Smart locks for properties with unreliable WiFi

Use case

You manage short-term rental properties where WiFi connectivity is unreliable or frequently goes down. You need smart locks that can continue functioning and allowing guest access even when the local WiFi network is unavailable.

Challenge

Most smart locks rely on WiFi connectivity to communicate with cloud services and receive access codes. When WiFi goes down, these locks may lose the ability to receive new codes, update existing codes, send notifications, or respond to remote commands.

Recommended solutions

Option 1: Salto KS with cellular connectivity

Best for: Properties where you need real-time remote code management even when WiFi is down

Key benefits

• Independent of local WiFi - Communicates directly with Salto's cloud services via cellular networks (4G/LTE)

• Continuous operation - Receive new codes, process updates, report activity, and respond to remote commands even during WiFi outages

• Reduced support burden - No need to troubleshoot WiFi issues or coordinate with ISPs

• Reliable for remote properties - Works in rural areas or locations with inconsistent internet service

Considerations

• Requires adequate cellular signal strength at the property

• Higher upfront cost and cellular subscription fee

• Slightly faster battery drain compared to WiFi-only models

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Option 2: Offline-capable locks (Igloohome, Lockly)

Best for: Properties where codes can be generated in advance and don't need to be modified after creation

Key benefits

• No internet dependency - Access codes work regardless of network status

• Generate codes anytime - Create codes even when property WiFi is down

• Lower cost - No cellular subscription fees or additional hardware required

• Works anywhere - Perfect for remote properties with no reliable WiFi or cellular coverage

Considerations

• Codes cannot be changed - Once generated, codes cannot be modified or revoked remotely

• Limited real-time monitoring - Activity logs sync when connectivity is restored

• No remote firmware updates or setting changes during WiFi outages

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Comparison

Feature	Salto KS (Cellular)	Igloohome/Lockly (Offline)
Requires internet	No (uses cellular)	No
Generate codes during outage	Yes	Yes
Modify/delete codes remotely	Yes	No
Remote monitoring	Yes	No (syncs when online)
Upfront cost	Higher	Lower
Ongoing fees	Cellular subscription	None
Remote properties	Requires cellular coverage	Works anywhere

Choose Salto KS with cellular if:

• You need to modify or cancel access codes remotely

• You frequently make last-minute booking changes

• Your properties have good cellular coverage

Choose Igloohome or Lockly if:

• Your bookings rarely change once confirmed

• You want to minimize ongoing costs

• Your properties have poor or no cellular coverage

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Need help choosing?

The right solution depends on your specific properties and management style. Contact support (support@seam.co) to discuss your use case and get personalized recommendations.