Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, lost a key, or want tighter control over who has access to your space, securing your door locks should be a top priority. Two common solutions are rekeying and replacing your locks—but which one is right for you?
Read on to explore the differences, pros and cons of each approach, and how smart locks can offer a third, smarter option—no locksmith appointment required.
Rekeying involves changing the internal components of a lock so it works with a new key. A locksmith removes the lock cylinder and adjusts the pins to match a different key cut, making any old copies of the previous key useless.
Replacing a lock means removing the existing hardware on your door entirely and installing a new one. This is a good option if your current lock is damaged, outdated, or you’re ready for a complete style or functionality upgrade.
Design flexibility: Choose new styles, finishes, or stronger materials.
Access to new features: Like keypads, deadbolts, or smart lock integration.
Improved security: Newer locks often include updated security technology.
More expensive: Especially if you hire a professional or replace multiple locks.
Time-consuming: May require tools, prep, or locksmith services.
If you’re deciding between rekeying or replacing your locks, there’s another option worth considering: upgrading to a retrofit smart lock.
Unlike traditional replacements, retrofit smart locks (like the Level Bolt) work with your existing deadbolt hardware, keeping your home's design intact while adding powerful functionality behind the scenes.
No need to rekey: With digital keys and access control, you can simply revoke or reassign access in the app. (This may not fix your immediate issue if you're already dealing with a misplaced physical key, but in the future it will be much easier!)
Keep your existing keys: Level Bolt is designed to work with your current key and deadbolt, so there’s no need for full lock replacement. (If you're looking to gain access control without needing to worry about rekeying or changing locks in the future, this is a great option!)
Easier key sharing: Share access with family, guests, or service providers remotely, no physical key needed.
Upgrade security: With end-to-end encryption, auto-locking, and Apple Home Key or Matter support, your front door is future-proofed.
When it comes to rekeying vs. replacing your locks, the best choice depends on your specific needs, security concerns, and long-term goals. But in today’s connected world, it’s worth considering a solution that gives you more flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind—without starting from scratch.
A retrofit smart lock from Level lets you skip the hassle of rekeying or replacing by giving you full control over your home’s entry point, all from your phone.
Ready to upgrade without replacing your locks? Explore retrofit smart locks from Level →
