. battery is dead, mechanism fails, etc.)

Kicking the door in is surprisingly easy in the US where most doors are framed in soft pine, if that does not work an angle grinder and a sufficient supply of discs can (eventually) cut through anything.

That seems like a very expensive repair following a failure.

what is the failsafe mode if you lost all your keys, or forget your password, or fingerprint reader runs out of battery? same thing applies here.

With a typical smart lock, the failsafe mode for the battery dying or forgetting your password is a backup key.

The failsafe mode for losing a backup key is getting a locksmith to come out and fashion you a new key.

if a locksmith can open your door, others can, too. in this rare event, i think brute force is an acceptable price to pay for the extra security.

It doesn't really matter whether a locksmith can open your door. With an angle grinder and some patience, anyone can open practically any residential door (as noted by another commenter). The question then simply becomes how expensive it will be to repair everything afterwards -- and all because the battery ran out.

In theory, if you don't lose your key, locks work indefinitely.

Battery-powered locks.. well.. they die a lot more than 0 times

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