Setup and pairing was so crazy easy. Didn’t need a crappy app, didn’t need to enter Wi-Fi details or anything. Most painless iot device I’ve ever installed.
I’ve had so many problems setting this up. I can get it the door to open with my phone. I get notification that it opens with my watch with the checkmark, but it doesn’t. Now for some reason it’s disconnected from Wi-Fi? I like to think I’m pretty good with these things, but this is a pain in the ass.
I’ve had so many problems setting this up. I can get it the door to open with my phone. I get notification that it opens with my watch with the checkmark, but it doesn’t. Now for some reason it’s disconnected from Wi-Fi? I like to think I’m pretty good with these things, but this is a pain in the ass.
This seems light years ahead of the previous Schlage door lock. It’s quieter, has way better HomeKit integration, and of course home key. Homekey isn’t enough to make me jump to this lock but i do wish they updated the HomeKit integration on the older locks. Great video as always.
We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version ru-vid.comUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.
finally, a review that was concerned with the loudness of the locking mechanism. don't know how many of these types of reviews i've endured and i walk away clueless to how loud the damn thing is 😂 bravo!
Good video, I love ours. Your youngest will have to use a code until you decide she's old enough for a cellphone. We haven't gotten out children phones yet, just watches. They have classmates who are using their parents older iPhone, but no limitations on what they are exposed to online, or learn responsibility to keep that phone safe from bullies or physical damage during recess. I applaud your parenting with the watch, gives them a bit of exposure to the technology, teaches responsibility (even though it's strapped on their arm), and it limits what dark corners of the internet they can get lost or find abusive people.
Thanks for this video! After buying the August smart lock, I was so frustrated because how terrible the August smart lock was. I initially went out and bought 1 for my side door then bought another the next day. Absolutely love this lock and especially the Apple Home Key integration.
Thank you for the comment! I figure one of the most useful things I can do is tell you how I screw things up, so hopefully it'll help others to not do the same. 😆
Thanks for the great content - just got this new lock and it’s incredible. It makes a keypad look ancient. This one got my wife’s seal of approval, which is no small feat.
Thank you so much for mentioning the issue with the stand-alone Apple Watch cellular for your child. I’ve been surprised by all the limitations of the Apple Watch set up for a family member, and I hadn’t heard of any of them ahead of time, until now! Thanks!
It's my understanding that they have updated that since this video was made. Stand-alone child Apple Watches should now be able to access this. However my youngest now has a phone so I have not be able to test it.
Great video and very thorough. I love it when people admit to their mistakes and point out what not to do as this will save others a lot of time and frustration. Thank you for all you do and for taking the time to make these awesome videos.
I've been loving the "Level" bolt lock. Supports homekit and is "invisible" as it just replaces the interior bolt section of your existing deadbolt, so all your old keys etc still work, and the lock looks stock. They ingeniously incorporated the battery into the deadbolt itself, and mine has been going for 2 years now and the battery still shows as "good". Also supports guest users etc, and when I return from a walk I just tell siri to unlock the door.
For the level lock no, although if you want you can setup a shortcut/automation to unlock it when you are near. As far as going out, you can set it to autolock, or use a shortcut/automation to lock when you are outside of a geofenced area.
@@aldotorre8802 TBH I haven't used it enough to give an accurate opinion. My house is stucco and so has chicken-wire embedded in the exterior walls, as well as metallic "radiant barrier" roof sheeting, so I usually get literally zero gps signal inside my house.
@@oBIGTo My level just replaces the bolt innards, and so is using the original Schlage lock cylinder. This is what I like about the level bolt, it retains your original hardware on both side of the door, and just replaces the bolt mechanism.
