Almost every smart lock buyer asks whether the lock should connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The answer depends on what your customers expect to do from their phone, and on how much complexity they will tolerate during installation.
What Bluetooth does well
Bluetooth connects the phone directly to the lock, with no router involved. That makes setup simple and keeps the lock’s power use low. You can add users, create temporary passwords and read the unlock log while standing near the door. The trade-off is range: Bluetooth works only within a few metres, so you cannot unlock the door for a visitor while you are away, and notifications arrive only after your phone has reconnected.
In our range, the D3 smart deadbolt works with a Bluetooth app, and the small ball and deadbolt-style locks in our price list (D03, D12, D13) use a Tuya Bluetooth app.
What Wi-Fi adds
Wi-Fi puts the lock on the internet through your router. You get remote unlock, instant notifications, remote password management and, on video locks, a call to your phone when someone rings. The price is higher power use and a more involved installation, because the lock must reach the router. Our dual-screen series such as the A60S connects over Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and uses a 4200 mAh rechargeable battery to support that.
Handle locks such as the B7 and B6 offer Wi-Fi as an option. The detail pages describe a gateway or Wi-Fi version that connects to the router for remote unlock.
Comparison
| Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|
| Remote unlock | No, phone must be near | Yes |
| Notifications | When phone reconnects | Instant |
| Setup | Simple | Needs router in range |
| Power use | Low | Higher |
| Typical buyer | Apartments, offices, budget projects | Villas, rentals, video-lock buyers |
Check the Wi-Fi band
Our Wi-Fi locks use 2.4 GHz. Many modern routers combine 2.4 and 5 GHz under one name, and some phones then try to pair the lock on 5 GHz and fail. Tell installers to pair using the 2.4 GHz band, or to temporarily split the bands.
A practical rule
- If the customer needs to open the door for someone remotely, choose Wi-Fi.
- If the customer mainly wants keyless entry and a user log, Bluetooth is enough.
- If you sell to rental owners, ask about remote codes before choosing.
See how platforms fit together in our guide to Tuya, TTLock and Matter.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Bluetooth smart lock be unlocked remotely?
Not without a gateway. A Bluetooth lock needs the phone nearby; remote unlock needs a Wi-Fi connection or a gateway.
Which Wi-Fi band do your locks use?
Our Wi-Fi models, including the dual-screen series, use 2.4 GHz.
Does Wi-Fi drain the battery faster?
Yes, Wi-Fi uses more power than Bluetooth, which is why Wi-Fi models usually have a larger rechargeable battery.
