Yes, app-controlled locks exist for storage units, but they're not standard equipment
Most storage facilities still use traditional padlocks or keyed locks that come with the unit. However, some newer facilities and third-party lock manufacturers do offer smart locks that you can control from your phone — usually through a mobile app, a keypad code, or both. The catch is that availability depends entirely on your facility's setup, and you may need to install one yourself if your facility allows it.
The locks that do exist fall into two categories: locks installed by the storage facility as part of their security system, and aftermarket smart locks you can buy and install on your own unit door. Neither is universal, and neither is cheap compared to a standard padlock.
Key Takeaways
- Most storage facilities provide traditional padlocks or keyed locks, not smart locks, so you'll need to ask your facility directly whether app-controlled options are available.
- Some newer facilities offer smart locks as a built-in feature, usually managed through their own app or access system rather than a consumer app you choose.
- Aftermarket smart locks designed for storage units exist but are expensive (typically $150 to $400) and require your facility's permission to install.
- Smart locks for storage units usually work via keypad code, Bluetooth app, or both, but battery life and cold weather performance can be issues in unheated units.
- If your facility doesn't offer smart locks, a traditional padlock with a keypad combination lock is a cheaper alternative that doesn't require batteries or internet.
What storage facilities actually provide
When you rent a storage unit, the facility typically supplies either a padlock you bring your own key to, a lock they provide and control, or nothing at all — meaning you install your own. Very few facilities have invested in smart lock infrastructure across their entire property. Those that have usually built it into their access gate system (the main entrance), not individual unit doors.
If a facility does offer smart locks on individual units, it's usually because they're a newer, higher-end facility or a climate-controlled unit marketed to business users. The lock is tied to their own system, not a third-party app. You access it through their tenant portal or a facility-specific app, and the facility controls who can access what and when. This is different from buying your own smart lock.
Call your storage facility directly and ask whether they offer smart locks on unit doors. If they say no, ask whether they allow tenants to install their own. Some facilities prohibit it for liability reasons; others allow it as long as you remove it when you leave.
Aftermarket smart locks you can buy and install
Several manufacturers make smart locks designed for storage units, garage doors, and outdoor gates. The most common options include Level Lock, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, and Anviz models. These are deadbolts or padlock-style locks that you install on your unit door yourself. They typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on features.
Most of these locks work via a keypad code, a Bluetooth app on your phone, or both. Some also allow you to generate temporary access codes for other people without sharing your password. A few models include a physical key backup in case the battery dies.
Before you buy, check your lease or contact your facility to confirm they allow tenant-installed locks. Some facilities require them to be removed at move-out, and some won't allow them at all because they complicate emergency access or create liability questions.
How app-controlled locks perform in storage unit conditions
Storage units present challenges that smart locks weren't always designed for. Most units are unheated and uninsulated, which means temperature swings from freezing to hot. Batteries drain faster in cold, and some electronic locks straightforward stop working below a certain temperature. If your unit is outdoors or in a climate with harsh winters, a smart lock may fail when you need it most.
Bluetooth range is another issue. If your unit is deep inside a facility or surrounded by metal, your phone may not reach the lock from the parking lot. Some locks work around this by using a keypad code instead, but that defeats the purpose of app control. A few higher-end models use cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, but those are rare and expensive.
Battery life varies widely. Most smart locks last three to six months on a set of batteries before needing replacement. In a cold storage unit, expect the lower end of that range. You'll need to check the battery level regularly and keep spares on hand.
Cheaper alternatives if smart locks aren't available
If your facility doesn't offer smart locks and you don't want to buy an expensive aftermarket one, a keypad combination lock is a practical middle ground. These are mechanical locks with a digital keypad that don't require batteries or an app. You set a code, and anyone who knows the code can open it. They cost $30 to $80 and work in any weather.
The downside is that you can't change the code remotely, and you can't generate temporary access codes for other people. If someone needs to access your unit while you're away, you have to tell them the code, and you can't revoke it later without changing the lock.
A traditional padlock with a key you keep in a find location is still the most reliable option for most people. It has no battery, no app, no connectivity issues, and it works in any weather. The trade-off is that you have to physically be there or give someone a key.
What to ask your storage facility
Before you decide whether to buy a smart lock, contact your facility and ask these specific questions: Do they offer smart locks on individual unit doors? If yes, what app or system do you use, and what does it cost? If no, do they allow tenants to install their own locks? If they do allow it, do you need to remove it when you move out, and are there any restrictions on the type of lock?
Also ask whether the facility has 24-hour access or restricted hours. If access is restricted, a smart lock may be less useful because you can only enter during facility hours anyway. If the facility is open 24/7 and you need to access your unit at odd times, a smart lock becomes more valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a smart lock on a storage unit door if the facility doesn't offer one?
It depends on your lease and facility policy. Some facilities allow it as long as you remove the lock when you leave; others prohibit it entirely for liability or emergency access reasons. Always ask in writing before you buy and install anything. If they say no, installing one anyway could violate your lease.
What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
Most smart locks have a physical key backup or a keypad that works even when the battery is dead. Check the product specifications before you buy. If your lock has neither, you could be locked out until you replace the batteries or call a locksmith.
Do smart locks work in freezing temperatures?
Many smart locks stop working reliably below 32°F, and some fail completely in extreme cold. If your storage unit is outdoors or in a climate with harsh winters, test the lock in cold conditions before relying on it, or choose a mechanical keypad lock instead.
Is a smart lock worth the cost for a storage unit?
A smart lock makes sense if you need to give other people temporary access without sharing a key, or if you access your unit frequently and want the convenience of not carrying a key. If you access your unit rarely and you're the only person who needs to open it, a traditional padlock is cheaper and more reliable.
Can the storage facility access my smart lock remotely?
If you install your own aftermarket smart lock, the facility cannot access it unless you give them the code or key. If the facility installed the lock as part of their system, they can usually override it for emergency access. Check your lease to understand what access rights the facility has.