Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Review
Today we are reviewing popular smart lock model Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. This smart lock has built-in burglar alarm which gives you additional security. Generally most of the smart locks does not have this feature.We will explain you all details with cons and pros so you will be sure if this smart lock is the one you are looking for or not. Hope you will enjoy reading and find answers to your questions in this post.
Connection Standards and Smart Home Controller Options
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has many smart connection options including Alexa by Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, Google Home and Ring but unfortunately it does not supoort Apple HomeKit. Additionally, for this smart lock it is not possible to connect Schlage to SmartThings.
You can directly integrate your smart lock and connect to supported smart hubs. Depending on our experiences we can easily say Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt intergrates fastest with Google Assistant. Now we will explain you more details for each of these options.
Google Assistant
This is the easiest setup option. It has very reliable and fast connection without problems. Only the disadvantage is it does not support unlocking by your voice. If voice unlocking is very important for you then you should focus on Alexa option. Below you can find steps to clearly integrate your Schlage Encode smart lock:
1. First open the Schlage Home app on your device and create a Schlage account.
2. Pair your Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with your phone and install it on your door. Please note: iOS users have to choose to set up using the Schlage system.
3. Open the Google Assistant app and enable the Schlage Home app in it. Link your Schlage account and give the app permission to access your locks.
Now you can use your smart lock with Google Assistant. This will not prevent you from using your Schlage Home app to lock, unlock, check the status of your lock and create/manage access codes, virtual keys.
Some of the voice commands are:
“Hey Google, I’m leaving” for locking
“Hey Google, lock the front door” for locking
“Hey Google, is the front door locked?” to check if door is locked
Amazon Alexa
Another option is Alexa by Echo or Echo Dot. If you already have one of these then you don’t need any other hubs to control your lock by voice. You can lock/unlock the door and check if your door is locked by Alexa with voice commands. Some people having problems while connecting to Alexa but we did not face with any problems. You can try to turn the knob by your hand to right and left, this solves the connection problem most of the times. Also make sure that you have the latest versions of all the apps and follow the steps exactly as described here:
1. First open the Schlage Home app on your device and create a Schlage account.
2. Pair your Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with your phone and install it on your door. Please note: iOS users have to choose to set up using the Schlage system.
3. Open the Amazon Alexa app and search for the skill “Schlage Home” and enable it. Link your Schlage account to Alexa acount and give the app permission to access your locks.
4. Final step, you should give a name to your Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt on Amazon Alexa app. This is very important because you will include the device name at your voice commands every time so Alexa will understand the correct device and apply the operation you asked for. Tap on “Edit” button at the upper right and then on “Edit Name” and write your desired name.
Here are some examples for voice commands with the name of the device “Home”:
Home:
“Alexa, lock Home.”
“Alexa, unlock Home.”
“Alexa, is Home locked?”
Note: Alexa will always ask for the pin to unlock your door. Unlock feature is disabled by default so you should enable it and set a pin.
Amazon Key
Amazon Key requires some explaination so here it is. Amazon Key consists of another product named Cloud Cam (Key Edition) which behaves as a bridge between you and your smart lock. You can easily watch live videos when someone comes to your house or leaves the house. You can also create and manage different type access codes, check the status of your door and control battery via Key App. Alexa is compatible with this smart lock so you can use Alexa voice commands. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has a very good integration with Amazon Key.
If you are an Amazon Prime Member, in selected locations you will have option to have in-home delivery which lets your package to be delivered inside of the entrance of your house with safe. This is a very cool feature so you will never have to worry about your delivery in the future again. You can check if your location is eligible at here. Please note that if you have an active home security system then you will have to deactivate it at the delivery days. Otherwise your alarm will be triggered when your door gets opened.
Ring Doorbell
System is working with Ring Doorbell but it is not compatible with Ring Alarm System. You should use Amazon Key to control Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Ring. It is very easy to pair them with Ring app. So if you have a Ring on your door we suggest you to use this option. What are the benefits? Here they are:
- Watch your home live and verify your guests
- Lock and unlock your door directly from the Live View in Ring app
- You can speak with the people in frot of your door
Auto Lock
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has auto lock feature as the other competitors on the market. Auto lock used to lock your door automatically after a period of defined time passes over the unlocking. Auto lock timers can be set as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 4 minutes. It is working perfecly without any problems. Product does not have auto unlock feature. If you need this feature you can have a look at our August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen review.