Nice video. I'm an Android user, but I love my 1st generation Schlage Encode BE489 Deadbolts, I get all those notifications (WiFi is necessary to get notifications when away from the house). I had the Schlage BE369 Zwave lock for a decade, I did not like it's large silicone membrane buttons (like an old TV remote) that had excellent feedback from the 1/4 press when new, but it was slower waiting for the button to return, before the next button (unlike this new BE489). That BE369 keypad would get wet and dirty after a few years of use and UV damage, very slow intentionally button presses. This new keypad is smooth and seems sealed for the weather better and allows FAST code entry. Because we don't use iOS, we have the 1st generation Schlage Encode BE469 Deadbolts. Everyone has their own unique code, even my 6 year old has a code and can operate this deadbolt easily. I like the fact that any security compromise can easily be changed by deleting 1 code and talking to that individual, not locking EVERYONE out or cutting new keys for everyone. If you want the highest security deadbolt that even the lockpickinglaw would approve of, take your locks to a specialist and have the cylinders replaced with Schlage Primus grade, then make sure your emergency key is in a very safe place. The Primus Lock system is almost impossible to pick, and there is no electronic defeat to compromise a Schlage Encode Deadbolt that has been published. I'm certain as soon as they find a bypass it will be made very public as the Schlage Encode Deadbolts are very expensive and seem entitled to their security label.
For a few years now we have had the Camelot version of Schlage coded locks on every exterior door of our present house and have loved them. Never have to carry a key although they have key access if needed. Bought these new ones for a house that we are moving to and saw them at a friends rental cabin who is also a realtor and through the app she can set a code from her phone remotely for access to renters or delete a code remotely. She also gets notifications when they are accessed. Loved the idea so I bought two for the new home and can't wait to install them. Leaving the ones at our current house for the new buyers which will be an absolute plus for them. I personally am a Schlage fan and would sell them if I could. People may think they are a little pricey but one has to pay for quality and how can you put a value on home security. Recommend these highly Schlage and these highly and I don't say that about every product I buy!!!
After investing in (3) Level Touches, I'm not ready to re-invest in another Smart Lock. I am PRAYING...HOPING...That Level adds Home Key functionality to their Touch. Certainly, the technology is already built in with NFC options. One can hope. Thanks as always Shane!
Thanks for watching! Yes, I agree, it seems like the level touch would be a perfect candidate for an update since it has all the necessary hardware (or so it appears). I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Same! I have two level locks with the touch functionality and it would be great if they did an update that would allow you to use this Home Key function also. Although there’s already a ton of options for opening or closing the lock, I wouldn’t mind the added functionality of home key.
You can do this with any HomeKit lock and an NFC chip. Just use Shortcuts proximity automation to unlock the door. Or better yet, just set your smart lock to unlock when you arrive within a 500ft radius of your home.
I literally just locked myself out of my house today. I had to go through a window. Of course Lowe's had this lock ready for me to pickup after the fact lol. I can't wait to install it!
Thanks for the review! Homekey looks great, but after having August and Level I find having to get my phone out to unlock the door very inconvenient. I backed the new Eufy lock/doorbell combo because the fingerprint sensor is just so much more convenient for my family. It lacks HomeKit support which is a bummer because I'll have to finagle it through homebridge. In a few years Im hoping we can finally get the best of all worlds! Homekey, HomeKit, Fingerprint sensor and doorbell combo!
I have mine ordered but it will be a while till I get it. Excited to use it. We just moved into a new home and they lock they give us is a cheap Zwave lock that I hate. Ready to get this in and installed. The Apple Watch unlocking feature will be my go to. Reminds me of using a magic band at Disney World to unlock your room door.
Oh boy. My current Schlage HomeKit deadbolt is one of my favorite smart home accessories - zero issues. It’s time to upgrade!! Thank you for the thorough review.
Hey Shane. FYI putting the sign which security products you use on your window, let’s burglars know what they need to research to break in. You should get wrong signs to mess with them. Or remove them. Just something those in the field said.
You answered one of my questions.....automatic re-locking. Still looking for weatherproof information but from the looks of it should be pretty weatherproof.
I am currently using the Schlage Z-Wave Connect lock and I love it but then I saw the Encode Plus on your Instagram account and being able to unlock it with my Apple Watch is what brought me here. Was interested in hearing the cons and from the sound of it, it's not bad all. The only bad thing is these are out of stock everywhere! Just added my email to Home Depot so they can notify me when it's available. Thanks for the review Shane!
