amazon Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt reviews

Schalge Encode is a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock that can be controlled via phone and voice and integrates with Amazon Key and Ring cameras.

Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt ($249), the latest smart door lock by Schlage, is also a first WiFi deadbolt one can access remotely, without a hub. Setting up Encode is rather straightforward, thanks to a highly functional app that schedules quick programs and works with voice commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The lock was silent and functioned superbly during our tests; yet HomeKit and IFTTT support remain absent.

Design and Features

Like the Schlage Sense lock, the Encode offers two trim options, the perforated Century and the more curved Camelot. You can order it with a Matte Black or Satin Nickel finish. A complete lock assembly includes:

• A locking latch mechanism.
• A weatherproof external escutcheon keypad.
• An internal keypad.
• Four AA batteries.
• Assorted mounting hardware.
• Spare keys.
• A quick start guide.

The lock fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch thick doors and uses a standard 2-1/8 inch padlock eyelet and a 1-inch bolt hole.

The external escutcheon measures 5.0 x 3.0 x 0.9 inches (HWD). It has a pushbutton for use with physical keys and a 12-button capacitive touchscreen keyboard with 0-9 buttons, a lock button, and a house icon flashing a blue checkmark when the correct code is entered. If you enter the wrong code, the house icon will flash a red X. A beep accompanies each complete code entry. The interior escutcheon measures 5.5 x 3.0 x 2.2 inches and features a thumb knob for manual locking and unlocking. Below the removable cover is a battery compartment for four AA batteries, a pairing button, an embedded 2.4GHz WiFi radio, and a tamper alert.

Unlike RemoteLock OpenEdge RG, Encode does not require a cloud subscription to add users and view key activity history. You can create up to 100 permanent, recurring or temporary access tokens and schedule specific start and end dates and times, and you can have the app send you to push alerts when the lock is locked and unlocked and by whom. The lock can be programmed manually using the keypad, but it’s much easier to use the Schlage Home mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The app opens to a home screen that shows the door name and has a large padlock icon that lets you know if the door is locked or unlocked. Tap the icon to lock or unlock the door.

At the bottom of the screen are the Settings, History, and Access Token buttons. The Settings button takes you to a screen to enable/disable tamper alerts, change the Auto-Lock delay time, and configure WiFi and notification settings. The History button opens a screen showing a list of lock and unlock events with time, date, and user. It also shows when the access token was generated and for whom, and when the firmware was last updated. To see a list of user-generated codes, tap the Access Tokens button. Here you can create and edit user codes, create durations and access schedules for each, and create virtual keys that allow users to control the lock with a mobile app.

The lock supports voice commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also integrates with Amazon Key, so you can open and close the lock from within the Key app and give access based on scheduled Amazon deliveries. Moreover, when paired with Amazon Key, it also works with Ring devices. For instance, once you have viewed the live feed from your Ring doorbell, you can use the Ring app to lock and unlock Encode. That said, Encode does not have native HomeKit support like the Schlage Sense and Friday smart locks, nor does it support IFTTT applications as August Smart Lock Pro + Connect does.

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Schlage BE489WB CAM 619 Encode Deadbolt Smart Lock | WiFi Touchscreen Keypad, Satin Nickel: Buy it now

Schlage Lock Company BE489WB CEN 622 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Matte Black, Lock & FE285 622 LAT CEN Lower Half Handleset, Matte Black: Buy it now

Schlage Lock Company BE489WB CAM 619 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt & FE285 CAM 619 FLA RH Camelot Trim Lower Half Front Entry Handleset with Flair Right Hand Lever, Satin Nickel: Buy it now

Settings and Performance

Installation and coding of the Encode key is super easy. I downloaded the mobile app, created an account, and verified my email. Upon opening the app, I was request-ed to either view the step-by-step installation guide or jump straight to the pairing process. The installation guide tells you what tools you will need and provides illustrated instructions on removing the old key and installing the Encode key.

I removed my old lock and installed the latch assembly using the two screws that came with it. I then attached the external keyboard to the door using the included mounting plate and bolts and then connected the keyboard data cable to the internal escutcheon cable. I slid the end of the keyboard into the center of the Interior car, attached the car to the bracket, and installed four AA batteries.

Once the lock was installed, I followed the provided instructions: I scanned a QR code with my phone’s camera from the battery compartment and then I pressed the pairing button. Then the Key was asked to be connected with my WiFi: to select my SSID, type in the password, and wait for about thirty seconds until the connection was being established by Encode. The Key then needed to be given a location name and an Access Code-which is a number that goes anywhere between four and eight digits. Then I slowly opened the door and hit Next to allow the lock to calibrate, which took just a few seconds. The firmware was updated, the battery cover was replaced, and voila: installation complete.

Encode works perfectly in my tests. The lock’s motor is relatively quiet, and the touchscreen keyboard is responsive. Lock responds immediately to entered access codes and in-app lock and unlock commands manually, and temporary access codes follow their schedule without issue. I quickly locked and unlocked the Encode with Alexa voice commands, but to use the unlock feature, I had to create a PIN in the Alexa app and give it to Alexa whenever the unlock command was given. That makes perfect sense: Otherwise, anyone could unlock the door with voice commands.

Conclusion

With the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt smart lock, you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere with your Android or iOS phone. It worked well in testing, was easy to set up, and generated user codes and access schedules quickly and easily using the Schlage Home app. Encode can also be locked and unlocked with Alexa and Google voice commands, and it works with Amazon Key to give access to home deliveries and doorbells, and ringing cameras. That said, it doesn’t support Apple’s HomeKit platform, nor does it work with IFTTT apps.

Advantages

Easy to install.

Works with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Key, and Google Assistant.

Integration with Ring devices.

Multiple scheduling options.

Defect

Does not support HomeKit or IFTTT.