Keypad of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Keypad can store up to 100 codes at the same time. These codes can be generated with Schlage Smart Home or Key apps. Keypad has a backlit to help you see numbers in the dark. We suggest yout to press on lock or home button to activate the backlit and be very fast to enter the numbers or it will turn to dark again. They should really increase the time of light because it is not staying on enough. If you want to try your luck by entering your code in the dark you can easily press to wrong number. Backlit will be activated but code will not be accepted so you will have to re-enter the code so alternatively just unlock it with the app.
There is also a one touch lock button. Just press the lock button and it will lock the door. Keypad is made of fingerprint resistant capacitive touchscreen. Touschsreen keypads sometimes may create problems in cold,snowy and rainy weathers. In general it is working smooth and well so you will not disappointed about this product.
Types of Codes
By using Schlage Home app you can directly create codes for your needs. These codes will only work under the conditions that you defined. You can create codes as always, temporary or recurring. We will give some examples to these types:
Always: There is no limit for this code. This can be set for family members and best friends. Code will always work.
Temporary: This kind of code will work only between the date and time range you defined. After the defined time passes it will not work. This option is the best for Airbnb solutions.
Recurring: If you have a visitor to your house who must enter in the same day/days of the week between some specific hours then you can use this type of code. Once you set the limitations it will work every week until you cancel this code.
Schlage Home app does not have an option for One Time Password (OTP). This password does not work again once you use it in the defined time range at the defined date. If you need this kind of code, luckly there is a solution for this if you need it. You can prefer to use Amazon Key app and set OTP over it. You will need a Cloud Cam for this. Amazon offers some ready to use kits which you can find here.
Battery Life of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
System is powered by 4 x AA Alkaline batteries. They are included in the package. We would expect to see this lock with rechargable batteries and a charging socket on it. It would be great solution for changing batteries all year. However, battery changing is a simple process in this product. You will just slide up the cover of interior unit and then slide up the battery holder.Changing batteries is simple as this and finishes under 1 minute.
We will suggest you to buy Duracell Coppertop batteries for long performance. It has low battery indicator so whenever your battery goes down to 4.7v it will start blinking red x on keypad. You will also get notifications from the Schlage Smart Home app for low battery. Please don’t forget to change them before it drops to 4.4v which will stop working.
It is almost impossible to give exact battery life for these kind of products. Many factors including situation of the door, weather, daily usage frequency can make huge differences. As an average you can expect to have 2,5 months of battery usage under normal temperature and on the good working door. It is still better than August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen but behind Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888.
Installation Process of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
You will need a ruler and Phillips Head Screwdriver for the whole installation process. It is definetely not difficult to install Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt on your door. Whole process will finish around 15-20 minutes maximum. You can find installation manual at here.
Comparision Chart
Technical Details Chart
| Item Weight | 2.8 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.2 x 3 x 5.5 inches |
| Voltage | 1.5 volts |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Size | Lock Only |
| Installation Method | Retrofit deadbolt lock |
| Included Components | Lockset, Batteries, Backup Key, Quick Start Guide |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | 3 year electronics, Limited lifetime mechanical /finish |
Cons and Pros of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt deserves 9/10. It is almost perfect smart lock. Cons which are listed here aren’t big problems for general usage. Overall performance and presented options makes this smart lock one step forward from other smart locks on the market. It is a perfect competitor for August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen. If you want a smart lock which you can control over your phone and even pair with Ring Doorbell then this is your smart lock. Definetely in the top 5 of our top smart locks 2019 list. Here is the list of cons and pros:
Pros:
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assitant and Ring
Easy installation
1 time access codes via Amazon Key
Auto lock
Beautiful design
Backlit keys
Custom app
Guest Access
Wi-Fi
Easy to program
Key usage if battery drains
Battery drain warning
Long battery life
Built-in alarm
100 user codes at the same time
Easy battery changing
Cons:
No z-wave connections
Backlit turns off fast
Not working with Apple Homekit and SmartThings
Touchpad doesn’t work with gloves