Hi Shane, great review! Tried ordering on Home depot and Lowes, both cancelled orders as they went out of stock. Called Schlage sales dept. 3000 units made until June/July. Wait times will be really long. Paid waaaaay too much for mine on EBAY but love. Removed my Schlage sense lock and instaleld the Encode plus. Works amazingly well with the express pass feature. Just need to get my better half used to that instead of using the code. I contacted Apple through feedback- the family watches need to have homekit!!!
Hey Jeff thanks for the comment. Hate to hear about the long wait times, but glad you got one and are happy with it! And thanks for contacting Apple with your feedback regarding the family watches. I did the same. I sure hope they can add that! Thanks for watching!
@@ShaneCreates The only one on EBay at the moment is priced at 760US$. I bet their locks got caught up in the Shanghai supply chain, so we'll have to wait until much later in the year.
Great video, Shane. I always love the exhaustive nature of your reviews. I’ve been awaiting this lock to replace my August lock on the front door. My home office lock is the other Schlage HK lock. Similar to Lutron, Schlage is a great example of an industry icon for traditional hardware doing everything right when they went smart. My Schlage lock is the most reliable part of my smart home, having never disconnected over the past 6 months (except when it required new batteries). I love this lock and know I can count on it. If I understood one of your critiques correctly, I have been able to use automations via the Eve app that occur once the lock is in the lock position any day from 1-8pm. I have a “close down the office” scene which turns off internal lights and HVAC, reduces the humidifier to limited use, and changes my external color-codes light to white, telling my family I am not in the office. The scene now automatically starts when the office door lock is locked between the time noted.
I think what Shane meant was the ability to use the individual who locked/unlocked as part of the routine's parameters. So not just the fact that it was unlocked but that SHANE unlocked it or BOB unlocked it.
@@JohnVanderbeck Thanks for that clarification. On my Schlage lock, it does not record who locks the door as a code is not required to lock it. I’ve not tried to build an automation on an unlock and would suspect, from recall, that the “who” would not be available.
For anyone watching this video today, I did see that Apple has since updated Watch OS to add Homekey support to Apple Watches using Family sharing for children . That's great since that was one of Shane's main concerns. And it was also something I was hoping for since my 10yo daughter only has her Apple watch, but no iPhone yet. If your child's watch still doesn't work with homekey, make sure it's updated to the latest version of Watch OS, then restart the Apple Watch (full power cycle), and Homekey should work.
Fantastic video as always! Big thumbs up! Finally… Home key… OMG I didn’t think this would ever happened. Done, done, and done! Ordering this using your link NOW! You sir are my guru! At this point I am going backwards through my older devices and replacing some things that are now better. My Leviton switches for instance… They work fairly well for me but they’re the first GEN… (suggestions before I go with Lutron?) And on and on and on. The trials and tribulations of an apple HomeKit user!
Thank you! I appreciate the support. Can't go wrong with Lutron for switches. Good luck getting the Schlage Lock. They sold out quick but hopefully will be back in stock soon!
As much as I’ve been waiting for this, Yale locks have rubber gaskets to keep humidity out. My Schlage lock’s alarms went nuts after a few years and go off all times of day and night. The internal garage door lock has never had a problem. I finally cut the tamper alarm speaker wire just to shut the thing up! Also, Yale uses a module system for connectivity. I hope Yale will release a replacement module to upgrade existing locks.
Great video Shane! Mine just arrived and I can’t wait to put it in. I am going to only buy one of these and use it at the front door as that is where I’m thinking Home key and a keypad would be most useful. Since these are expensive locks, I don’t think that I’ll put them on other doors. for my back door I am getting a level bolt just so I can make sure that it is locked when I want it to Be via automations before I go to bed or when I leave the house. I don’t think I need home key for the back door.
Thanks for putting this review out there. I had basically given up on Apple home keys ever seeing the light of day. I wish Yale would make their locks compatible with Apple home keys because I like their keyless locks better than the Schlage locks. Unfortunately, since Yale hasn’t even made any indication they will ever support Apple home keys, it looks like my money is going to Schlage. Now comes the wait of being able to find it in stock!
