Data as of Oct 17, 2026A topic in Smart Locks & Keyless Entry Systems.
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
Mentioned in · Jul 7 – Oct 17, 2026
ChatGPT SearchOct 10, 2026
You want a retrofit smart lock — one that works with your existing deadbolt instead of replacing the entire lock. That means you can often keep your current keys, exterior hardware, and door appearance.
My recommendation is to start with the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or SwitchBot Lock Pro. Both are designed to motorize an existing deadbolt from the inside, though compatibility depends on your specific lock.
Google AI ModeOct 10, 2026
I want to upgrade to a smart lock but keep my current deadbolt hardware in place. What are my options?
(Best overall for simplicity)
Typical listed price: around $200
Fits over the inside thumbturn of a compatible deadbolt, leaving the outside lock and physical key unchanged. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock or unlock remotely without a separate Wi-Fi bridge.
Remote locking and unlocking
Auto-unlock and activity history
Relatively bulky; check battery costs
(Best for flexibility)
Typical price: around $100 for the lock alone
A retrofit motor with adjustable mounting adapters, making it worth considering if your deadbolt has an unusual thumbturn shape. Optional accessories add keypad entry and remote smart-home features.
Keeps existing exterior hardware
Expandable with accessories
A hub may be needed for remote access
Typical listed price: around $140–$180, depending on bundle
Another interior-only retrofit option. It preserves your existing key and can be paired with a keypad for keyless entry. Wi-Fi availability and included accessories vary by package.
Discreet retrofit installation
Optional keypad access
Verify whether the bridge or keypad is included
Listed price: around $199
The most discreet option: its electronics fit inside a compatible deadbolt, so the inside thumbturn and outside key hardware can remain visually unchanged. It requires more careful compatibility checking than a typical thumbturn-mounted lock.
No bulky motor attached to the door
Matter over Thread smart-home support
Existing deadbolt must be compatible
The most important thing is whether your existing deadbolt has a standard interior thumbturn. Before buying, check that the door locks smoothly by hand and that there is enough clearance around the thumbturn for a motorized unit.
One question: Can you send me a photo of your current deadbolt from the inside of the door? I can use that to help narrow down which models are most likely to fit.
If you can't send a photo, tell me the brand printed on the lock (such as Schlage or Kwikset), and I'll start there.
To keep your current keys and exterior hardware while adding smart capabilities, you need a retrofit smart lock that attaches to the inside of your door and turns your existing deadbolt mechanism.
Watch this overview to see how retrofit locks compare and fit onto doors without changing exterior hardware:
3:24 Best Smart Lock 2026: Retrofit or Replace?11 days ago YouTube · Buying Brief
Installs completely hidden inside your door , replacing your existing deadbolt's internal bolt mechanism while keeping your outside keyhole and hardware 100% unchanged. It supports smart platforms via Level Home.
Mounts over your existing interior thumbturn on most standard single-cylinder deadbolts. It lets you continue using your outside key while upgrading the inside with app controls and auto-unlock features available through August Home.
Attaches to the inside thumbturn of your current deadbolt setup for a budget-friendly retrofit installation that leaves the exterior keyhole untouched.[](https://august.com/products/august-wifi-smart-lock)
If you can share which smart home system you use (like Apple Home, Alexa, or Google Home) and whether you prefer an interior-only hidden lock or a thumbturn overlay, I can recommend the exact match for your door.
Yes! There are several retrofit smart locks that let you keep your existing deadbolt hardware, including the outside keyhole, exterior trim, and your current keys. You don't have to replace the entire lock or drill new holes for many of these models.
The main distinction is whether you want to preserve just the exterior hardware or literally every visible part of the lock.
(Best all-around option)
Approx. $200 at Home Depot
Attaches over the interior thumbturn, leaving the exterior and existing keys unchanged. Offers app control, auto-lock, auto-unlock, and built-in Wi-Fi for remote access.
Approx. $140–$180, depending on bundle
A compact interior-mounted retrofit that preserves your existing lock and keys. You can get a Wi-Fi version or bundle it with a keypad for code entry from outside.
Around $100–$120 in some listings
A retrofit option that mounts over the inside thumbturn without replacing the outside hardware. It's worth considering if you want a lower-cost setup; some smart-home integrations and remote features require a compatible hub.
Around $199
The most discreet option: its electronics fit inside the deadbolt mechanism itself. Unlike the others, it doesn't add a bulky motor to the inside of the door. It preserves your existing keys and visible hardware, but compatibility with your particular deadbolt is especially important.
| If your priority is… | My pick |
|---|---|
| App control and remote locking | August Wi-Fi |
| Lower cost | SwitchBot Lock Pro |
| Keeping the lock nearly invisible | Level Bolt |
| Adding a keypad without replacing the deadbolt | Yale Approach with keypad |
One important detail: the Level Bolt requires removing the existing deadbolt mechanism during installation, but you reuse the exterior hardware and lock housings. The August and Yale Approach instead attach to the interior side.
I can narrow this down to the best match for your door. Do you want to keep the existing hardware because you like its appearance, or because you need to keep your current physical keys working?
Google AI ModeOct 17, 2026
Yes, absolutely. These are called retrofit smart locks , and they are ideal if you rent, want to keep your exterior door looking identical, or need to keep using your physical keys from the outside.
The top options on the market let you keep your current exterior deadbolt hardware:
If you want to narrow down the best pick, tell me:
