Ring has officially announced its inaugural smart lock, a device designed to address one of the most common pain points in the smart home category: the risk of being locked out due to a dead battery. Unveiled this week, the new Ring Smart Lock includes a unique manual power dial that generates electricity when turned by hand, ensuring the device remains operable even during a power failure.
The mechanism allows users to manually crank the dial on the exterior unit until the keypad illuminates, enabling entry via PIN code or fingerprint scan. This feature eliminates the need to carry a physical backup key, a convenience that Ring highlights as particularly beneficial for families and children who may find themselves unable to unlock the door if the battery dies unexpectedly.
Beyond the manual power dial, the smart lock offers three additional methods of access. Users can unlock the door using the integrated fingerprint reader, enter a PIN code (including temporary codes for guests), or utilize the Ring mobile app. For long-term power management, the lock utilizes a Quick Release Ultra battery pack that can be removed and recharged indoors, negating the need for disposable batteries.
The device is designed to integrate seamlessly into the broader Ring and Amazon Alexa ecosystems, allowing users to control it alongside other compatible devices through voice commands or the Ring app. This launch marks a significant expansion for Ring, which has long dominated the video doorbell and security camera markets but previously lacked a dedicated smart locking solution.
While the concept of a hand-crank backup is appealing, questions remain regarding the product’s full specifications. Details such as estimated battery life, compatibility with the Matter smart home standard, and third-party integrations have not yet been disclosed. Additionally, Ring has not specified exactly how many turns of the power dial are required to generate sufficient charge for operation.
The Ring Smart Lock is scheduled to launch in early 2026. As testing begins, industry observers will be watching to see if the manual power dial proves to be a reliable safety net compared to traditional mechanical keys or alternative emergency power solutions like USB-C portable batteries.
How many turns does it actually take? I’m skeptical this replaces a physical key entirely for my peace of mind.
Finally, a genuine solution to the dead battery lockout nightmare. The hand crank feels like a clever, practical backup.