There’s a common misconception among Australian homeowners that smart locks and deadbolts are two different types of security products - and that you have to choose between them. In reality, the vast majority of smart locks on the market are deadbolts. The “smart” part refers to how you operate the lock (via PIN, app, or fingerprint), while the “deadbolt” part refers to the physical locking mechanism that secures your door.
So when someone asks “can I have a smart lock and a deadbolt on the same door?”, the answer is usually: you probably already have both in one unit. That said, there are situations where adding a separate deadbolt alongside a smart lock makes sense - for example, if you’re installing a retrofit smart lock on a door that already has a separate knob lock and deadbolt, or if you want an additional high-security deadbolt for peace of mind. This guide explains the relationship between smart locks and deadbolts, when you might want both on the same door, and how to set that up correctly for your Australian home.
Why Trust This Guide
1. Experience: Advising on Door Hardware Configurations
The Smart Lock Warehouse team regularly advises customers who are confused about the relationship between smart locks and deadbolts. This is one of the most common points of confusion in the smart lock buying process. Our hands-on experience with hundreds of door configurations across Australia means we can give practical, specific advice rather than generic answers.
2. Expertise: Understanding Lock Mechanisms and Door Configurations
A deadbolt is a type of lock mechanism - specifically one where a solid metal bolt extends into the door frame without a spring return, making it highly resistant to forced entry. Most smart locks replace the interior thumbturn of an existing deadbolt, or come as a complete smart deadbolt unit. Installing two separate deadbolts on a single door is possible but requires two separate door bore holes and strike plates, and is generally unnecessary for residential security if a quality AS 4145-rated smart deadbolt is chosen.
Configuration Options at a Glance
| Setup | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Smart deadbolt (all-in-one) | Smart lock IS the deadbolt — one unit | Most Australian homes |
| Retrofit smart lock on existing deadbolt | Smart mechanism added to existing deadbolt | Renters, strata, budget upgrades |
| Smart lock + separate deadbolt | Two separate locking mechanisms on one door | Maximum security, commercial |
| Smart lock + door knob/lever lock | Smart deadbolt + standard knob lock below | Standard residential configuration |
| Double cylinder smart deadbolt | Keyed both sides (interior + exterior) | Doors with adjacent glass panels |