Issue with Halo Kwikset Lock

[Mariah Emerich]

I am wondering if any one has experience with the Halo Kwikset lock going offline repeatedly? We have one that always has issues. We have tried adding a Wi-Fi extender, called tech support, done all their recommendations and it still goes offline. We even replaced the whole lock unit. Have you had this experience? Did you find a solution? Should I scrap this brand and go with something else? 

Thank you. 

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Mariah Emerich, so the Halo unit connects via WiFi and only WiFi. That in and of itself isn't a problem but it is battery powered and therein lies the rub.

I would check and see what the battery percentage is when it goes offline. Does it go offline when you install new batteries or is it good to go for a while then starts dropping connection?

Do any other devices drop connection as well? Like a smart thermostat?

There could be a combo of things going on. Battery powered WiFi locks use a ton of energy. Many need to have their batteries replaced monthly.

If you have a smart thermostat that also goes offline, then it isn't the lock but the WiFi router. Thermostats have AC power to them so WiFi isn't an issue with it's power consumption.

There could be various things interfering with the connection so it could take a while to figure out.

You could try replacing the lock with another brand and see how it goes. It is possible that it won't solve the issue if it is the network itself.

I use the Schlage Encode but it is attached via Z-Wave to a Samsung SmartThings hub vs WiFi. The battery power last much longer. We swap them out every 9 months or so at 75%.

It does add a layer of complexity to the network but I find it very reliable and easy to manage.