Schlage Smart Lock – Keyless Entry Door Deadbolts

If you’ve started to research these locks you’ll realize there are different features on the locks themselves, different styles available, different colors and different compatibility with your home automation system. It’s important you choose the correct Schlage smart lock before deciding to buy. Not every lock will work on your front door. This is mostly due to compatibility issues. Save time and find the right deadbolt smart lock here for your home. You may be surprised at some of the features now available on these smart devices…

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Latest update for this post: 7 November 2019

Schlage have a high quality reputation for making secure deadbolts. Schlage keyless entry locks are synonymous with quality. You may already have one of the Schlage locks on your front door. If you’re looking to upgrade to a Schlage smart lock, you’ll see there are lots of options. The features vary, as do the colors. Here, we cover the best choices.

One of the best aspects of choosing a Schlage keyless entry lock is that you no longer need to worry about:

• losing keys,
• hiding keys,
• carrying keys or
• forgetting keys

If you want to go for a run, you don’t need to carry keys with you.

Also, if your kids need to get home on their own they don’t need a spare key.

And if you want to let your housekeeper or dog walker into your home when you’re not there you can give them their own code to access the front door.

There are other brands of good smart locks and I will cover those in a separate article, but because so many people are familiar with Schlage locks and trust them I’m providing a comparison here.

If you’re looking for high quality, great functionality and security you really can’t go wrong with a Schlage keyless deadbolt.

The only negative about Schlage locks is that it can take you hours of research to try and find the right one. There’s a lot of choice.

You need one that suits your lifestyle and is compatible with your home automation system. At first glance it can look confusing and overwhelming. Here, we compare the best Schlage smart lock devices to save you time.

Schlage Smart Lock Comparison

There are several versions now available for the Schlage smart deadbolt lock. Before we look at the different types of smart lock available, it’s good to know that there is also an electronic lock available. The Schlage Touch is an electronic lock that is not smart. You get a touch pad and you can unlock the door with a code on the keypad but it doesn’t have any remote connectivity. It doesn’t have WiFi or Bluetooth. You can’t access this type of lock from an app on your phone or another device.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the smart locks from Schlage, but it’s still worth mentioning the Schlage Touch for people who are looking for keyless entry without needing the smart home extra features.

Which locks from Schlage are “smart”?

These are the current smart locks from Schlage:

➽ Schlage Connect

➽ Schlage Sense

➽ Schlage Encode

Each type of lock has multiple color and style options within it. They are all smart deadbolts but they each have a different type of connectivity. This is the most important part of your decision when choosing a smart lock. If you already have a home automation system you’ll need the correct connectivity.

If you’re starting your smart home from scratch then you’ll still need to know about connectivity to make the right choice so you can continue to add more smart home devices down the track.

Schlage Connect

The first thing you need to know about Schlage Connect is that is comes as two different versions.

You can get Schlage Connect compatible with Z-Wave or Zigbee.

If you already have a home automation system using Z-Wave or Zigbee then you’ll need to choose the smart lock which is suitable.

By using a Schlage Connect smart lock with your home automation system you can set other devices to activate when you unlock the door. For example, when you unlock the door your lights which are connected to your home automation system could come on in certain rooms or the thermostat could be set to automatically adjust. These are the advantages of having all your smart devices integrated.

Let’s take a look at two of the Schlage Connect locks…

Schlage BE469ZP Connect

For the price and more details on Amazon, click here

This Schlage BE469ZP is a Z-Wave device. It offers compatibility with Ring Alarm, Samsung SmartThings, Wink and Nexia.

Compatible voice assistants are: Alexa and Google Assistant.

If you want to access this lock remotely you need a Z-Wave hub in your home.

To use this smart lock you can use the touchscreen (no need for Z-Wave), you can use the Schlage app on your phone or your can use the key provided.

This lock has a built-in alarm which senses potential door attacks.

By using your phone and the app, you can control this lock from anywhere when it is connected to your Z-Wave home automation system.

 

Schlage BE468GBAK Connect

See the price here

The Schlage BE468GBAK is a Zigbee certified device. If you’re running a Zigbee home automation system, this lock is compatible.

