Smart Door Locks for Glass, Sliding & Multipoint Doors: How to Find the Right Fit
Finding the right smart door lock isn’t always straightforward, especially if your entryway isn’t a standard wood or metal swing door. For glass, sliding, or multipoint doors, the challenge is not just about features, but fit. In this guide, we break down the smart door locks specifically designed to work with these unique configurations. Whether you're securing a frameless glass office door, a narrow-profile sliding patio entry, or a multipoint locking system on a modern front door, this overview will help you identify the right model for a seamless and secure upgrade.
Understanding Door Types: Glass, Sliding, and Multipoint Explained
Before choosing a smart door lock, it’s essential to understand the structural differences between glass, sliding, and multipoint doors. Each comes with its own hardware setup and installation considerations that influence which lock models will work.
Glass Doors: Often frameless or with minimal frames, glass doors require non-invasive locking solutions that don’t compromise the door's aesthetic or structural integrity. This includes patch locks or adhesive-mounted options compatible with tempered glass.
Sliding Doors: These doors typically have narrow profiles and require compact, side-mounted locks that don’t interfere with the sliding mechanism. Space-saving designs and wireless control are key features to look for.
Multipoint Doors: Found in high-security and modern residential settings, multipoint doors have internal locking systems that secure at multiple points along the frame. Compatible smart locks must align with the original handle mechanism without disrupting the multi-bolt configuration.
Knowing what kind of door you have and how it operates is the first step to narrowing down your smart lock options.
Smart Door Lock Models That Work: Matching Locks to Door Types
Once you’ve identified your door type, the next step is choosing a compatible smart door lock. Here are proven models that offer both secure performance and a reliable fit for non-standard configurations:
For Frameless Glass Doors
The Glass Swing Door Smart Lock is designed for frameless glass doors with standard pre-drilled hole configurations. It requires two holes, each 45mm in diameter, spaced approximately 63–65mm apart center-to-center, and set about 60mm from the edge of the glass panel. It supports glass thicknesses between 8–15mm. This smart door lock offers a clean and secure solution for offices or interior glass partitions
For Sliding Doors
Both the Next Gen Smart Lock and the Sliding Door Smart Lock are engineered for sliding doors with a standard backset between 28–35mm, commonly found in aluminum, metal, or wood-framed sliding configurations.
The Next Gen Smart Lock is known for its face recognition access, offering a hands-free, biometric entry option in addition to app-based remote control. It’s ideal for residential use where convenience and security are key priorities.
The Sliding Door Smart Lock is optimized for smart home integration, with full compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. It’s the best choice for users looking to incorporate voice commands or automation routines into their access control.
For Multipoint Doors
The Smart Door Lock Slim is specifically designed for multipoint locking systems, typically featuring a latch on top and a deadbolt at the bottom, with a cylinder-to-latch spacing of 85–92mm. This model replaces the original handle set while preserving the full multipoint hardware configuration.
Users can engage the top and bottom shootbolts manually by lifting the handle, just as they would with a traditional setup. The smart door lock controls the central latch or deadbolt for remote or keypad-based entry, maintaining the security benefits of the multipoint system without requiring structural changes to the door.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Locks for Unique Doors
Can I still use my manual key?
Yes, most smart door locks designed for sliding or multipoint doors retain a key cylinder, allowing you to use a manual key as a backup. This is especially useful in case of battery depletion or if you prefer dual-access options. For frameless glass doors, keyless-only designs are more common and may rely solely on keypads or app access.
What happens during a power outage?
Smart door locks are typically battery-powered, so they continue to function even during a home power outage. You’ll receive app notifications in advance when battery levels are low. Models without a key cylinder (like some glass door locks) often include an emergency power interface or backup access method such as a USB port or NFC tag.
Will this lock damage my glass or sliding door?
When installed properly, these smart door locks are designed to be non-invasive to the door’s structure. For frameless glass doors, the Glass Swing Door Smart Lock is mounted through pre-drilled holes and should only be installed by professionals familiar with tempered glass requirements.
For sliding doors, while you don’t reuse existing hardware, smart door locks are installed into the door frames using a compatible mortise. It’s essential to choose the correct mortise size so that it aligns properly and does not interfere with the glass panel. When selected and fitted correctly, no glass drilling is required.
For multipoint doors, the Smart Door Lock Slim typically replaces the existing handle set without altering the internal locking mechanism. However, in some cases, additional screw holes may be needed to properly align and secure the new lock body, this depends on the existing hardware configuration. A professional installer can ensure proper alignment while preserving the integrity of the door.
Can I control multiple doors from the same app?
Yes, most smart door locks can be managed from a single mobile app, allowing you to monitor and control multiple entry points, whether it’s a sliding patio door, a glass office door, or a multipoint front door. This makes it easy to streamline access management across your home or property.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a smart door lock for glass, sliding, or multipoint doors requires more than just selecting advanced features, it starts with understanding your door's structure and ensuring compatibility at every level. From the precision required for frameless glass installations to the mortise fit on sliding doors and the handle alignment on multipoint systems, the right match can make all the difference in performance, security, and convenience.
By identifying your door type and selecting a lock specifically engineered for that configuration like the Glass Swing Door Smart Lock, Next Gen Smart Lock, Sliding Door Smart Lock, or Smart Door Lock Slim, you’ll ensure a smooth installation and long-term reliability. Upgrading a single entry or securing multiple access points starts with selecting the right smart door lock for your door type.