Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Review: All Support

Today’s lowest price: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Lock manufacturer Schlage has been one of America’s leading home security brands since 1920. San Francisco inventor Walter Schlage has created a lock that completes an electrical circuit when the door is opened and turns on a light when operated by the homeowner. Go home. In that sense, smart locks seem like a natural evolution for a company that was founded on innovative technology long before the market was ready.

The Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is an iterative improvement over the Encode Smart Deadbolt we reviewed in 2019, adding support for more smart home platforms and improving overall setup and ease of use. I found this deadbolt to be easier to set up than many others, not even requiring the Schlage Home app to be installed on my iPhone, making it especially easy to configure with Apple HomeKit.

Hardware installation

Installing the lock hardware is easier than any other method I’ve tried. Kit includes deadbolt and strike plate, keypad and internal electronics assembly, battery, key, and all required screws and bolts.

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

First, insert the deadbolt latch with the word “top” facing up and screw it onto the edge of the door. As with most locks, you can install the included strike plate or just use your existing strike plate if it works without friction.

This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks..

With the deadbolt in place, place the external keypad on the outside of the door and route the cable from under the latch to the inside. From the inside, place the mounting plate in the hole with the word “Top” facing you, and screw it into the hole on the back of the keypad assembly until it is snug but not too tight. With smart locks, it is important to avoid over-tightening the components as this can damage the locking mechanism.

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Next, connect the cables by lining up the slots so that the ends fit snugly. Schlage’s connector design makes it easy to see which direction the cables are lining up. After connecting the cables, route the cables around the tailpiece, insert the tailpiece into the bolt latches, and align the internal assembly. Secure in place with the two machine screws provided. Finally, install the four included AA batteries into the battery holder and slide them into place. You will hear a few beeps when the lock powers on and is ready to pair with your phone.

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Pairing and software setup

If needed, Schlage Encode Plus can be used as a standalone door lock. It comes with two pre-programmed codes that can be used without being connected to your phone. Of course, the lock’s Wi-Fi capabilities and smart home connectivity are the best way to take full advantage of its features, so we recommend pairing it with the mobile app immediately after installation. I found setting up my iPhone to be the easiest of all the options.

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

To add Schlage Encode Plus to your Apple Home, simply press the black button on the inner assembly, hold your phone against the lock, and wait a few seconds for your iPhone to detect it. Then, follow the prompts to set the lock location and name, set the access code, choose whether to automate, and complete the setup. Apple’s “Home Key” NFC technology works automatically, allowing you to find your key in your Apple Wallet and ready to use at the end of setup.

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

Foundry / Robert Strohmeyer

If you want to use your lock with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, first install and set up the Schlage Home app, then connect Google Home to Schlage Home or add the Schlage Home skill to Alexa to control your lock. is needed. This is very easy, but it’s a shame that you have to run Schlage’s app just to use the lock with Google Home or Alexa. Still, being able to use the lock with all three major smart home platforms is a legitimate advantage.

In addition to support for Apple, Google, and Amazon Alexa, the lock works with Airbnb’s vacation rental system. This allows Airbnb rental owners to automatically generate access codes for renters through Airbnb’s systems, creating a better experience for both renters and owners.

design and styling

As a traditional lock manufacturer and one of the biggest brands in the game, Schlage has a wealth of institutional knowledge when it comes to building locks. This latest version of the Encode series of smart locks has achieved the highest BHMA certification (A) in all three of his categories: Security, Durability and Finish. In terms of security, it also boasts the highest ANSI commercial certification, Grade 1. We reviewed the Century model of the Encode Plus Smart WiFi. Available in either satin nickel or matte black. Another design is the more traditional Camelot, available in satin nickel or aged bronze.

If you are an existing Schlage lock owner adding this device as an upgrade to an already installed Camelot or Century handle or lever set, this lock is the perfect choice as it is an exact match. If you have other styles of door hardware, the distinctive lines of Schlage locks may stand out as a mismatch. Most smart locks are designed to be minimalist and modern, as they are usually installed with other door hardware that is sure to not match. This is a weakness in the smart lock market in general, as very few people buy an entire set of door hardware at the same time. But the incongruity is more pronounced in Schlage’s designs compared to other brands with simpler aesthetics (such as Yale University or WiseLab).

In addition to its aesthetic design, the Schlage lock is slightly larger on each side of the door than other locks we’ve tried. For those looking for a smart lock that doesn’t scream “We’ve introduced a smart lock!” Dear Guest, this may not be the best fit for you.

The Schlage’s keypad is nice and bright and includes colors to indicate the lock’s operating status. I found the numbers easy to read both in the dark and in daylight.

daily use

Your user experience will vary depending on which app you use with Schlage Encode Plus. The lock works well with Apple Home, Google Home, and Key by Amazon (a program that allows Amazon drivers to open doors and put deliveries inside), and supports voice commands on all three platforms. Support appropriately.

The Schlage Home app is decent and includes useful features for creating virtual administrative keys and time-limited guest keys. It also provides an activity log that tracks both physical and digital access. But ultimately, this lock looks best on Apple’s platform.

This lock does not have a backup power source to activate if the battery dies while you are away, but can If necessary, use the physical key to open the door.Do not have Any I’m always a little nervous when creating a backup, especially if your home only has one access door. Schlage is stingy and only provides one key, but it’s easy and cheap to make a duplicate.

Should I buy Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt?

We reviewed the previous version of this lock, Schlage Encode, and really liked it. This new Plus version addresses the biggest concerns I had about Schlage’s smart home platform support in my previous review and makes great strides in setup and ease of use. The Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is perfect for any of these platforms and can also work standalone if needed.