Thank you for this thorough review, Shane! Got one question: can you set new door open codes remotely, presumably using the Schlage app, or do you need to be local (I.e. on the same WiFi as the lock) to set those codes? I am running an Airbnb, and being able to set and disable guest codes remotely would be a huge benefit for me.
Hi shane! I think you should try one of the level locks as they have a bolt option which is just a motor and it is dirt cheap plus there is a keypad which is homekit
You have great videos and explain it all very well for non-tech types. You mention that you are notified on your watch/phone when someone accesses your lock/home. Is this only for Home Kit users or all Encode Plus users?? Thanks
Question!!!! This is an important question for me! How many iPhones or Apple Watch can have the home key of that lock? If I have a family of four, the four would have the home key in their iphone, Apple Watch? Plsss I need to know the answer haha
Anyone that you invite to have access to your HomeKit home can have access to the Home Key on their iPhone. I don't know the limit, but 4 people would be fine. Also, Apple recently announced the ability to "share" keys with iOS 16, so hopefully when that arrives we'll also be able to share Home Keys with people who don't have access to our HomeKit homes.
Great video Shane. Thanks. I’ve been waiting for this lock and glad to see it’s finally out. I have several previous versions of the Schlage dead bolt locks. However from a consumer perspective the Schlage naming conventions are horrible. Encode, Sense, Encode Plus, Connect…geez. And visually they appear to be the same. With the absence of outward markings on the box (or in the description) like “HomeKit”, especially “HomeKey”, consumers have to be really careful they are buying the correct lock.
Thanks Roger! Yes, I agree. Honestly I think that applies to just about any purchase in the smart home market. It’s often quite confusing and consumers really need to pay attention to make sure they are getting the features they are looking for.
@@ShaneCreates I did get ripped off!!! I was not lucky lie you Shane. I ordered from Homdepot and Lowes and both cancelled my order days later due to being out of stock. I found them new on Ebay I paid WAAAAAAY too much and what I received was a standard ENCODE lock. The seller didnt ven know it was the old one....
@@ShaneCreates … to ensure you are getting the EXACT model you want, then using the MODEL NUMBER and BAR CODE will eliminate confusion. I am trying to find the exact model you show in this video, it’s exactly what I want…. Including the “old-fashioned obsolete physical key”. Please, can you provide the exact model number & bar code???
I bought this specifically because a home key and it’s giving me problems. I can get the lock to open with my phone but not with the watch. The watch says the doors open with a checkmark, but it’s not.
Love your updates and reviews. I have changed My whole home over to HomeKit and look forward to all of your episodes. I’m still horrible with automations and setting up NFC tags but still trying.
@@ShaneCreates can't an NFC tag with automations written be used to essentially turn any lock into a makeshift "Homekey" lock? I guess sharing the key features might be missing but for those that want to use a level bolt and just walk up with their watch and tap the door, it could unlock. I'd love to see a video on how best to set up that kind of an automation from you. thanks.
You can control multiple locks with one iPhone in the Home app. I haven't tried using multiple locks with the Home Key feature tho. I assume each lock would issue a separate Home Key in the wallet app and the lock can automatically detect it when close. Would be a good test, but I only have one Home Key lock.
Thanks for sharing the video and looking to get a smart lock. It would be good to hear about privacy and how information is not being shared with Apple (if that is a thing) or if it is.
Greetings! Any plans on reviewing the Yale Assure 2 lock? I would love to know how it compares to this lock. Nobody has any real reviews of it, just canned voices reading the specs from the manufacturer's website, or just surface level advertisement type reviews. It would be nice to see how it's "apple watch functionality" compares with real apple home keys functionality like in the schlage encode plus. I like how your reviews are actually in depth and explain how the products work and are used on a very practical user experience level. More than tutorials on how to setup and use these locks, I would love an in-depth comparison of what the differences are between using these 2 locks in real life.
Phone or watch based entry feels very unsecure compared to keypad or app based entry, especially when you dont even have to unlock the phone. I would go with the Schalge Encode model which does not support Homekey but provides all other benefits.
Thanks for the excellent review. How is the integration with the Google assistant application? Can I lock and unlock it using my speakers or voice? Can I get status information on the door being open and are locked? Thank you.
