Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze

I got the lock and put it in place. The instructions are simple, and Locked worked flawlessly the first time I used it. br>br>There are a few points to keep in mind. br>• Even though I had just removed another Schlage lock from the hole, the hole where the bolt goes into the door was too small for this lock, so I had to enlarge it. • On the frame side of the door, the screw holes on the striker plate did not line up with existing holes. They sent you two plates, but neither of them worked, so I had no choice but to leave my old plate behind. Because the old holes were too close together, it was impossible to drill new ones. • To install the lock, place the number pad on the outside and then attach a plate to the number pad from the inside, being careful not to overtighten the screws on the plate. Just tighten them enough to prevent the keypad from moving. If you overtighten the screws that attach the inside part of the lock, you will find that they are too short. br>br>Now for the real issue: on day two, my app, which is the Schlage app, says I have no locks. I can unlock and lock the door by hand, and I receive notifications on my phone, but I can't lock or unlock the door or add new pass codes using the app. It's a good thing I didn't rely on the phone app to let people in. I'll never be able to trust the lock to solve that problem at this point. I tried reconnecting the phone app to the lock, but it just beeps and flashes a red light. br>br>At this time, I would not recommend this lock to anyone who plans to use the phone app to open the door. If all you want is a deadbolt with a push button, it appears to work. Having that luxury, in my opinion, is not worth $250. br>br>A little more detail on the steps I took to resolve this issue. Aside from contacting the Schlage team for assistance. Oh, I did that as well, but they will only assist you during their business hours, which is when I am at work. Also, don't waste your time trying to troubleshoot their website because it will only lead you in circles. • Removed and reinstalled the app. br>br> • I pushed the button on the inside of the battery pack at random while following the directions on the app. br>• I was able to pair the phone with the lock, but the lock refused to connect to my WiFi, so I was unable to proceed. • Reset the lock to factory defaults and re-connect the device, including pressing the battery compartment button. Although I am connected to my phone, I do not have access to the internet. • Reset the lock after removing and replacing the battery. There is no Wifi available at this time. • Gave my son my user information so he could download the app on his Android. Everything went smoothly after he followed the instructions on his app. br>br>Even though the app indicates that I do not have a lock paired with my phone, I continue to receive notifications when someone locks and unlocks the door. Things that are strange. I'll be returning it because the lock and app are so unreliable. br>br>Also, why does the app need to know where I am? That information has no bearing on my ability to operate a lock. br>br>****Update**** After being missing for two days, the lock reappeared in the app. I guess they fixed the WiFi issue by updating the app. I'll keep using the lock and app until I run out of time to return it. If everything is still working at that point, I will return and update my rating. I'm going to leave it at one star for the time being. br>br>****Update II**** Since the lock began to work again, I've been using it. Since then, I haven't had any problems. My wife went out and bought a second one, so we now have one on both the front and back doors. Since the app's update, they've both worked almost flawlessly. br>br>****Update III**** This is the ugliest piece of garbage I've ever seen. This lock has been on my door for about 8 months. The problems listed above are mine. The lock drains batteries and loses connection with my family's phones all of the time, and it has finally given up the ghost. Oh, and every time you need to change batteries, be prepared to reset and reconnect the lock.