This Schlage smart deadlock is compatible with Amazon Key + Cloud Cam, Amazon Echo Plus and Samsung SmartThings.

Voice control is available with Alexa when your Alexa device (such as Echo Plus) is paired with your Zigbee smart home system.

You can use this lock in the same ways you can use the Z-Wave version. With the Zigbee version you can use the lock by tapping the touchscreen (you don’t need the Zigbee connectivity for this option), you can use the app on your phone or you can the key for it.

Unlike the Connect discussed above, this one does not have the built-in alarm.

However, it does have the ability to be connected to your Zigbee smart home system so you can access the lock from wherever you are. The Schlage app is free to download on your phone as an Android version or an iOS version.

 

Schlage Sense

What is the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt? It’s the version that’s compatible with Apple HomeKit. It offers built-in Bluetooth and HomeKit compatibility.

Schlage BE479 Sense Smart Lock

✅  Click here for the price on Amazon for the Schlage Sense BE479

This lock can be unlocked using the Schlage smart phone app, or via the touchscreen or using the provided key.

Using the Schlage Sense phone app you can manage codes, set schedules and view usage history. The lock uses Bluetooth to pair with your phone and as long as you’re within Bluetooth range, you can set and share codes with friends or family who need to access the smart lock (e.g. your dog walker, a house keeper, a house guest etc)

If you want to control the locking and unlocking function remotely from anywhere you can do this by pairing this lock with the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter which you can purchase separately.

Please note that the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter works with the Schlage Sense deadbolt lock only, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit.

The adapter is easy to set up, you just plug it into a power socket and connect to your home WiFi network. It’s easy to pair with your smart phone Schlage Sense app and then you’re good to go.

You can then lock or unlock from anywhere you have internet access on your smart phone, whether you’re using Android, iPhone or iPad. Each adapter can control two Schlage smart locks.

Can I use Siri with this smart lock?

Pair this Schlage BE479 Sense smart lock with your Apple HomeKit devices and then you can use iOS and Siri voice control.  If you want to use Alexa or Google Assistant you’ll need to have a compatible device with your Homekit.

You can also pair this Schlage Sense lock with your Apple TV. As long as your Apple TV is connected to your WiFi network, then you can control the lock from your iPhone as part of your HomeKit-enabled smart home system.

This Schlage BE479 also has a built-in alarm which detects potential door attacks.

 

Schlage Encode Deadbolt Smart Locks (the latest development from Schlage)

And now we get to the Schlage Encode smart lock. This is one of the big steps forward in smart locks if you’re looking for an option that works without a smart home hub. You can get rid of the hub and have your Schlage smart lock communicate directly with your home WiFi.

This is a more straight forward way of using a smart deadbolt. And if you’re just starting to create your smart home and you’re not already committed to a Z-Wave or Zigbee home hub, you’ll love the freedom of these devices.

As long as you’ve got a WiFi network in your home, you’ve got connectivity for these smart locks.  You don’t even need a WiFi adapter like you do when using the Apple HomeKit connectivity.

 

Check out the price and more details on Amazon by clicking here

Schlage BE489WB Encode Review

This is a Schlage deadbolt with WiFi capability built-in. No hub is required in your home.

You can lock or unlock from anywhere simply by connecting this lock to your home WiFi.

How can I access the Encode lock?

To allow access to others, you can use the Schlage Home app to provide access remotely. Alternatively, you can use the Key by Amazon app.

For you own access you can enter your access code on the touchscreen, use your smartphone app or use the key provided for the lock.

What is Schlage Encode compatible with?

Because the Encode smart lock is WiFi, you can use it with Ring, Key by Amazon or the Schlage Home app.

It’s easy to pair with your app because of the built-in WiFi.

Voice control?

You can use this lock with Alexa or Google Assistant. However, you can’t use voice unlock with Google Assistant (a safety feature).

What can’t I use Encode with?

You can’t use Encode with a home hub. It’s designed to work without a hub.

