Smart Lock Disconnects After Power Outage - Quick Recovery

Power goes out:
1. Router/modem offline
2. Hub offline (Zigbee/Z-Wave/Thread)
3. Lock stays functional (has batteries) ✓
   - Keypad still works
   - Manual thumb turn works
   - BUT: App control lost

Power restored:
1. Router boots (2-3 min)
2. Hub boots (3-5 min)
3. Mesh network rebuilds (5-10 min)
4. Devices reconnect gradually

Step 1: Wait patiently (most important)
□ Power restored? Give it 10 minutes
□ Don't rush - networks need time to stabilize
□ Check time: _____ (come back in 10 min)

Step 2: Check router online
□ Router lights normal?
□ Internet working? (test on phone)
□ If not: Restart router first

Step 3: Check hub status
□ Hub LED indicators normal?
□ Hub shows online in app?
□ If offline: Continue to Step 4

Step 4: Restart hub
□ Unplug hub (or HomePod, Apple TV)
□ Wait 30 seconds
□ Plug back in
□ Wait 5 minutes for full boot

Step 5: Test lock connection
□ Open app → Check lock status
□ Try lock/unlock command
□ Works? Done! ✓
□ Still offline? Continue to Step 6

Step 6: Power cycle lock
□ Remove all 4 batteries
□ Wait 30 seconds
□ Reinsert batteries
□ Wait 2-3 minutes
□ Lock should reconnect

Step 7: Verify connection
□ Lock shows "Online" in app
□ Test lock/unlock 3 times
□ Response time normal (<2 sec)

Issue: Zigbee mesh needs to rebuild after power loss

Recovery:
□ Wait 10-15 minutes after power restored
□ All mains-powered devices (plugs, lights) reconnect first
□ Battery devices (lock) reconnect last
□ Be patient - automatic

If still offline:
□ Wake up lock (press keypad button)
□ Forces lock to search for network
□ Should reconnect within 2 minutes

Issue: Z-Wave slower to rebuild (especially S2 secure)

Recovery:
□ Wait 15 minutes minimum
□ Z-Wave polls devices to check status
□ S2 security adds handshake time

If still offline:
□ Run "Z-Wave Network Repair" (if hub supports)
  - SmartThings: Settings → Z-Wave Utilities → Repair
  - Hubitat: Settings → Z-Wave Details → Repair
□ Takes 10-30 minutes
□ Do overnight for best results

Issue: Thread Border Router may need restart

Recovery:
□ Check Border Router online
  - HomePod mini, Apple TV, or Nest Hub
  - Must be powered on

□ Restart Border Router if needed
  - Unplug, wait 30 sec, replug

□ Thread mesh rebuilds quickly (5-10 min)

Issue: Direct WiFi connection to router

Recovery:
□ Usually fastest (2-5 minutes)
□ No mesh to rebuild
□ Just lock → router → cloud

If still offline:
□ Check lock battery (>20%)
□ Verify WiFi network online
□ Lock may need manual reconnect:
  - App → Lock Settings → Reconnect WiFi

☑️ UPS for network equipment
  - Router + modem: $50-100 UPS
  - 30-60 minutes backup power
  - Prevents disconnection during brief outages

☑️ UPS for hub
  - Zigbee/Z-Wave hub: $50-100 UPS
  - SmartThings, Hubitat, etc.
  - Keeps smart home running

Cost: $100-200 total
Benefit: Zero disruption during outages <1 hour

☑️ LTE backup router
  - Netgear LM1200, etc.
  - Switches to cellular if broadband down
  - Cost: $200 + cellular plan

☑️ Hub with cellular
  - Some hubs support LTE dongle
  - Rare but available

☑️ Monthly restart
  - Router, hub (planned restart)
  - Ensures clean state
  - Prevents gradual degradation

☑️ Test after every outage
  - Verify all devices reconnected
  - Note which ones needed manual help
  - Document for next time

□ Router issue most likely
  - Restart router
  - Verify internet working
  - Check with ISP if prolonged

□ Hub issue
  - Restart hub
  - Check hub firmware

□ Network configuration lost
  - Router may have reset to defaults
  - Check WiFi password
  - Check DHCP settings
  - May need to reconfigure

✓ Use keypad PIN codes
  - Lock itself works fine
  - No network needed

✓ Use physical key
  - Always reliable

✓ Manual lock/unlock
  - Thumb turn from interior

✓ Be patient
  - Networks recover on their own
  - Forced fixes often make worse

After power restored:

□ Wait 15 minutes (be patient)

□ Verify internet working
  - Test on phone/computer

□ Check hub online
  - LED indicators
  - App shows online

□ Test lock from app
  - Lock/unlock command
  - Status updates

□ If any issues:
  - Restart hub
  - Power cycle lock
  - Wait another 10 minutes

□ Document what worked
  - For next time
  - Note any devices that needed manual intervention

□ Consider UPS
  - Prevent future issues

□ Lock battery OK?
  - May need replacement if was already low
  - Check level after power restored

□ Router may need ISP intervention
  - Prolonged outage can cause network issues

□ Hub may need reconfiguration
  - Rare but possible
  - Factory reset and restore backup (last resort)

□ Security system armed during outage?
  - May need to disarm
  - May have triggered alerts