Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring

https://paxtonumsa058.northstarcolumn.com/posts/how-comfort-experts-duct-repair-supports-ac-repair-in-north-fort-worth-5

Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring Our older thermostat only has four wires and no C wire. The smart model I bought says it needs one. Is an adapter safe to use, or does that cause problems with the AC down the road? Trying to avoid a wiring mistake