If you want to link your smart lock to your home automation system (that uses a hub) you’ll need to get Schlage Connect (either Z-Wave or Zigbee) or the Schlage Sense.

The Encode locks won’t work with Apple Homekit.  If you want to use Homekit you’ll need the Schlage Sense lock.

 

Schlage Connect vs Sense vs Encode Smart Lock Comparison

⭐ The Connect and Sense locks can have up to 30 codes set in each, whereas the Encode can take 100 codes.

⭐  For the smart features Connect requires a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub, Sense requires an Apple Homekit hub but the Encode does not require any hub (and in fact won’t work with any hub).

⭐  Connect will work remotely when paired with a compatible hub e.g. Z-Wave or Zigbee (it cannot be paired with the Schlage WiFi Adapter).  The Sense lock can be used remotely when paired with the Schlage WiFi Adapter or when paired with Apple TV (3rd gen or above) or with an iPad and these devices are within 40 feet of the smart lock so that they act as a hub.  The Encode smart lock can be used remotely from anywhere with your smart phone app because it is a WiFi device.

⭐  Batteries in the Connect and Sense locks should last around 12 months according to Schlage. Whereas the batteries in the Encode will only last around 6 months. This is because the first two locks are using a hub whereas the Encode is using WiFi directly.

⭐  Schlage Encode is a smaller lock. The inside part of the lock on your door is smaller than that part on the Connect and the Sense.

⭐  Encode, Connect and Sense smart locks are all ANSI Grade 1 highest residential security.

⭐  The Schlage Home app is compatible with iOS or Android.

 

 

Two of the Most Popular Schlage Connect Smart Locks…

Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt,  BE469 CAM 619

The Schlage BE469 is Z-Wave compatible to connect to your home automation system. You can unlock or lock your door remotely using your smart phone and the internet. Please note, this smart lock device is not Bluetooth compatible.

This is a very popular Schlage smart lock. Furthermore, at the time of writing it had an average of 4 out of 5 stars for more than 3,400 reviews on Amazon. That’s a lot of happy customers.

To see the different colors available in the Camelot style Schlage deadbolt, take a look here.

The picture on the left is the satin nickel color but if you like a different color, like brass then it may be more suitable for your house decor.

Here are some of the features on the Schlage BE469:

⭐  works with Amazon Alexa via your home automation hub (does not support unlock by voice at this time)

⭐  Z-Wave compatible with SmartThings, Vera, Mi Casa Verde, Wink, Iris, Honeywell Lynx (limited functionality, check with Schlage – will probably work with L5000 Honeywell alarms but not the L7000 series), Nexia Home Intelligence.

⭐  lock or unlock your door remotely using a smart phone and the internet

⭐  includes a built-in audible alarm (choose between 3 modes – activity, tamper or forced entry)

⭐  fingerprint-resistant touchscreen protects against fingerprints as well as smudges to ensure wear patterns remain undetectable

⭐  anti-pick shield protects against lock tampering

⭐  universal latches slide easily into place and require no tools or manual adjustments

⭐  holds up to 30 user codes

⭐  ANSI Grade 1 highest residential security rating

The illuminated touchscreen on this Schlage smart lock lets you easily enter your home without a key. The lock does come with one key as a backup in case you need to use it in the lock without needing to use the smart features.

Additionally, you can set codes for certain people that are only valid on certain days of the week. Alternatively you can set up one time only codes that expire after they are used by that person. There’s lots of functionality with a smart lock.

The lock requires and comes with 4 AA batteries.

What are the 3 alarm modes?

This Schlage smart lock includes three alarm settings. You get to choose which one you want to operate.

When not to use this lock

This smart lock is not designed for locations where the internal temperatures will drop below 50 degrees.

If you plan on using this for the door from the outside into a garage or a similar room where the temperature gets very low in winter then you’ll need to consider the consequences.

Not only will the lock be affected at a low temperature but the batteries will also be subject to the cold and they if they are already running low, they may not last as long (the battery indicator will tell you when the batteries are getting low but the cold temp may make the batteries run down suddenly).

 

What is the difference between the Schlage BE469 Connect Camelot and the Schlage BE469 Connect Century?

