Ever hustled out the door and left it unlocked? You know that sinking feeling when you turn back and see an open lock. It’s like an open invitation to worry.
That’s why we built the Schlage Encode Plus with a smooth metal faceplate you’ll want to run your hand over. We’ve poured in twenty years of testing and CE certifying (meeting safety standards) every detail. It pairs with Apple Home Key (digital key in Wallet) and has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (wireless network band) so you can lock and unlock from anywhere!
You get five bright home-security perks. There’s tap-to-unlock magic (just tap like swiping a credit card) and voice-assistant support. They turn your entryway into a fortress. No extra gadgets needed.
Schlage Encode Plus Feature Highlights & Home Key Tap-To-Unlock
The Schlage Encode Plus costs $299.99. It blends keyless entry with built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (wireless network) and solid security. The smooth metal faceplate fits any standard door. We’ve poured two decades of lock expertise into this design.
It joins the schlage smart lock family with Apple Home Key (digital key stored in Wallet) and HomeKit (Apple’s smart home system). Android users get full control through the Schlage Home app. No corners cut.
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Home Key tap-to-unlock
Just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the touchscreen. The bolt slides open automatically. No app to launch. No passcode to punch in. -
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (wireless network)
Remote access from anywhere. Check door activity and set up custom alerts in seconds. -
Voice assistant compatibility
Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Lock or unlock hands-free by asking your smart speaker. -
100-code capacity
Create, edit, and schedule up to 100 unique entry codes in the mobile app. Perfect for guests, family, or service pros. -
Backup key and PIN pad
The touchscreen resists fingerprint smudges (no messy marks). You also get a traditional key cylinder and a backup key if the batteries die.
Perfect for Apple fans who love the tap feature and Android users who want remote access plus voice control without compromise.
Schlage Encode Plus Installation Guide: Built-in Wi-Fi & Door Prep
Getting your Schlage Encode Plus on the door is a breeze! You only need a Phillips screwdriver, a tape measure, and a clear workspace. The box comes with a paper drill template, neatly labeled screws, and a picture guide. No wiring required.
The latch’s backset (the distance from the door edge to the lock hole) snaps between 2 3/8 inch and 2 3/4 inch in seconds. No extra tools needed.
- Place the paper template on the door, lining up the center marks.
- Drill the hole for the lock body and the hole for the latch, just like the template shows.
- Slide the latch into the door edge until you hear a reassuring click.
- Mount the outside keypad assembly so it sits flush against the door face.
- Fasten the inside assembly with the included screws.
- Pop in four AA batteries until the battery cover snaps shut.
- Press the setup button on the inside piece, watch the touchscreen light up in a soft glow.
To start built-in Wi-Fi setup, open the Schlage Home app and scan the QR code in your guide. Press the setup button again, then tap your iPhone near the touchscreen, think of it like pairing headphones. Once it’s online, you can name your lock, enable notifications, and add user codes all from the app’s dashboard.
Schlage Encode Plus Lock Programming & Home Key Setup
Customizing entry codes and linking your lock to Apple Home Key happens in the Schlage Home app (your mobile control hub). You can add, remove, or tweak up to 100 user codes from anywhere life takes you. Everything stays organized in one spot. Managing who comes and goes? Easy.
App Code Management
To add a new guest code, open the Schlage Home app, tap Lock Settings, then User Codes. Hit Add New Code, name it, Housekeeper, for example, then punch in up to 8 digits. You can choose a one-time code, a recurring slot, or a permanent key. Perfect for letting in the cleaner once or giving your dog walker weekly access.
Want a tip? Name your codes in a way you’ll remember, “Dog Walker” works better than “Guest 1.”
Editing or deleting codes is just as quick. Scroll to your code list, tap the one you want, tweak the schedule or the numbers, and hit save. Need to shut a code off early? Flip the toggle. It’s disabled in an instant.
Home Key Pairing
Pairing with Apple Home Key (your digital key stored in Wallet) almost feels magical. On your iPhone, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, and pick “Home Key.” Press the setup button inside the lock’s interior assembly (the soft LED glow means it’s ready to listen). Then go back to Wallet, follow the prompts, and confirm pairing. Now you can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the smooth metal faceplate to unlock. No app launch required.
Heads up: a factory reset wipes all your codes and Home Key settings. To reset, press and hold the Schlage and Encode buttons together for about 10 seconds until the keypad flashes red. Then you’ll just re-enter your user codes and pair Home Key again.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Home & Voice Assistant Integration
The Schlage Encode Plus slips into your smart home like it was made for it. It has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (a common home wireless band) so you don’t need a separate hub. Just tighten the screws and you’ll hear that reassuring click. Solid.
Smart-home integrations let you control your door without touching a button. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can lock or unlock by voice alone.
It also plays nice with SmartThings routines (Samsung’s home-automation app). Set your lights to turn on at dusk and your lock will follow suit.
