Imagine being unable to flush your toilet or lock your front door because of a power outage—all thanks to your 'smart' home. It’s a reality for some, and it’s sparking a debate: is it smarter to have a dumb home? Let’s dive into the surprising pitfalls of smart home technology and why some are opting out.
When Elly Bailey, a tech reviewer with over 1.1 million TikTok followers (@ellyawesome), found her smart doorbell was the reason she kept missing deliveries, she couldn’t help but laugh. The irony? The very device meant to prevent missed parcels was the culprit. ‘It’s pretty funny,’ she admits, ‘until you realize it’s a common issue.’ Her Google Nest doorbell, which she once loved for its remote access, had one glaring flaw: it only sent notifications to her phone, with no audible chime. ‘Great when I’m out,’ she says, ‘but a nightmare when I’m home and away from my phone.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while smart homes promise convenience, they often deliver frustration. Stories abound of faulty smart locks locking people out, pets triggering driveway cameras in the middle of the night, and broken smart lights leaving homes in darkness. Georgina Wilson, a Sydney architect, learned this the hard way when her smart keypad was damaged by a pressure washer, leading to an expensive locksmith call. ‘Technology is brilliant… until it isn’t,’ she quips. Her clients have faced even worse—like being unable to flush toilets during power outages.
Since the surge in smart home adoption during Covid lockdowns, electrician Daniel Vasilevski has seen it all. From clients locked out of their homes for days to others left with no working lights, the horror stories are endless. Even simple devices like smart doorbells often come with monthly subscription fees, adding to the frustration. Vasilevski estimates that 15-20% of his callouts now involve smart tech issues, with some clients opting to rip out their systems entirely.
And this is the part most people miss: smart homes aren’t just inconvenient—they can be dangerous. Cybercriminals increasingly target these devices, as seen in South Korea, where over 120,000 smart cameras were hacked last year. The Australian Signals Directorate warns of Chinese hackers exploiting home routers and smart devices. While hacked fridges and doorbells are rare, cyber expert Emily Holyoake highlights a more pressing issue: technology-facilitated domestic abuse. ‘Ex-partners gaining access to smart homes and locking victims out or spying on them is a real concern,’ she says.
Renters aren’t immune either. Smart locks can allow landlords to monitor tenants’ movements, raising serious privacy concerns. Real estate broker Julie Provenzano, with 83,000 TikTok followers, recently declared she’s ‘apped-out.’ ‘Hi-tech doesn’t necessarily mean easier,’ she warns. ‘It leaves people hostage to IT departments.’
Even when issues arise, finding someone to fix them is a challenge. Many locksmiths and electricians avoid smart home repairs due to their complexity. ‘It’s often not worth the hassle,’ Vasilevski admits. And when brands shut down or discontinue devices, as Belkin did with its Wemo range, customers are left stranded. ‘The only option is to rip them out,’ says Gaby Albutros, a project manager at RSE Home Automation.
Here’s the silver lining: not all smart devices are doomed. Curtains and blinds are one exception. Provenzano and Vasilevski agree they’re reliable, as they’re only used twice a day. Cyber expert Holyoake advises intentionality when adopting smart tech. She uses smart cameras, lighting, and a robot vacuum to simplify family life, especially with neurodivergent kids. Her advice? ‘Check security settings monthly, change default passwords, and always ask: who has access to my data?’
Even Bailey, a tech enthusiast, prefers a hybrid approach. Despite access to every smart gadget imaginable, she’s kept her home ‘consciously dumb,’ save for her doorbell. ‘I’m an old-school millennial happy to do my own laundry,’ she says. ‘It keeps me smart.’
So, what do you think? Is the convenience of smart homes worth the risks, or is a dumb home the smarter choice? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take!
