Moving into a new home comes with a long to-do list, but one task should move straight to the top: securing your entry doors. The right next step — rekey or replace — depends on the condition of your current hardware, your security goals, and whether you’re ready for an upgrade.
Security Basics
When you move into a home, you rarely know how many copies of the existing keys are out there. Previous homeowners may have shared keys with family members, neighbors, contractors, real estate agents, or house sitters. The good news: you don’t always need brand-new hardware. Often you can rekey your existing locks so previous keys no longer work — restoring control over who has access to your home.
Rekey your locks if: your current locks are in good condition, you like the look of your existing hardware, you want a fast and affordable security update, or you want all your locks to work with one key. For compatible Kwikset locks featuring SmartKey Security®, rekeying can be completed yourself in seconds without removing the lock or calling a locksmith.
Replace your locks if: they’re worn, damaged, or unreliable, you want a new style or finish, you’re upgrading to a smart lock, you want keyless entry, or your hardware no longer matches your home’s design. Replacing locks can improve both security and curb appeal while opening the door to smart-home features.
For compatible SmartKey Security® locks, the process is designed to be simple and homeowner-friendly — reset your lock to a new key without removing it from the door or hiring a locksmith.
This eliminates the need to carry multiple keys and makes day-to-day access easier for homeowners and family members. Kwikset’s SmartKey technology is designed to support one-key convenience, allowing homeowners to align multiple locks to a single key.
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