I purchased this lock because of the tap feature with the iPhone and Apple Watch. I got it set up and working with 1 user and Apple homekeys (iPhone and watch). How do I add a second user that can use Apple Homekeys? All advertisements claim you don’t need an Apple Home hub. I can send an Apple Home invitation from my iPhone to the new family member but there is no place to accept the invitation. Apple support is telling me the new Home architecture requires a hub??? Can I add additional homekey users without a hub? Makes this an extremely expensive lock if I have to buy a hub.
if I have my home key supported through my Apple TV, does that mean that if I unplug my Apple TV from the power outlet I won't be able to use home key?
Question… to unlock using the keypad, do we just type in the 4 or 6 (or more) digit access code, or do we need to push a button after that? I couldn’t tell from your video… looked like sometimes you pressed the bottom left button and sometimes not. (And then, to lock, we don’t have to enter the access code at all, correct, because we can just enable the 1 touch lock?)
Hi Erin. Yes to unlock, you need to enter the code, then press the "unlock" button at the bottom left. To lock it, you can simply press the "lock" button. No need to enter the code to lock it.
Very interesting video. Do you know if you can you use your Amazon Alexa to access the lock with your iPhone, or do you have to pair it with Apple's homekit?
Unless I missed something, I did not see you physically set anything on the lock that allows a new device to be given access to it. What prevents anyone else with the software from adding your lock to their device? I would think the safest way would be a hardware "program" button that could only be activated from inside the house or before finishing the install. I'm sure there is something in place but you didn't mention it. Or is it just that, as long as it is in the unlocked position you can add a device, if it is in the locked position you cannot? That wouldn't seem very secure. If you leave you door unlocked during the day, anyone could walk up when you are not looking and program your lock for later access.
Hey Shane, loved your presentation, actually you nailed it. Just like you, I am big fanatic of Home kit and have pretty much everything, I can not find on home kit, including fans and sprinkler system 😀😀. I do have 2 August and changing it to Schlage encode plus. I do like August but nothing compare to the lock with apple key, I have one question, if you do not wanna use Schlage app, you can bye pass and go and setup straight on home app?
Thanks for this video, great content 😊. I wanted to ask - is it possible to (a) disable access codes entirely so that only using iPhone / Apple Watch or the physical key unlocked the door? (b) integrate with some kind of camera / doorbell e.g. Aqara G4 so that the passcode only works if your face / household member faces are recognised? (c) open the lock using the physical key in the case where the batteries die? Thanks to anyone who can answer these questions 😊
Hi Shane! Now that you had the lock for several months, did you notice any corrosion issues with the batteries/ battery pack? I live in the Midwest and have the older version of this lock. The batteries/battery pack housing corroded very quickly (tried multiple battery brands and still had same issues) and now the unit is failing all together. I am hoping this issue is resolved on your newer version as I need to replace mine. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time, and review!
Any extras? We are installing doors today and we’ve checked everywhere for these locks! Any word from the company or can we directly buy it from them? Supposedly it’ll be late summer , wonder why they are releasing so little at a time. Can’t they see we all want this?! haha
Nice Vid Shane! Is there a sensor that shows when the door is completely shut and able to be locked? I can see issues where maybe the door is not completely shut and the lock can not engage. This type of door open sensor could also be used in a security setting warning when the door is open and triggering a security alarm. Are there any sensors of this type built in? Thanks for all your information!
Great video Shane! I do have one question. With my August lock, I have it set to automatically unlock as me or my wife approach the front door. Is it possible me to set up something like this on the Schlage lock? Or would we have to get creative by maybe chaining up a location tigger with a switch, then having that switch unlock the door?
Thanks for watching! You'll probably have to get creative to automate that through HomeKit, since Apple is still pretty strict regarding access to secure accessories in automations.
Shane sorry if I missed it but do you have a video for interior door locking? I have two doors inside I want to link to the house without hubs or bridges. If possible.
As of today is there any other smart key entry better than this one when it comes to safety and secure remote entry? I’m considering to get one while I’ll be travelling overseas! Any recommendations?
![Worth the wait?? The Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock with Apple Home Key is here! [Full Review]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
