Smart home · Locks & doorbells
Does a smart lock need Wi-Fi?
Short answer
It depends on the lock. Eufy's S3 Max connects over built-in Wi-Fi, which it needs for remote access from anywhere; its Matter listing names Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Apple's new LG lock uses Thread instead and, Apple says, works entirely locally, so core access keeps working without internet; it does need a Thread-enabled Apple Home hub, such as a HomePod mini.
Which products can do it?
- Eufy S3 Max Video Smart LockYes
The S3 Max has built-in Wi-Fi and is Matter-certified over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; you set it up with your Wi-Fi password, and remote access needs an internet connection.
Good to know: Palm data is stored on the lock, and backup batteries keep the PIN pad working when the main battery is low; Eufy doesn't say what still works without Wi-Fi.
- LG Smart Deadbolt Lock (Apple Home Collection)Announced
Apple says LG's Apple Home lock uses Thread and works entirely locally, so core access functions continue without an internet connection; Apple's store lists a Thread-enabled Apple Home hub as a requirement.
Good to know: From $349.95, on sale from December 2026; not yet reviewed. Unlocks with a PIN pad, a tap or hands-free with an iPhone or Apple Watch, or a hidden backup key.
Why it matters
Routers drop out, and nobody wants to be stuck outside their own door because the internet is down.
Not proven yet
Which unlock methods on the Eufy S3 Max keep working when Wi-Fi is down; Eufy's pages and the review we read don't say. Apple doesn't spell out which LG lock features need the home hub.
How we know (5 sources)
Matter certification record for the eufy FamiLock S3 Max (certified Dec 30, 2024; read Oct 27, 2026): Matter 1.2, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth listed as its transport interfaces; Thread isn't listed.
Read the sourceHands-on review of the Eufy S3 Max Video Smart Lock, which unlocks by reading the veins in your palm (up to 50 users), plus code or key, and doubles as a 2K video doorbell. The palm reader was touchy at first: you hover your hand for a few seconds, re-enrolling helped, and older users may struggle with holding a hand in mid-air. Reopened Oct 27, 2026: setup means scanning the lock in the app and entering your Wi-Fi password; it supports Matter over Wi-Fi, and its features are reachable from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. The review doesn't say what works offline.
Read the sourceApple's announcement of the Apple Home Collection (Oct 13, 2026; read Oct 27, 2026): every device supports Thread to stay connected if Wi-Fi drops. The LG Smart Deadbolt Lock works entirely locally, so core access functions continue without an internet connection; it unlocks hands-free, with a tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch, with a PIN pad or with a hidden backup key, from $349.95 in the US. The LG video doorbell's front camera records 2.5K and its bottom camera Full HD; each camera gives 10 days of event video history stored in a supported iCloud+ plan, with no separate camera subscription.
Read the sourceCanadian product page for the eufy FamiLock S3 Max, read Oct 27, 2026: lists built-in Wi-Fi; supports Matter with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings; works with eufy's HomeBase 3, though not with HomeBase 3 and another ecosystem's gateway at the same time. Palm data is stored on the lock. If the main battery runs low, standard backup batteries keep PIN code access working while other functions stop.
Read the sourceApple Store page for the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, read Oct 27, 2026: requires an iPhone for NFC pairing and a Thread-enabled Apple Home hub such as HomeView, HomePod mini or select Apple TV 4K models; hands-free unlock needs an Ultra Wideband iPhone or Apple Watch. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth requirement is listed.
Read the source
Status timeline
No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.
- First recorded: Coming soonLG Smart Deadbolt Lock (Apple Home Collection)
Apple says LG's Apple Home lock uses Thread and works entirely locally, so core access functions continue without an internet connection; Apple's store lists a Thread-enabled Apple Home hub as a requirement.
- First recorded: In storesEufy S3 Max Video Smart Lock
The S3 Max has built-in Wi-Fi and is Matter-certified over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; you set it up with your Wi-Fi password, and remote access needs an internet connection.