Ring is making a smart lock.
On October 7, 2026, Ring showed the Ring Smart Lock, its first door lock. It is a keyless deadbolt with a fingerprint reader, a touchscreen keypad and a small dial on the front. Turn that dial by hand and it makes enough power to wake the lock when the battery is dead.
Most reports put the price at $249. It goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2027, once it gets FCC approval. Ring also launched four new 4K cameras and a pan-tilt indoor camera the same day. Those you can order now.
Here is what we know, how the lock compares to a fingerprint lock you can buy today, and whether you should wait.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2026 | Ring Smart Lock and new cameras announced |
| October 8, 2026 | Indoor Cam 4K and Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K on sale in the U.S.; Outdoor, Spotlight and Floodlight Cam 4K Plus open for pre-order |
| Early 2027 | Ring Smart Lock goes on sale in the U.S., pending FCC approval |
On timing: Engadget reports that Ring founder Jamie Siminoff hopes to ship the lock closer to January than March. Amazon's own page only says "early 2027". It also says the lock has not been FCC authorized yet and cannot be sold until it is. You can sign up for updates now.
Ring Smart Lock vs Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is one of the best-known fingerprint deadbolts you can buy today, so it is the natural comparison.
| Ring Smart Lock | Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch (Wi-Fi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 (reported) | Check current price |
| Status | Early 2027, U.S. only | On sale now |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad | Backlit touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Physical key | No keyhole | Keyed and key-free versions |
| Power | Built-in battery, about 1 year per charge (Engadget) | 4 AA batteries |
| Dead battery backup | Hand-crank power dial | Key (keyed version only) |
| Remote connection | Amazon Sidewalk, no home Wi-Fi needed | Built-in Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz only |
| App | Ring app | Yale Access app |
| Voice | Alexa | Not checked for this article |
| Finishes | Black, silver, brass | Several, including Black Suede |
| Fits | Standard single-cylinder deadbolt, no wiring | Most standard U.S. entry doors |
A note on the price. Engadget, Android Headlines and others report $249. Amazon's announcement page does not list a price, and CEPro says Ring had not announced pricing and pointed buyers to their local Amazon site. So treat $249 as the expected U.S. price until the lock is actually listed.
What is new in the Ring Smart Lock
- A hand-crank backup. This is the headline feature. Engadget says turning the dial back and forth three or four times charges a small supercapacitor to about 3 volts. That runs the lock at full power for about 30 seconds, long enough to use your fingerprint, the keypad, the app or Alexa. Other reports say it takes five to 10 turns, depending on how far and how fast you turn. Ring has not given an exact number.
- No keyhole. There is no key to lose, and no lock to pick. The trade-off is that the crank is your only backup if the battery dies.
- Four ways in. Fingerprint, backlit touchscreen keypad, the Ring app, or Alexa through an Echo device.
- Amazon Sidewalk instead of Wi-Fi. Remote locking, status checks, battery alerts and PIN code syncing run over Sidewalk, a shared network of nearby Amazon devices. Unlocking itself happens on the lock. Amazon notes that Sidewalk coverage varies by location.
- Timed access codes. You can give a dog walker or cleaner a code that only works at set times, such as Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m.
- Works with Ring. Lock activity shows up in the Ring app feed next to your doorbell and camera clips.
Where each one wins
- Ring Smart Lock wins on dead-battery peace of mind. A hand crank you can always use beats hoping you remembered to carry a key. It also wins if your Wi-Fi does not reach the front door, since it talks over Sidewalk.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch wins because you can buy it today. It also offers a keyed version if you want a metal key as backup. Keep in mind it is 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, works in the U.S. and Canada only, and owner reviews mention battery life and app issues.
Ring's new cameras, on sale now
Ring launched four Retinal 4K cameras and a pan-tilt camera alongside the lock. Android Headlines lists these U.S. prices:
Check Ring Indoor Cam 4K price on Amazon
| Camera | Price (reported) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Cam 4K | $99.99 | On sale now; Ring's first indoor 4K camera |
| Outdoor Cam 4K Plus | $149.99 | Pre-order |
| Spotlight Cam 4K Plus | $199.99 | Pre-order |
| Floodlight Cam 4K Plus | $219.99 | Pre-order |
| Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K | $69.99 | On sale now; pans 360 degrees, tilts 175 degrees |
Ring says the 4K line covers power options from battery to Power over Ethernet. The Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K can follow motion around a room.
Which should you buy?
- You already use Ring cameras or a Ring doorbell: wait for the Ring Smart Lock. It ties into the app you already use, and $249 is in line with other fingerprint locks.
- You live in a place with long power cuts, or own a cabin you rarely visit: the crank backup is made for you. Siminoff pointed to remote cabins as one use case.
- You need a fingerprint lock before winter: the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is available now. Pick the keyed version if you want a backup key.
- You want better Ring cameras now: the Indoor Cam 4K is on sale, and the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus is up for pre-order.
- You want a physical key no matter what: skip the Ring Smart Lock. It has no keyhole.
- Wait: if you are not in a rush, wait for reviews. The lock is not FCC approved yet, and details can still change before launch.
Want to see more options? Read our best smart locks guide and our best indoor security cameras guide.
Other tech news this week
- Apple holds its "Welcome home" launch on October 13. Read our Apple October 13 event preview.
- Amazon Alexa tablets arrive in the U.S. on October 14. See our Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, 11 and 8 breakdown.
- Meta Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses ship on October 13. Read our Ray-Ban Meta Audio vs Gen 3 vs Gen 2 article.
Sources
- Amazon News: Ring Smart Lock with hand-powered battery recharge
- Engadget: Ring's smart lock has a hand crank so it works even if the power's out
- Android Headlines: Ring's first smart lock has a clever fix for dead batteries
- CEPro: Ring unveils hand-rechargeable smart lock, expands 4K camera lineup
- Gearbrain: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch specs
- Amazon: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch (Wi-Fi) listing
Image: Ring Smart Lock and Ring doorbell, via Amazon News.
