I’m trying to find a solid answer to this on the internet and am having trouble. If I get the Smart Things hub and the Kwikset 910 deadbolt I won’t have complete remote access to locking (locking and unlocking from another city)? I’m trying to find a straight forward answer on this. Basically the 910 will just allow me to control it walking up to the door and lock while inside? I ordered the Smart Things Hub so I want a smart lock that is compatible with that. Does anyone know or have recommendations for getting complete remote access? Also is Smart Hub compatible with Nest Thermostat in any way? I’m interested in that set up well. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!
As long as you get the lock with the Z wave module, then it is on the official “works with SmartThings” compatibility list. 
https://www.smartthings.com/products/-/filter/brands/kwikset
The official integration will give you basic functionality of lock/unlock from anywhere that you can use your mobile phone because the SmartThings app on your phone will send a message from your phone to the SmartThings cloud, the SmartThings cloud will send a message via the Internet to the SmartThings hub in your house, and the hub will then send the unlock instruction to the lock via Z wave. (You will have to have an active Internet connection at your house at all times so the cloud can talk to the hub.)
If you want more advanced functionality such as knowing whose lock code was used to unlock the door, then you will need to use one of the community – created solutions.
Using custom code is pretty straightforward. Basically you copy the code from the author and then paste it into your own account. The following FAQ describes that process:
Most custom code authors share their code for free, some charge a license fee. You can find custom code on the quick browse lists in the community – created wiki:
But in any case, that is an officially supported device and you will be able to use it as long as you get the one with the Z wave module.
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We have a Kwikset 910 with ZWave on our back door (went with traditional key access instead of keypad) and have no problems locking or unlocking the door from anywhere via SmartThings (other than an initial slight range issue solved with a pocket socket as a repeater).
Batteries seemed to last about 6 months under our regular usage, probably average maybe 3 triggers on the lock a day.
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In regards to the the Nest Thermostat, go to this post
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I’d recommend a Yale or Schlage over Kwikset. They offer a lot more features in my opinion. Also if battery life is a concern ZigBee or Z-Wave Plus is much better than the older Z-Wave models. Also note ZigBee is likely more susceptible to interference.
This is the cheapest Yale ZigBee lock I know of. They offer Bronze, Nickel and Brass colors. Remember in all cases your mesh is the most important thing to having a good working lock.
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@jhamstead makes a good point, there are several good brands of locks to look at.
The following thread discusses different device class features and why you might choose one over another. The post on locks is post 52 in that thread (this is a clickable link)
Thanks for the reply! What exactly is Zigbee or Z wave if you don’t mind me asking? So your saying that the Smart Hub is compatable with these types of door locks and that I won’t need any third party equipment ( just the smarthub, Smart deadolt, internet, and phone) This will allow me to lock and unlock remotely from anywhere? Also I assume their is a feature where it can recognize your phone in your pocket as your approach the door and unlock automatically? Do you have any knowledge if their is a lag delay or how smoothly that process works? I saw a YouTube video where a guy attached an arrival key and set it up to automatically unlock the door as he approached, what would be the point of the arrival key if it can sense your phone? Thanks again! New to this
Zigbee and Z wave are both third party communication protocols used for home automation equipment. Smartthings is officially certified for both.
https://support.smartthings.com/hc/en-us/articles/208672926-Z-Wave-and-ZigBee-FAQ
Smartthings can use “Geopresence” so that the hub recognizes when the phone has come close to your house. (Not close to your door specifically) how well it works varies from house to house. See the following FAQ
That’s different than a lock which recognizes something getting very close to the lock. That feature is not available for the Kwikset model that you mentioned.
There are lots of different ways to handle presence, but most people find it’s enough to just use a “zone” which is based on your phone presence. But see the FAQ for more discussion.
As for why some people instead want a key or NFC tag instead of just the “zone” associated with the phone, it’s typically because they want a much smaller detection area, maybe only a few feet from the door lock. If you just rely on phone location, your detection zone is typically 500 feet or more. Some people prefer to wait until they are actually almost at the door before the detection triggers.
Yes. Except I wouldn’t say “these types of door locks,” it always depends on the specific brand and model. Different ones have different features and use different radio frequencies.
So when you say “zone” do you mean the phone recognized when you enter and leave the zone ( say 500 feet) and will unlock upon entering and lock upon leaving? Or does it cause potential locking and unlocking problems just moving around the house. Thanks for input about to read up on some FAQs. Sounds like Kwikset might not be the move, do you recommend any other smartlocks personally and what is their added functionality compared to the 910? My biggest thing is I want quick presence when I arrive to unlock and want it to auto lock any time my phone isn’t there. Are the Smart locks listed on smartthings website the only compatable locks? I was initially liking the Kwikset 910 just because it was somewhat contemporary looking and didn’t want it to stand out too much from the other doors at my condominium association ( not sure if they have restrictions either) so I was trying to avoid anything too digital looking. Thanks!!
The unlock/lock event only occurs when you cross the boundary of the zone. So when you arrive home at about 500 feet away from home and when you leave home when you cross that same boundary. Just walking around inside that zone won’t trigger anything. 
You do need to check with your condo association as some do limit what you can put on the outside of the door. There are a few locks which are attached over the inside of your deadbolt and don’t have a piece on the outside, but then obviously you always have to have your phone with you. A lot of people like the keypad locks because then they can give a temporary code to someone else without having to install anything on their phone.
Most Z wave certified locks should work fine, but check in the forums on any individual model just in case there’s anything quirky about it.
Zwave Plus are using the newest generation of the technology. If it just says plain Z wave, that’s what we now call “Z wave classic.” Both work well, but Z wave plus should have somewhat better battery life and longer range.
https://products.z-wavealliance.org/regions/2/categories/6/products
As far as quickness, none of them are really super quick (under 1 minute). But if a 500 foot radius zone works for you, then probably by the time you get to your door it will have unlocked just because it detects you from further away.
There’s discussion of the different brands and features in the FAQ I linked to previously.
I’m sorry if this is obvious, but what is the mesh? New to the whole Smart Things world. Thanks!
Thanks for the link! About to go through it more thoroughly when I get home from work. Quick question if you can answer : how does the Nest Smart Things app differ from Nests own app? Does it add more functionality. I remember talking to someone awhile back who had a nest thermostat and was able to control the temp. from anywhere, view consumption reports etc. but I don’t believe he was connected to a Smart Hub, does nest have its own standalone app? Also are you familiar with the install process for Nest? I’ve briefly seen people having problems online and just wanted to get a feel for what I would be in for. Thanks!!
Sure. ZigBee and Z-Wave work as mesh networks. Most people are used to networks which are star networks, meaning a central access point talks to everything directly. A mesh network instead is (as the word sounds) a many to many setup. Each device creates a list of devices near it. Those devices in turn make a list of devices near them. If any device goes down, the signal will just be sent to another neighbor, who then passes it on.
In short, to have a strong mesh is to have more mesh repeaters.
Much more information is available in Wikipedia.
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