These are two different styles of the same smart lock by Schlage. The colors are similar (there are several to choose from, see here) and the functions are the same. They are just different styles so you can choose the best one to suit the look of your home or your own personal preference.

Disadvantages of the Schlage BE469

You may see people complain about the battery usage on this lock. While this is a genuine concern, there is a way to ensure you don’t use too many batteries.

When you install the lock you need to follow the advice in the instruction manual. Essentially, there are two modes of motorized operation for the lock and the mode (either low energy or high energy) is set when you install it.

To ensure your Schlage smart lock is set to low energy usage you need to check a few things from the start. When installing, you need to ensure the hole is aligned correctly for the deadbolt. The hole needs to be an adequate size and there needs to be room for expansion in hot weather. If any of these elements are not correct then the smart deadbolt will opt for high energy as the mode to be used every time the motorized lock operates.

How do I know if my lock is using low energy mode or high energy mode?

When you first set up the lock the motorized operation will attempt to operate on low energy mode first. It will make the sound “grrrr, then pause, then grrrr again”. That will indicate the first attempt on low energy.

It will attempt to use low energy for the first three attempts at opening or closing the lock. If it can’t move the deadbolt using the low energy mode on those three attempts then it will default to high energy mode. Once the lock does that it will always use high energy mode to operate the lock and this will mean you go through more batteries.

Consequently, it really is worth double checking your installation from the beginning to get it right. You’ll save a lot of money on batteries by following the instruction manual.

Schlage Z-Wave Connect Century Touchscreen Deadbolt, BE468-2k

This Schlage BE468 is a newer model in the BE460 series. It includes two matching backup keys. The BE468 Century comes in different colors including satin chrome, aged bronze, satin nickel and bright chrome (click one of the images below to see more details).

There is also a Schlage BE468 in the Camelot design that includes similar colors as the Century design as well as a bright brass color (for more details click one of the images below).

The Schlage BE468 includes an LED backlight feature to light up the keypad. This model is very similar to the BE469 but it does not include a built-in alarm. Also, it includes the same ANSI Grade 1 security standard for added security on your home. The BE468 also includes the touch pad in a matt finish which is a smudge and fingerprint resistant surface to ensure wear marks do not indicate the code.

Do I have to use Z-Wave with this lock for it to work?

The lock can be controlled using one of the two backup keys or by the touch pad or using your smart phone or computer by way of Z-Wave technology. You’ll need a Z-Wave hub as part of your home automation system to use this function. Although, you should know that this smart deadbolt (just like the BE469 also) can be unlocked by the touch pad without having the lock connected by Z-Wave to the internet. If you don’t have a home automation system yet, you can still install this Schlage smart lock and use it with the keypad or key. When you get a Z-Wave hub you can use its smart features as well.

There’s also an anti-pick shield to protect against lock tampering. The motorized bolt on this smart lock automatically locks or unlocks when you enter the user code.

The Schlage smart lock BE468 is compatible with many home automation systems using Z-Wave including:

• Nexia
• SmartThings
• Wink
• Iris
• Staples Connect
• Alarm.com
• 2gig
• Vivint
• Zipato
• Vera
• DSC
• GE/Interlogix
• Qolsys
• ELK
• Honeywell
• Leviton

Compare smart locks: Schlage BE469 vs Schlage BE468

It’s not obvious, but the Schlage BE469 is actually an earlier model than the Schlage BE468. The two models are similar but there are differences that could make a big difference to which one you buy:

🌟  Appearance and mechanism: housing and deadbolts are the same in each model

🌟  The Schlage BE469 includes an audible alarm that the BE468 does not have

🌟  Both models have the ANSI Grade 1 security rating

🌟  On the BE469 the numbers cannot be seen until you push the Schlage button on the keypad whereas the BE468 has white reflective numbers on the keypad that are always visible

🌟  The LED backlight on the BE469 is a blue color whereas the LED backlight on the BE468 is white

🌟  Both models have the anti-pick shield to protect against lock tampering

🌟  Both the BE469 and BE468 are Z-Wave compatible to use with a home automation system

 

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