Smart Lock Audit Trail and Activity Log¶
How UK smart locks track entry activity - audit logs, user identification, timestamps, and how to review the data for security and accountability.
What a Smart Lock Audit Trail Records¶
All major UK smart locks maintain an activity log (audit trail) that records every lock and unlock event with a timestamp, user identification, and access method. The Nuki 3.0 Pro (£179) logs events for up to 30 days, showing which user unlocked the door and via what method (app, keypad, fingerprint, or key). The Lockly Secure Plus (£249) stores the last 200 events directly on the lock and syncs to the app. Ultion Keyturn WiFi logs unlimited event history on their cloud server. Yale Conexis L2 (£199) logs via the Yale Home app with a 14-day history for the free tier and 90 days for the paid subscription (£2.99/month). Audit trails are admissible as evidence in UK deposit disputes and tenancy disagreements - the 2024 Tenancy Deposit Scheme report cited digital access logs in 12% of resolution cases. The data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.3.
How to Review and Export Activity Logs¶
To review the audit trail, open the lock's companion app and navigate to 'Activity', 'History', or 'Logs'. The Nuki app displays a chronological list with icons for each event type. Filter by date range or user name. Lockly offers a CSV export function - tap 'Export' in the Settings menu. Ultion provides a downloadable PDF report with a digital signature for evidentiary use. Yale Home app allows sharing of specific events via email. For rental properties, audit logs can prove that a landlord provided notice before entry - essential under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Review the logs weekly for suspicious activity. Check for events during hours when the property should be unoccupied. If you see unknown access, change all codes immediately and check for cylinder tampering.
Specifications and Comparison¶
| Brand | Log Duration | Local Storage | Cloud Backup | Export Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuki | 30 days | Yes | With subscription | CSV |
| Lockly | 200 events | Yes | Yes | CSV |
| Ultion | Unlimited | Yes | Yes (cloud) | |
| Yale | 14 - 90 days | No | With subscription | Email share |
FAQ¶
- Can the audit trail be tampered with or deleted?
- Logs stored on the cloud (Ultion, Lockly) are encrypted and tamper-evident. Local logs on the lock can be reset via factory reset only.
- How long do smart locks store the activity log?
- It varies: Nuki retains 30 days, Lockly stores the last 200 events onboard, and Ultion keeps unlimited cloud-based logs.
- Can I export the audit log for a deposit dispute?
- Yes - Lockly and Ultion offer CSV or PDF exports with timestamps that are suitable for arbitration or court submission. For more information see our Smart Lock Guest Access Management.
Last updated: 2026-05-31.
Related Guides¶
External Resources¶
For further information consult authority guidelines at the Information Commissioner's Office.