Kwikset Halo Battery Draining Really Fast? Here’s What You Should Do

It’s been some months now since I installed Kwikset Halo on my front door. It’s all part of the resolution that I took at the start of the year. 

I was really happy with the lock until all of a sudden the batteries died. Our lock usage is also not that high so it could drain the batteries that fast. And since I have enabled all the notifications on the Kwikset mobile app, I cursed myself for not paying enough attention to the dead batteries notification.

But when I checked the app, it showed that the battery was still 75% full and there was no notification indicating the battery drain.

Puzzled by conflicting data points, I tried to find out on the internet if someone else also faced this issue. And if yes then what were the possible fixes. And then I stumbled upon this reddit thread where many other people had also shared their own ordeal in the same regard. 

Nonetheless after some research online, I was able to (hopefully) solve the Kwikset Halo battery drain issue. Here is what I did – 

First of all, I checked the door misalignment as it is the biggest culprit behind short battery life. Next, I checked the wifi signal strength at the lock to ensure that it was excellent. After that I ensured that the Lock Sound, Auto-Lock and LED Status options are ticked OFF in the Kwikset mobile app.

So in this article, I’ll guide you through the steps I took to troubleshoot the issue in detail. But first we will begin with the potential causes of the fast battery drain problem. 

Possible Reasons for Short Battery Life:

Before delving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand some common reasons why your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock might be experiencing battery drain issues:

• Door Misalignment: Even the slightest misalignment between the door bolt and the strike plate hole can cause increased friction. This increased friction requires more power to successfully lock and unlock the door, leading to decreased battery life.

• Frequent Use: Frequent usage of your smart lock can lead to a rapid depletion of its batteries due to the increased power required for locking and unlocking operations.

• Battery Type: Kwikset recommends using standard non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries for the best performance. Using inferior or rechargeable batteries may result in quicker battery drain.

• Lock Features: Some features, such as lock sounds, auto lock and the lock’s LED status, can consume additional power. Turning these features off within the Kwikset app can help reduce overall power consumption.

• Wireless Router Compatibility: The choice of a wireless router can impact the lock’s battery life. Selecting a battery-friendly router is crucial for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Kwikset Halo Battery Drain:

Now that we’ve identified possible reasons for battery drain in Kwikset halo locks, let’s explore the troubleshooting steps in detail:

1. Check Door Alignment:

Perhaps the biggest reason, by far, behind short battery life is misalignment of the latch and the strike plate. When this happens, there is increased friction in the system and the motor that powers the lock mechanism has to do extra work thereby draining the battery much faster. 

By carefully examining and addressing door misalignment, you can significantly improve the overall performance of your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock and, most importantly, extend its battery life. 

Here’s how:

• Begin by closely examining the alignment of the door bolt (the part that extends from the lock into the doorframe) and the corresponding strike plate hole (the opening in the doorframe where the bolt enters). Pay attention to any signs of resistance or unevenness as you manually lock and unlock the door using the Kwikset Halo Smart Lock.
  • One simple way to do this is to enable Lock sounds on the mobile app. Therefore when the latch system works, if there is any extra friction, you will be able to hear that.

• If you detect any misalignment issues during your examination, it’s crucial to take corrective action. Begin by assessing whether the misalignment is due to the strike plate or the door itself.

• If the misalignment appears to be primarily with the strike plate hole, consider adjusting the strike plate’s position. This can be accomplished by loosening the screws and securing the strike plate to the door frame slightly. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure the bolt fits smoothly into the hole. Once the strike plate is properly aligned, tighten the screws securely.

• If the door itself is misaligned and causing issues, you may need to make adjustments to the door hinges or strike plate cutout.

2. Use Standard Alkaline Batteries:

Choosing the right batteries for your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock is pivotal to its performance and battery life. Here’s a brief overview of why standard non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries are the preferred choice:

• Kwikset explicitly advises using standard non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries for the Halo Smart Lock based on their extensive testing and compatibility assessments.

• Standard Alkaline batteries are designed to provide a consistent and reliable source of power. They are known for their stable voltage output throughout their lifespan.

• In contrast, rechargeable batteries, such as Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, may exhibit voltage fluctuations as they discharge, which can affect the lock’s performance.

So, when it’s time to replace batteries in your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock, always choose fresh, high-quality Alkaline batteries.

3. Turn Off Lock Sounds, Auto-Lock and LED Status:

Another effective strategy to conserve battery life on your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock is to disable lock sounds, Auto-Lock and LED status indicators. These features, while helpful for feedback and notifications, consume additional power. 

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to achieve this within the Kwikset app:

• Start by launching the Kwikset app on your smartphone. 
• On the top right side, you will have horizontal bars. Click that to go to the lock settings page. It is marked in red in the image below.
  

• Look for “Lock Sound”, “Auto-Lock” and LED Status and switch them off.
• Each setting change will happen individually and might take 3-5 mins. Therefore to switch both the settings off, you will take around 5-10 mins.

4. Select a Battery-Friendly Router:

Selecting the right router for your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock can play a pivotal role in preserving its battery life and ensuring a seamless smart lock experience. Start by visiting Kwikset’s official website to find a list of recommended routers that are known to be battery-friendly.

If your router is not on the list and you do not wish to replace it, try the following hacks to enhance the functionality of your router to conserve battery.

• A stable and reliable connection is crucial for smart locks. Ensure your router has a good reputation for maintaining consistent connectivity.
• The Halo Smart Lock typically operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band. Ensure your router supports this band.
• Make sure your router’s signal reaches the lock’s location without significant drop-offs in signal strength.

What Worked for Me:

After following these troubleshooting steps, I found that the most significant improvement in battery life came from addressing the door misalignment issue. Once I adjusted the strike plate to allow for smoother operation, I noticed a substantial reduction in battery drain. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I replace the batteries in my Kwikset Halo Smart Lock?

Answer – The frequency of battery replacement depends on usage. Still, with proper battery type, the typical battery life based on 10 entries per day is 10-12 months. This is if the door is properly aligned and the lock does not encounter interference in locking/unlocking the door. 

Q2. Can extreme temperatures affect battery life in the Kwikset Halo Smart Lock?

Answer – Yes, extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact battery performance. Extreme cold can temporarily reduce battery capacity, while extreme heat can shorten battery life. Ensure your lock is installed in a suitable environment.

Q3. Is it necessary to perform any regular maintenance on the Kwikset Halo Smart Lock to prevent battery drain?

Answer – Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lock’s components and ensuring there are no obstructions in the lock’s operation, can help prevent unnecessary battery drain. Inspect the lock periodically for any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing battery drain problems with your Kwikset Halo Smart Lock, don’t fret. By systematically addressing the possible reasons and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can enhance the performance of your smart lock and enjoy an extended battery life. Remember to prioritize door alignment, use the recommended battery type, and optimize lock features for the best results.