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Amazon announced the Ring Smart Lock, a $249 smart lock that can use its thumb-turn dial to generate enough power to unlock the door if its rechargeable battery dies. The lock is expected in the US in early 2027, pending FCC approval; Amazon has not said how many turns are needed.
Amazon has announced the Ring Smart Lock, a $249 lock that can generate emergency power when its rechargeable battery runs out: turning the thumb-turn dial “a few times” is supposed to provide enough power to unlock the door. The device is expected to go on sale in the US in early 2027, subject to Federal Communications Commission approval, giving Ring a smart-lock option designed to provide access without a physical backup key in that situation.
Amazon says the dial works as a built-in charger, supplying enough power to open the door and then recharge the lock’s battery. The company has not specified the exact number of turns required or how long the generated power lasts. The lock uses Ring’s replaceable Quick Release Ultra Battery Pack, and installation does not require wiring, according to the announcement.
People will be able to unlock it with a fingerprint reader or a backlit touchscreen keypad. Amazon says owners can register multiple users and set schedules or temporary access codes that expire after a set time. The lock can also be operated and monitored through the Ring app or by voice through Alexa-compatible devices, including Echo speakers.
Rather than connect directly to home Wi-Fi, the lock communicates with other devices through Amazon’s Sidewalk network, a low-power, long-range wireless system. Amazon says this can allow remote access and entry alerts without relying on the home’s Wi-Fi connection, provided Sidewalk coverage is available. The lock has no built-in camera; users who want video will need a separate Ring camera or doorbell.
Emergency Access Without a Backup Key
The dial-powered charging feature addresses a practical failure point for battery-operated locks: a depleted battery can leave residents unable to use electronic entry. Amazon says turning the dial can supply enough power to unlock the door, which could reduce reliance on a hidden charging port, external battery contacts or a physical key when the battery unexpectedly dies. The feature is a fallback, not a replacement for keeping the battery charged, and the company has not yet published the operating details needed to assess how it will work in different circumstances.
The lock also combines several forms of entry and remote management. Fingerprint access, keypad codes and app controls could suit households with multiple residents or visitors, while scheduled and temporary codes offer a way to limit access. Sidewalk connectivity may keep some remote functions available during a home Wi-Fi outage, but that depends on network coverage. The announced price of $249 and the lack of an integrated camera are relevant trade-offs for buyers comparing it with other smart locks and complete door-security systems.
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Ring’s Lock and Camera Lineup
The Smart Lock is Ring’s first smart lock, according to the announcement. It is part of a broader set of Ring product news that includes new cameras, but the lock is a separate product and does not provide video itself. Amazon lists it in black, silver and brass finishes and says availability is planned for the United States in early 2027, pending FCC approval.
Amazon also announced several cameras alongside the lock. The company said preorders were opening for the $149.99 Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, the $199.99 Spotlight Cam 4K Plus and the $219.99 Floodlight Cam 4K Plus. It listed the $99.99 Indoor Cam 4K and the $69.99 Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K as available immediately. Those camera announcements provide options for pairing a separate camera with the lock, but they do not change the lock’s stated features or availability timeline.
““A few times””
— Amazon, describing the emergency charging feature
Dial Charging Details Remain Unspecified
Amazon has not said exactly how many turns are needed to produce emergency power, how much effort that requires, or whether the feature will work the same way under different battery conditions. The announcement says the power should be enough to unlock the door and fully recharge the lock’s battery, but gives no technical measurements or independent test results.
The company has also not provided a specific launch day. US availability is planned for early 2027, but depends on FCC approval. Sidewalk performance will depend on whether a household has adequate coverage, and the announcement does not establish how the lock will handle remote functions outside that coverage. Further details on battery life, supported access features during an outage and product testing were not provided.
FCC Review and Launch Details
The next stated milestone is FCC approval, which is required before the planned US launch. Amazon has not announced a precise release date beyond early 2027. Prospective buyers will need to wait for further product information to learn the required dial turns, battery performance and Sidewalk coverage expectations.
Until then, the announced specifications describe the intended design rather than a product that consumers can test. Amazon has not said when full technical documentation or independent reviews will be available. The lock is listed at $249 and in three finishes, but the announcement does not provide details about additional costs, such as any optional services or accessories.
Key Questions
How does the Ring Smart Lock work if its battery dies?
Amazon says turning the thumb-turn dial a few times generates enough power to unlock the door. The exact number of turns and technical details have not been provided.
When will the Ring Smart Lock be available?
Amazon expects US availability in early 2027, pending FCC approval. No specific release date has been announced.
How much will the Ring Smart Lock cost?
Amazon announced a price of $249. It is planned in black, silver and brass finishes.
Does the lock include a camera?
No. The Ring Smart Lock has no built-in camera. Amazon says users who want video can pair it with a separate Ring camera or doorbell.
Can the lock work without home Wi-Fi?
The lock connects through Amazon’s Sidewalk network rather than directly through home Wi-Fi. Remote access and alerts may be available where Sidewalk coverage is adequate; the announcement does not detail performance outside that coverage.
Source: rss
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