Chelsea Abbott

| May 24, 2021

My purchase of a Schlage Encode electronic front door lock and the matching FE285 handle and latch set (both purchased separately) taught me a few things about how to choose such devices while avoiding the majority of the issues. br>br>When I got the lock, I had Lowes re-key it for me. It'll be keyed to match the rest of my Schlage house locks (this is a free service at my Lowes). But note: BEFORE you install the lock, make sure you do this! Otherwise, a locksmith will be required to visit your location, which will incur a fee. br>br>I've completed the installation and configuration of my lock. It will allow access to my home in the event that I require 911 assistance (I live alone). My medical alert company has a temporary lock access code that will only be given to 911 responders. If I am unable to delete the code immediately after responders enter my home, family members or friends who have downloaded, installed, and configured the Schlage Home app on a compatible cell phone can do so remotely. This prevents responders from later abusing the code to break into the house and steal valuables. The fact that any use of an access code will trigger an immediate alarm on the Schlage Home app adds to the peace of mind. br>br>To finish the installation and programming of the lock, I had to call Schlage's excellent customer service. There is a phone number on the Schlage website that is answered by live people. br>br>There are a few things to keep in mind: 1. br>br> This isn't yet a fully developed market with the ideal blend of aesthetics and functionality. It's unlikely that a single model will satisfy all of your aesthetic and functional requirements. And, because the Encode is a relatively new model for which the rollout does not appear to have included a complete set of installation and programming instructions, you'll probably need to contact Schlage's helpful customer support staff for help. 2. br>br>1. br>br>br>br>br>br The Encode Camelot lock does not appear to be available in a set with the FE285 Camelot latch. Other locks offer similar combinations, as well as discounts if you order both sets of hardware at the same time. 3. br>br>4. br>br>5. br>br>6. Encode looks a lot like Schlage's other electronic locks (Sense, Touch, and Connect), but don't let that fool you. The setup is deceptively similar, but the programming instructions for those other products don't work with Encode, and the instructions aren't particularly intuitive. It's difficult to find programming instructions for the Encode on Schlage's website, and Encode isn't even listed as a programming option in the Schlage Home app's FAQs section. 4. br>br> Encode is the only Schlage model that can connect to your WiFi network without the use of an external hub or WiFi adapter (that I am aware of). I bought it for that reason. The benefit is that There will be one less device and wireless connection to fail. Contrary to popular belief, there are a number of disadvantages to using this method. WiFi transceivers consume a lot of power, which reduces battery life, and you can't set up the WiFi connection unless you download and install the free Schlage Home app, or another compatible app, onto a compatible cell phone and use the app to do so. 5. br>br> The directions aren't detailed enough. My standardized door cutouts for the latch and lock matched the enclosed template, but neither the latch nor the lock were properly centered within their respective holes. To make room for their installations, I had to remove material from these holes on the sides closest to the door's edge. Despite the fact that the Encode replaced a Schlage-style manual latch set and lock on the same door, this is the case. The most glaring omission in the Quick Start Guide is that WiFi isn't even mentioned, much less explained. 6. br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br> The user interface of the Schlage Home app is extremely minimalist, which I find to be a bit excessive. 7. br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br> Only a few different finishes are available for Encode. My Schlage interior hardware, for example, did not have an antique brass finish to match. I chose the Camelot version with the Aged Bronze finish in the hopes of finding something similar. It was a blunder on my part. Not only is Aged Bronze much redder than Antique Brass, but it's also so dark that it's impossible to tell if the lock is engaged or not from just a few feet away. It simply does not reflect enough light to see any detail, much like a black hole. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose one of the modern Encode Century designs with prominent features. They'll go with any decor just as well as, if not better than, the option I went with. 8. br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br> I still don't get along with the Encode keypad. The sensitivity of this keypad appears to vary from one key press to the next, similar to that of cell phone keypads. When one enters, say, the six-figure range, it's a different story. There is no indication of where one is in the process when using a digit programming code (which is required when adding or deleting user codes). If you accidentally press a key twice in a row by accident, for example, there will be no indication that this has occurred. In such circumstances, you're likely to fumble for a while before giving up and starting over (expletives removed). To get a number to respond, you must press the exact middle of it. It's easier said than done in the middle of a blizzard or a torrential downpour, with the keypad hovering around your navel. I'd much rather have a push-button system. Some Schlage models have push buttons, but those models will not directly connect to a WiFi network. button keypad with tactile feedback whenever a key is successfully pressed, similar to a mechanical computer keyboard; some other Schlage models have push buttons, but those models will not directly connect to a WiFi network. 9. br>br> Some electronic locks require the user to manually turn the deadbolt after entering an access code. Encode moves the deadbolt for you without your intervention. Slick. But there's a catch: if your door isn't perfectly aligned, the deadbolt will rub against the strike and won't travel the required distance to fully engage the lock. This compromises security, and a deadbolt rubbing against the strike plate will likely draw more power, reducing battery life and possibly damaging the tiny bolt motor. All doors are perfectly positioned for the rest of time in the best of all possible worlds. In reality, even perfectly positioned doors will shift and rub over time as materials expand, contract, and warp, or as the house shifts. As a result, I prefer deadbolts that operate mechanically; however, Schlage models with this feature do not connect to WiFi directly. br>br>And that's all there is to it. Examine the various lock options carefully and select the compromise that best suits your needs.

Aviana Valenzuela

| Mar 17, 2021

We've never had to deal with a keypad lock before, let alone one that can be controlled via an app. This lock is fantastic, and I'm so glad we bought it. It was simple to install and it replaced our previous Schlage keyed lock. It came with an Amazon camera, which is used for the in-flight entertainment. "Key," an Amazon home delivery service (more on that later), is now available. In the "Key" app, the lock is simple to set up (you must first plug in the camera). You can set your codes and use them to enter the house once you've configured the app. You can create codes for different guests and send them to them via text message if desired. On your phone, you receive a notification that someone has unlocked the door. Because we don't have to carry keys or leave the garage open for the kids, it's completely transformed how we use our home. br>Plus, there are extra features with this lock! I didn't think I'd want Amazon to deliver packages through my door, but I was mistaken. The app notifies you of the delivery time, and the camera records the delivery person when the package arrives. They slid our door open slightly, placed the package inside, and then shut it again. This is something I wish the mail and other services did as well. Much more secure and useful. br>I am very happy with this lock and would recommend it to others. br>br>** New information- The "in-house" option was dropped by Amazon. We use the Schlage app because it is simple and does what you want it to do when you want it to. We've gotten Alexa's lock to work, and we're asking her if the doors are locked now. It's certainly practical. By the way, it appears that the batteries have a lifespan of about 8 months.

Kyla Simpson

| Sep 30, 2021