Home security is always important wherever you may live. Our homes should be a place where we can feel safe and at ease, but sometimes we can fall victim to thieves and intruders. Naturally, you would want to avoid break-ins and intrusions, and beefing up your home security is the best way to do it.
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One of the first places you would want to start with would be the front door, as this will often be the first place an intruder will try. In this review, we will look at the Schlage Encode, a simple yet feature-rich touchpad front door lock.
This product can make your life simpler and more secure, and we will be looking at everything it has to offer in order to help you decide whether you’d like to add it to your security setup.
Key Takeaways
- A touchpad front door lock is not only good for safety but makes your life a bit more convenient.
- Schlage is a trusted brand that has been around since the 1920s, and they’re known for their high standards for quality.
- The design of the Encode is simple yet efficient, and it’s easy to install.
- You can connect the Encode to wifi in order to open it remotely and grant others access.
Overview Of Schlage Encode
The Schlage Encode touchpad door lock is a simple yet effective door lock solution that is built for security and convenience. On the one hand, it provides a simple way for multiple people to lock and unlock the door.
Certain internet connectivity features and SmartHome integration add even more features, and we will go over all of these as we move through the review.
If you would like more options or to compare the Schlage Encode to the competition, you can check out our review of the Kwikset SmartCode 914.
Why You Should Consider A Touch Pad Door Lock
A touchpad door lock may seem simple, and that’s not necessarily false. It is simple, but that’s part of what can make a touchpad door lock such a compelling security option. It has a few different functions without becoming complicated, and this has a few benefits.
It can make your home more secure, but can also make your everyday life a bit more convenient. Security products that also bring convenience are always the best option, and you will see why that is the case with the Schlage Encode.
Schlage Encode Review
Now, we will take a closer look at the Schlage Encode and see everything there is to know about this device.
About The Brand Schlage
Whenever you’re looking at any brand or company, longevity is always a great sign. The longer a company has been serving customers and innovation, the better. As shown on the Schlage About Us page, they have been around since the 1920s, and since then they have continued producing a wide range of security products that have a high standard of quality.
Key Features And Benefits
- Built-In Wifi Features- We’ve mentioned convenience a few times already, and the built-in wifi features contribute to this. Using a wifi connection, you can lock and unlock the door remotely using an app on your phone, making things so much more convenient.
- Voice Commands- Connecting the lock to Alexa or Google Assistant allows for voice command features that add even more convenience.
- Multiple Access Codes- The lock can be programmed with up to 100 unique codes that friends or family members can use to unlock it.
- Security Features- Having convenience is all well and good, but your main concern is how secure the lock is. It has a built-in alarm and is made of certified, durable materials to make it as secure as possible.
- Easy To Install- The lock has been designed to be easy to install, and it will fit most door designs.
Design
The touchpad lock has a simple yet elegant design. It has a rectangular shape with dimensions of 0.9 x 3 x 5 inches, and the screen on the front of the device takes up most of it.
There is also a keyhole for manual opening, if need be.
Setup And Installation
As we touched on briefly before, installing the device is simple and easy, and you will merely need a standard screwdriver. It uses Snap ‘n Stay technology to make it even easier to assemble and install the device.
Among the pictures on the Amazon product page is a diagram showing the simple steps there will be to install the device.
Performance And Reliability
Schlage has become a reliable name when it comes to security products. Looking at the reviews on Amazon products shows that the vast majority of people experienced high levels of reliability from the lock.
A few people did have issues with wifi connectivity and some did experience faults, but these seem to be exceptions to the rule.
Low Battery Indicator
The lock will run on AA batteries, and these can last anywhere from 4-6 months depending on use. When the battery is low, this will be displayed on the device. When the batteries are completely exhausted, there will be a red light indicator on the lock to alert you that you need to replace them.
Customer Service And Support
When it comes to support for your Schlage Encode lock, you have a few options. If you bought the device from Amazon and it regards the delivery or a defective product, then you have many ways to contact them to rectify the issue.
You can also contact Schlage directly using their contact page. Here, you will have options to contact them via phone or email in order to get support for any issue or ask any questions.
These options are a bit limited and we would like to have seen a web chat option, but you should still find it easy to get hold of them.
Smart Home And App Integration
If you have any Smart Home features in your home already, they may be compatible with the Encode. You can connect it to Alexa or Google Assistant, and this opens up different features such as voice commands.
Built-In Wifi
Wifi capabilities are built into the lock, and these add a few more features. They allow you to unlock the door remotely from your smart device, no matter where you are. Whether you’re in the driveway or anywhere else, you will be able to easily grant access to friends or family members.
Pair With The Schlage Home App
Connecting the Encode to the Schlage App is highly recommended. It will allow you to monitor the lock while also providing you with some more ways you can lock and unlock the device.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to install
- Convenient to use
- Great security features
- Wifi and Smart Home Features
- Options for locking/unlocking
Cons
- Some people experienced connectivity issues
- Customer service options are a bit limited
Schlage Encode Vs Encode Plus
There is a slightly upgraded version of the Encode called the Encode Plus. The Encode Plus has many of the same features that the regular Encode has, but there are a few additional benefits.
The main benefits involve increased Smart Home compatibility. Primarily, you can connect the lock to Apple Homekit, which allows for additional features such as unlocking the door using an Apple watch.
The extra benefits will depend on the products and Smart home features you do or do not use. For a look at the Encode Plus in action, be sure to check out this video by Schlage.
You can also check out another Schlage lock we have looked at in our Schlage BE365 review for even more options.
Verdict
Overall, we’re rather impressed by the Schlage Encode door lock. We always like to see products that increase security as well as convenience, and that is the case here. The quality of the build and reliability of the brand are also apparent, and this makes it easy to recommend.
Conclusion and Where To Buy
We hope that this overview was helpful in showing you everything this versatile lock has to offer. You have seen pretty much everything it can and can’t do, and now you can decide whether it’s right for you.
The product has our recommendation, but now you can consider everything there is to know and compare it to your current situation.
If you would like to purchase a Schlage Encode for yourself, you can find it on this Amazon Product page for around $256 at the time of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Won’t My Schlage Encode Connect To Wifi?
This could be because it is out of range of your router, or it could be due to a defect you will need to bring up with Schlage.
Does Schlage Encode Work With Alexa?
You can connect the Schlage Encode to Alexa for a few additional features.
Does Schlage Encode Work With Google Home?
Additionally, you can connect the Schlage Encode to Google Assistant for extra features.
Does Schlage Encode Work With Ring?
The Schlage Encode does indeed work with Ring.
Does Schlage Encode Work Without Wifi?
Functions will be limited without wifi, but you can still lock and unlock it without wifi.
How Long Do Schlage Encode Batteries Last?
The batteries should last for anywhere between 4-6 months.
How Do You Change The Code On A Schlage Encode?
You can change the code by entering your existing security code and following the steps indicated by Schlage to change the code.
