Face-recognition locks were a curiosity a few years ago; today they're genuinely in use at villa entrances. The door itself doesn't change — what changes is the method that triggers the lock. Understanding the setup makes it easier to pick the right product.
An important distinction: good systems don't store a photo of the face — they store a mathematical template derived from it, kept on the device itself. When choosing a product, it's worth asking where the data is stored.
This is the most decisive technical distinction from a security standpoint. 2D systems compare a flat image; there are known cases where a good photo can fool them. 3D systems project infrared dot patterns to map the face's depth; a photo or screen image doesn't work on these. For a villa entrance, we recommend 3D or infrared-assisted systems.
Wondering what your own door needs? Send a photo of your door and entrance via WhatsApp to 0532 689 21 46. In most cases we can tell just by looking; a site survey, if needed, is free.
| Condition | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Night / darkness | Recognition drops on 2D systems | Infrared-assisted module |
| Direct sunlight | Sensor struggles with glare | An overhang or repositioning |
| Heavy rain/snow | Water on the lens | Sheltered mounting |
| Winter hat, scarf, glasses | Partial coverage | Multiple stored templates |
| Extreme cold | Battery capacity drops | Wired power supply |
We have one firm requirement: whatever the electronics, there needs to be a backup that opens with a mechanical key. Batteries die, electronics fail, systems freeze mid-update — these are all ordinary scenarios. A setup with no mechanical fallback means being locked out is a real possibility. We covered the power-outage scenario for smart locks in our automation article.
In most cases, yes. Adding a face-recognition lock to an existing door requires the leaf thickness to be suitable and the lock body to be compatible with the system. If we're manufacturing a new door, what makes installation easier is routing the cable channel inside the leaf during production — in retrofit jobs, the cable can end up staying visible.
Face recognition is a genuine convenience for users whose hands are usually full: someone coming back from shopping, carrying a child, or returning from garden work doesn't have to hunt for keys. It's also valuable for accessibility with elderly users, since it removes the need to turn a key.
On the other hand, we don't recommend it for summer homes that sit empty most of the year: battery, moisture, and long periods of disuse are all hard on electronics together. There, a keypad or a classic mechanical setup causes fewer problems. How the house is actually used matters more than the technology itself when choosing a system.
Whether the system works smoothly day-to-day often comes down to installation more than the product itself. The sensor height should be set to the shortest member of the household — otherwise it becomes unusable for children. The module should be positioned out of direct sunlight. And it needs to be reachable while the door is open for battery changes or service — a setup you can't reach when locked out causes real headaches.
That risk is real on 2D systems. Systems using a 3D depth map distinguish between them noticeably more reliably.
On good systems, the template stays on the device. If a product offers cloud sync, confirm that feature can be turned off.
It varies with usage frequency, but generally somewhere between a few months and a year. A wired power supply is more reliable in cold climates.
Send us the model you're considering along with a photo of your current door at 0532 689 21 46; we'll tell you whether it's compatible and how installation would work.
You can ask about your own door, your measurements or your specific area. Our production team reads these and answers here. If you'd like a faster reply, you can message us on WhatsApp.
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