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Any lock's a smart lock with Kwikset Convert

Kwikset Convert is a smart lock that lets you keep the deadbolt you already have.

Ry Crist Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs

Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.

Expertise Smart home technology and wireless connectivity Credentials

10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team

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Ry Crist

Sept. 15, 2016 12:34 p.m. PT

2 min read

Kwikset's been making smart locks for years, but now, it wants to make smart locks out of the dumb locks most of us already use, thanks to a new smart lock adapter called Kwikset Convert.

We first heard about Convert back at CES -- now, months later, we got a closer look at it at the CEDIA tech showcase in Dallas, Texas. It's basically just the interior part of one of Kwikset's smart locks -- the part with the batteries and the brains. You'll connect it to your existing deadbolt by way of a special set of adapters designed to fit a wide variety of locks, including ones from competitors like Baldwin and Schlage.

Shop for Kwikset Convert Smart Lock Conversion Kit (Satin Nickel)

Once it's installed, you'll be able to connect your lock to a smart-home hub thanks to the built-in Z-Wave radio. From there, you'll be able to lock and unlock your door from your phone, or automatically by way of preprogrammed automations.

You'll be able to use Kwikset Convert with a wide range of deadbolts, including those not made by Kwikset.
Ry Crist/CNET

That's a winning pitch for anyone who's picky about the type of deadbolt they use, or for renters, who typically aren't able to swap their deadbolts out for smart versions. It'll also help Kwikset keep up with the August Smart Lock, which takes a similar approach with its clamp-on, app-enabled lock-turner.

Kwikset's approach is a bit more hands-on than that, though. You'll still need to break out the screwdriver to disassemble the interior half of your lock, then retrofit it to work with the Kwikset Convert controller.

Kwikset Convert is slated to arrive by February 2017. Pricing is yet to be finalized, but it sounds like it'll almost certainly cost less than August, which retails for over $200. We'll let you know as soon as we get a chance to test one out.