Ring Smart Lock Adds Crank Mechanism to Generate Emergency Power Against Battery Failure

Ring has introduced a new smart lock model that incorporates a manual power dial to address the common issue of battery failure. According to ZDNET Security, this addition serves as a critical fallback mechanism designed to prevent users from being locked out of their homes. The device allows owners to generate power manually, ensuring that the lock can still operate even when the primary battery source is completely dead. This engineering change targets the reliability concerns often associated with battery-powered entry systems.

Root cause

The primary vulnerability in battery-operated smart locks is the total depletion of power, which traditionally renders the device inoperable. Without a secondary power source or mechanical override that requires no electricity, users risk being excluded from their property. Ring addressed this root cause by integrating a manual charging capability directly into the lock’s hardware. This design choice eliminates the dependency on external tools or spare batteries at the moment of entry. The manual dial acts as an immediate power generator for the locking mechanism.

Attack path

This feature does not represent a security vulnerability or an attack vector for malicious actors. Instead, it functions as a resilience mechanism against environmental or maintenance failures. There is no known method for attackers to exploit the power dial to gain unauthorized access. The dial requires physical interaction and manual effort to generate sufficient charge, which prevents remote exploitation. The security model remains intact, focusing on preventing denial of service for legitimate users rather than defending against intrusion attempts.

Affected versions

The manual power dial is a feature specific to the newly announced Ring smart lock model. It is not present in previous generations of Ring locks that rely solely on standard battery packs. Users of older devices do not have access to this manual charging capability. The feature is exclusive to the latest hardware release described in the announcement. No software version numbers or CVE identifiers are associated with this hardware feature.

Mitigation

• Ensure primary batteries are replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to maintain normal operation.
• Test the manual power dial periodically to confirm it functions correctly before a battery failure occurs.
• Keep the dial mechanism free of debris or obstructions that could prevent smooth rotation and power generation.
• Monitor battery level notifications via the Ring app to anticipate replacements before complete depletion.

What to do and how to stay safe: Ring

• Check the battery levels of all smart locks in your home regularly using the companion application.
• Familiarize yourself with the physical operation of any manual overrides or power generation features on your lock.
• Keep spare batteries accessible in case the manual feature is unavailable or fails to generate sufficient power.
• Review the user manual for your specific lock model to understand all available entry methods and maintenance requirements.

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General security guidance from the NetSec Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ring power dial work if the main batteries are completely dead?

Yes, the manual power dial generates electricity internally to operate the lock even when primary batteries are depleted.

Is this feature available on older Ring smart locks?

No, the manual power dial is a new feature exclusive to the latest Ring smart lock model announced recently.

Can hackers use the power dial to bypass security?

No, the power dial is a physical mechanism that requires manual effort and does not create a remote attack vector.