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Ring has announced a planned Smart Lock with a hand crank that can generate enough electricity for about 30 seconds of operation if the built-in battery is depleted. The lock is expected in the first few months of 2027 for $249, but Ring has not given a precise release date.
Ring has announced a Smart Lock with a small hand crank that can generate enough electricity to operate the lock for about 30 seconds if its battery runs out. The planned $249 device is expected in the first few months of 2027, though Ring has not confirmed an exact release date.
According to reporting by The Ambient, the crank is built into the front of the lock. Turning it back and forth three or four times generates power for a brief operating window. During that time, users should be able to unlock the door using the fingerprint reader, keypad, Ring app or Alexa, the report says.
The mechanism uses a small motor and a supercapacitor. The report says a few firm turns generate around three volts, allowing the lock to operate normally for that short period rather than relying on a limited low-power mode. The crank is intended as an emergency measure, not a replacement for the lock’s regular power source.
Ring says the lock’s built-in battery should last up to a year on a single charge. The device uses a single-cylinder deadbolt and does not require additional wiring. Ring plans to offer it in Black, Silver and Brass finishes; interest can already be registered, according to The Ambient.
A Backup Beyond Batteries and Cables
The hand crank addresses a practical concern for people considering a connected lock: a depleted battery could leave them unable to use its electronic entry methods. A backup that generates power at the door does not depend on a spare battery, USB cable or external power source, although it only provides a short operating window.
The approach may also appeal to owners of places that are visited infrequently. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff pointed to remote cabins as a possible use, according to The Ambient. For readers, the key question is whether the emergency generation feature works reliably when needed; the available reporting describes the design but does not provide independent test results.
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Ring’s Planned Lock and Launch Window
Ring’s announced lock combines a fingerprint reader, keypad and app-based access with a conventional single-cylinder deadbolt. The company’s reported battery estimate of up to a year means most owners should not need to use the crank during routine operation, though battery life will depend on use and conditions; no further details on those factors were provided in the source report.
The planned release window is the first few months of 2027. The Ambient reported that Siminoff hopes to launch nearer January than March, but that is not a firm date. Ring also has other camera products in development, including four 4K cameras and a pan-and-tilt indoor camera, though those devices are separate from the lock announcement.
“Concerns about losing access when a smart lock runs out of power can put people off buying one.”
— Ring founder Jamie Siminoff, as reported by The Ambient
Release Date and Performance Still Open
Ring has not announced a precise launch date, and the first few months of 2027 remains a broad window. The source report does not specify whether the planned price or schedule could change before release, or when the lock will be available in different markets.
Other details also remain unconfirmed in the report, including the lock’s exact dimensions, compatibility with existing door hardware, security specifications and how the crank performs in real-world testing. The stated 30-second operating period and battery life of up to a year are reported product claims; the source provides no independent testing or further conditions for those figures.
More Details Before the 2027 Launch
Ring is expected to provide a firmer release date and additional product specifications before the planned launch. Prospective buyers can register interest, according to The Ambient, but the report does not say when orders will open or when the lock will ship.
Until Ring supplies more information, buyers weighing the device against other smart locks will need to treat the price, timing and performance figures as announced plans rather than final, independently tested results. The next useful milestones will be confirmation of availability and fuller details on installation, compatibility and emergency operation.
Key Questions
How does Ring’s smart-lock hand crank work?
The crank is a small wheel on the front of the lock. The Ambient reports that turning it back and forth three or four times generates electricity for about 30 seconds of operation.
What can users do during the emergency power window?
According to The Ambient, the brief power supply should allow users to unlock the door with the fingerprint reader, keypad, Ring app or Alexa.
When will the Ring Smart Lock be released, and how much will it cost?
Ring’s planned price is $249, with a launch expected in the first few months of 2027. No precise release date has been confirmed.
How long should the lock’s battery last?
Ring says the built-in battery should last up to a year on a single charge. That figure is a company estimate reported by The Ambient, not an independently verified test result.
Does the lock need wiring?
The Ambient reports that the lock uses a single-cylinder deadbolt and does not require additional wiring. Ring has not provided further installation or compatibility details in the source report.
Source: rss
