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Ring is introducing a smart lock with a built-in hand crank that generates enough electricity to unlock the door if the battery dies. The device aims to eliminate the fear of being locked out during power or battery failures. Launch is expected in early 2027 at a price of $249.
Ring has announced a new smart lock equipped with a hand crank that allows users to manually generate enough electricity to unlock the door if the battery dies, as detailed in Ring’s First Smart Lock Can Be Charged By Turning A Dial When The Battery Unexpectedly Dies. This feature addresses a primary consumer concern regarding smart locks: the risk of being locked out due to power failure. The device, which Ring plans to release in early 2027, uses the crank to power a fingerprint reader, keypad, or app-based unlocking for approximately 30 seconds.
The Ring Smart Lock integrates a small wheel on the front of the hardware that users can turn back and forth. According to the company, three or four firm turns generate around three volts of electricity, stored in an internal supercapacitor. This charge is sufficient to operate the lock’s motor and authentication systems for roughly half a minute, allowing access via fingerprint, code, app, or Alexa voice command. Unlike some devices that enter a limited low-power mode, this system allows the lock to function normally during the emergency window.
Ring founder Jamie Siminoff stated that the design stems from feedback indicating that fear of battery depletion deters potential buyers from switching to smart locks. The lock’s standard battery is designed to last up to one year on a single charge, meaning the crank is intended as a rare backup rather than a daily necessity. The device features a single-cylinder deadbolt and does not require additional wiring, positioning it as a retrofit option for existing doors.
In addition to the lock, Ring revealed a broader hardware update including four new 4K cameras: the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus, and Indoor Cam 4K. A new Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K was also announced, featuring a base that rotates 360 degrees and tilts 175 degrees to automatically track movement inside the home.
Addressing Smart Lock Reliability Concerns
The introduction of a manual power generation mechanism represents a significant shift in how smart lock manufacturers address reliability. For years, the primary barrier to adoption for smart locks has been the potential for electronic failure leading to a physical lockout. By providing a self-contained backup that requires no external power source, USB cable, or spare battery, Ring is directly targeting this psychological and practical hurdle. This approach may pressure competitors to reconsider their backup strategies, potentially making manual override mechanisms a new standard in the industry.
For users in areas prone to power outages or those with infrequently visited properties, such as remote cabins, the ability to generate power on-site offers a layer of security that battery-dependent devices lack. Siminoff noted that this feature is particularly valuable for locations where regular maintenance or battery replacement is not feasible. The $249 price point places it in the mid-range market, competing with other premium smart locks that rely solely on long-life batteries or mechanical keys.
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Ring’s Expanding Hardware Ecosystem
Ring, a subsidiary of Amazon, has steadily expanded its product line beyond video doorbells to include a comprehensive suite of home security devices. The company’s strategy has focused on integrating smart home automation with physical security, offering locks, cameras, and sensors that interact through the Ring app and Alexa ecosystem. The upcoming lock fits into this broader effort to create a seamless, interconnected security experience.
The simultaneous announcement of multiple 4K camera models indicates that Ring is also upgrading its video surveillance capabilities. The new cameras, including the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus and Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, suggest a focus on higher-resolution imagery and improved night vision. The Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K adds motion-tracking capabilities to the indoor segment, allowing the camera to follow movement automatically. These updates reflect a competitive landscape where resolution, field of view, and automation features are key differentiators.
“Concerns about losing access when a smart lock runs out of power can put people off buying one.”
— Jamie Siminoff, Ring Founder
Launch Timing and Pricing Details
While Ring has confirmed the $249 price point and the feature set, the exact launch date remains unconfirmed. The company has indicated a window of the first few months of 2027, with Siminoff reportedly hoping for a January release. However, supply chain issues or production delays could shift this timeline. It is also unclear whether the hand crank mechanism will be included in all future Ring lock models or if it remains exclusive to this specific product line.
Additionally, the long-term durability of the supercapacitor and the mechanical crank has not been detailed in publicly available specifications. Consumers may have questions about how many emergency cycles the capacitor can support before degradation, though Ring has not yet released technical white papers on this aspect.
Pre-Registration and Product Availability
Consumers can currently register interest for the Ring Smart Lock through the company’s website. Ring is expected to provide more specific launch dates and retail availability closer to the early 2027 window. The company will likely roll out the new 4K cameras and the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K alongside or shortly after the lock, offering bundled security packages. Users should monitor official Ring channels for firmware updates and compatibility announcements, particularly regarding integration with existing Alexa devices and third-party smart home platforms.
Key Questions
How many turns of the crank are needed to unlock the door?
According to Ring, turning the hand crank back and forth three or four times generates enough electricity to operate the lock for approximately 30 seconds.
What is the price of the new Ring Smart Lock?
The Ring Smart Lock is planned to launch at a price of $249.
Does the lock require professional installation?
Ring states that the lock uses a single-cylinder deadbolt and does not require additional wiring, suggesting it is designed for standard DIY installation similar to other smart locks.
When will the Ring Smart Lock be available?
The current launch window is the first few months of 2027, with a potential release as early as January, though an exact date has not been confirmed.
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