The Kwikset SmartKey is a residential lock system allowing users to quickly rekey their locks without removing them from the door. Using a special tool and a working key, homeowners can reset the lock to accept a new key in under a minute — a feature that appeals to landlords, DIYers, and people who frequently change keys.
Introduced in 2007, SmartKey has undergone multiple iterations to address security flaws exposed in earlier versions.
🧩 SmartKey Generations
Generation 1 (2007)
Introduced the core self-rekeying feature
Vulnerable to a decoding attack with basic tools
Could be forcefully bypassed using a screwdriver or torque attack
Generation 2 (2010)
Reinforced internal components
Addressed early torque attack flaws
Still showed some weaknesses in lab tests
Generation 3 (2013–present)
Hardened against picking, bumping, and torque attacks
More difficult (though not impossible) to defeat
Recognized by ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 for improved durability and security
Presumably, there is a Gen 4 version and even a Gen 5. The most recent change I have observed is the addition of reinforcement steel preventing reverse attack access to mounting screws. I cannot discern any difference in Gen 3 lock nomenclature.
⚖️ Pros:
Quick, convenient rekeying
Cost-effective for frequent key changes; however, if you anticipate no or very few occupancy changes, this feature is irrelevant.
Compatible with Kwikset’s electronic deadbolts
⚠️ Cons:
Earlier versions had documented vulnerabilities
Still not as secure as high-security cylinders like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock
Rekeying still requires a working key — if it’s lost, a locksmith is needed
🔧 Locksmith’s Perspective:
While newer SmartKey generations are adequate for typical residential use, they aren’t ideal for clients requiring higher-grade physical security. They’re best suited for interior doors, rentals, or budget-conscious homeowners who need rekey flexibility over maximum resistance to forced entry. The design of these locks prevents their implementation in a master key system.
Kwikset’s electronic locks often have override locks to use if the battery is dead or if a user has forgotten the numeric access code. These locks are always Smartkey loc
