The manufacturer of "smart" locks Lockstate has managed to block the entrance doors to hundreds of its customers, releasing an unsuccessful firmware update. After installing the problem update, the built-in keyboard ceased to work, so it was impossible to open the door.

Lockstate locks are very popular with rental companies. Their convenience is that the realtor does not need to meet with the tenant personally and hand him a physical key, just give him the access code. Last week the manufacturer sent out a problematic firmware update for the popular Lockstate 6000i model, which can be managed remotely via a home Wi-Fi network. The update disabled the keypad for entering the access code and made the locks unsuitable for at least a week's use.

According to an e-mail sent to Lockstate customers, after the update was released, they could not connect to the manufacturer's web service, making it impossible to remotely solve the problem.

Users can either remove the back panel of the lock and send it to Lockstate for manual repair (it will take about 5-7 working days) or require the device to be replaced completely (it will take 14-18 days).

The company undertook to cover all shipping costs and promised to provide an annual subscription to the Lockstate Connect service for all affected users free of charge, allowing remote management of all supported smart devices in the home. Ordinary physical keys still work, but for landlords such a solution to the problem is not very convenient, because they prefer Lockstate locks precisely for their "smart" functions.