Ring's First Smart Lock Adds Hand-Powered Dial for Dead Batteries

The dial is located on the external smart lock body. If the battery is dead, a user can turn the dial until the pad lights up, then enter a PIN or scan a fingerprint, according to ZDNet. The feature is intended to address a common weakness in smart locks: losing power while the owner is away and being unable to get inside without a physical key, ZDNet said.

The Ring Smart Lock supports four unlocking methods: a fingerprint reader, the keypad, the Ring app, and Alexa, ZDNet reported. PIN codes can include temporary codes, according to ZDNet. Once inside, the lock's Quick Release Ultra battery pack can be removed and recharged at home, avoiding disposable battery replacements, ZDNet said.

ZDNet said it still has questions about the product. The report said battery life estimates, Matter compatibility, and third-party integrations have not been disclosed. It is also unknown how many turns or how much turning is required for the power dial, ZDNet said, adding that those details will need testing when the lock is available.

Ring has not set a specific availability date, but ZDNet reported the lock will launch in early 2027. It will cost $250 and come in black, silver, and brass finishes, according to ZDNet, which said Amazon is offering sign-ups for notifications when the lock becomes available for purchase.

ZDNet noted that other smart locks can use a 9V battery or a portable battery connected through a USB-C port when their main battery dies. The report said those options can be unhelpful in an emergency because users may not carry a 9V battery or a portable battery with a cable.

In its assessment, ZDNet said a hand-crank smart lock that can be powered quickly after a battery failure may be useful for children and family members. The publication said it would prefer that over carrying a backup physical key, but added that it is still unclear whether this type of energy backup is more reliable than a physical key.

Editor's Summary

Ring has announced its first smart lock, the Ring Smart Lock, featuring a hand-powered dial that generates electricity to allow unlocking when the battery is dead. The lock supports fingerprint, PIN, Alexa, and Ring app entry, and is scheduled for early 2027 at $250 in three finishes. Key details including battery life, Matter compatibility, and third-party integrations have not been disclosed.