Hmm, here’s a pro tip: use IFTTT (If This Then That) for fancy triggers – like flashing your hall lights on a forced-entry alarm. Now that’s security you can see.
Schlage Encode Plus Security Ratings & Durability Features
We’re proud to share that the Schlage Encode Plus lock earned a Grade AAA security rating from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). That means it withstood 800 pounds of downward force and 450 pounds of side pressure without budging. You can trust its strength when every second counts.
- Grade AAA certification covers both vertical and lateral force.
- Built-in tamper alarm (a sensor that detects forced entry or odd door movement) sends you a custom alert.
- Anti-pick technology (reinforced steel pins and housing) blocks standard lock-picking tools.
- Anti-bump protection (precision-milled cylinder) stops bump-key attacks in their tracks.
- End-to-end encryption (secure data links) on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth prevents code-sniffing and replay attacks.
The capacitive touchscreen (a touch-sensitive screen) stays free of smudges and reacts instantly, even when temps dip to –31°F or soar to 150.8°F. Fingerprint-resistant glass and a solid metal faceplate give you a smooth, sturdy feel you can count on. We’ve tested it in icy winters and desert heat!
Schlage Encode Plus Battery Life & Maintenance Tips
Your Encode Plus runs on four AA alkaline batteries. On average, they last about six months with normal use. You’ll see low-battery alerts on the smooth touchscreen and in the Schlage Home app. When one pops up, swap all four batteries at once. Don’t mix old and new cells. Exactly. And don’t worry, a physical backup key stands by in case the electronics ever fail.
Keeping your lock happy only takes a few minutes every so often. Every six months, give the latch a drop of silicone-based lubricant so it slides with a reassuring click. Then gently wipe the touchscreen with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid sprays or rough pads that might scratch the surface.
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Swap four AA batteries every year or when low-battery alerts appear
- Wipe the touchscreen gently with a soft, damp cloth to clear smudges
- Lubricate the latch with silicone-based grease every six months
- Check the Schlage Home app for firmware updates and install them as needed
- Review user codes from time to time, disabling any you no longer need
Schlage Encode Plus Price Comparison, Retail Availability & Starlight Alternatives
You can pick up the Schlage Encode Plus online or in person. Home Depot stocks it for $299.99 MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), though their stock varies by store. Lowe’s has the same list price, but occasional sales push it into the mid-200s. On Amazon, you’ll often see it dip to around $239, compared with the standard Encode at $249.
Watch for discount codes around major sales events.
Retailer | Price | Stock Status |
---|---|---|
Amazon | $239 (on sale) | In stock |
Home Depot | $299.99 | Check local store |
Lowe’s | $299.99 | Limited regional stock |
Amazon reviews average 4.6 out of 5 from more than 2,000 users. They rave about the Home Key tap-to-unlock feature (Apple Home Key integration) and the mobile app’s smooth control.
Home Depot customers echo the same feedback, calling out the lock’s solid metal faceplate and the reassuring click when it locks. Upgrading from the standard Encode to the Plus gives you that Apple Home Key bonus and a Grade AAA security rating (highest industry standard) for about $50 more. And if you time it right, seasonal promos or emailed coupons can shave extra dollars off the price.
Hmm, want to save a few bucks without missing key features? Check out Starlight Smart Locks from a trusted digital door lock supplier (https://starlighthardwares.com/?p=11875). They pack built-in Wi-Fi (wireless network tech) and keypad entry (push-button code panel). Plus you get sturdy metal hardware at lower OEM pricing without skimping on durability.
Final Words
Right in the action, you’ve explored schlage encode plus’s standout features, Home Key tap-to-open, built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, and key cylinder backup. We covered fast installation, app-based code programming, voice assistant pairing, and robust ANSI Grade AAA security.
Then we looked at six-month battery life, simple maintenance steps, and price options at Amazon or Home Depot. Plus, Starlight Hardwares smart locks offer comparable specs at friendly prices.
This mix of seamless access, tight security, and flexible integrations leaves you ready to upgrade with schlage encode plus and enjoy reliable peace of mind.
FAQ
What is the difference between Schlage Encode and Encode Plus?
The difference between Schlage Encode and Encode Plus is built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock without opening an app, and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen on Encode Plus.
Does Schlage Encode Plus use Wi-Fi and require a hub?
The Schlage Encode Plus uses built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for direct remote control and does not require an external hub for smart home integration.
Is Schlage smart lock being discontinued?
The Schlage smart lock line, including Encode Plus, is not being discontinued and continues to receive firmware updates, customer support, and active production.
Where can I buy the Schlage Encode Plus or find its manual?
You can purchase Schlage Encode Plus online or in-store at retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. The manual is available as a PDF on Schlage’s official website or via the QR code in the packaging.
Can Schlage Encode Plus integrate with Home Assistant?
The Schlage Encode Plus natively supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT but does not directly integrate with Home Assistant without additional bridge or custom workarounds.