What happens when you want to get a smart lock?

Some smart locks only support one smartphone platform, so how do you choose? Does only half of the family get to have smartphone access? Who decides which family members get to use their phone and who can only use access codes?

With Schlage, you don’t have to choose. All of our smart locks, including the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones so everyone receives full access. The Schlage^® Home app, which works with the Schlage Sense lock as well as the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, is now available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. That means your entire family can lock and unlock the door from their phones, no matter its platform.   

WiFi Adapter

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt provides multiple ways to access your home. It comes with a physical key, stores up to 30 access codes and uses Bluetooth to communicate with your smartphone when you’re within 40 feet of the lock. But what if you’re away from home? With the Schlage Sense™ WiFi Adapter*, Android and iOS smartphones can control the smart lock and receive notifications of all smart lock activity. No matter where you are, you can be notified when anyone, from your children to the dog walker, accesses your home.

To start, you’ll need the Schlage Home app to install the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. Then simply plug the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter into an outlet and use the app to pair the adapter to your smart lock and connect to your WiFi network.

Along with receiving notifications, the adapter allows you to lock and unlock your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt from anywhere. You can check to see if you remembered to lock your door or let someone in without having to send them an access code regardless of whether you’re at home, in the office across town or hundreds of miles away on the beach.

Discover all the features available with the free Schlage Home app by downloading it now from the App Store or Google Play Store. To learn more about the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt, or to make sure it’s the right Schlage smart lock for, try our Get Help Deciding Tool.

*The WiFi Adapter is not compatible with Apple HomeKit™.

Electronic locks have been around for a long time, but there are still many homeowners who haven’t given them a try yet. After all, there are a lot of questions to be answered – how difficult is installation? What happens if the power goes out? Will the lock work with other technology you have in the home, or maybe even your smartphone?

Easy installation

The good news is that the answers to these questions are simpler than you think! Take our latest smart lock, for example: the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. Because the lock runs on batteries, it’s easy to install yourself in just a few minutes with no hardwiring – all you need is a screwdriver. We’ve even included a special patented feature called Snap ‘n Stay that holds the deadbolt to the door while you reach for your screwdriver, so it’s truly a one-person job.

Instructions for installation are included in packaging, as always, but we’ve also put together an instructional video so you can see exactly how it’s done. As you’ll see in the video, with no hardwiring into your home’s electrical system, if the power goes out at home it’s no problem – you can still enter your access code on the touchscreen to gain access to your home. 

A smart lock for the whole family

The Schlage Sense lock was also designed to make life easier by working with both Android smartphones and iOS devices, pairing with them over Bluetooth just like you’d pair your phone with your car. Getting your lock paired with your phone is easy – just download the Schlage Sense app from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app will walk you through the pairing process, so there’s no guesswork.

Remote access

What if you were able to access your front door lock through an app when you’re away from home? This is actually very simple to do, and can make life so much easier – imagine no more worrying about whether the kids have lost the house key, or hiding a spare under a rock and hoping the right person gets to it before anyone else can. Just grab our new Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter (sold separately so existing Schlage Sense lock users can pick one up without buying a new lock!) and plug it into a power outlet near your lock. Connect the Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network, and ta-da! Anywhere access directly from your smartphone to your lock – without an existing smart home or alarm system or any subscription fees. Plus, the Schlage Sense app will walk you through the entire process step by step, so you don’t have to worry about a frustrating or complicated setup process.

Home automation integrations

How about using the lock with other technologies? We’ve all heard about the rising popularity of smart home gadgets, but figuring out which ones work together can be a headache. The Schlage Sense lock makes it easy by guiding you to the right choice for your home during initial setup, depending on whether or not you are an Apple HomeKit user.

If you love Apple products and have opted primarily for HomeKit-enabled smart devices in your home, you’ll be guided to use the HomeKit setup option. The HomeKit setup option allows you to set up anywhere access through your Apple TV, similar to the Wi-Fi Adapter, and allows you to control your lock alongside your other HomeKit-enabled devices within the Apple Home app. However, this setup option really is ideal for HomeKit users because it will only work with iOS devices and will not pair with Android smartphones or with the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter. If you prefer to be able to use Android smartphones with your lock, or you aren’t interested in an Apple HomeKit-centered experience, the app will guide you to the setup option which works with both iOS and Android smartphones, and allows you to pair the lock with the Wi-Fi Adapter.

Smart locks are the perfect way to add a little more convenience and security to your home. With a smart lock from Schlage, you can choose to enter your home with a custom code you define, a mechanical key or your phone (depending on the lock you choose).

Installing a new smart lock is a project that any skill-level can take on with just a screwdriver and a few minutes out of your day. Before you get started, it's important to note these five things to ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Download the app

If you are installing the Schlage Sense^TM Smart Deadbolt, be sure to download the free, Schlage Sense^TM app before you begin installing your lock. The app has great step-by-step instructions so you can quickly install the lock and pair your smartphone seamlessly. You can also access other valuable information and helpful resources that allow you to take advantage of all the lock's capabilities and future updates.

Before you download, make sure your smartphone is up-to-date with the latest software version. You can check this by accessing your phone's settings and looking under "General" or "About".

Make sure your door is properly aligned

Because the bolt on your smart lock is extended automatically, it's important that the door and jamb are properly aligned. You can check this by testing your current lock. You'll want to answer yes to each of these questions:

Can you lock your door without pushing, pulling or lifting the door?

Does your door alignment stay the same no matter how hot or cold the weather may get?

When the door is closed, is there space for the deadbolt to extend 1" into the frame when locked?

Check your door measurements

All of Schlage's smart locks are designed to fit any standard, pre-drilled door. To double-check that your door will be compatible, you can find a quick look at standard door dimensions for deadbolt installation here. If your door is thicker than the standard 1-3/4", you may need to purchase a thick door kit which will extend the lock's capabilities to 2-1/4". You can contact our customer support team at 888.805.9837 for assistance.

Wait to install the batteries

To make sure your lock is properly paired to any smart hubs or phones, it's best to wait to install the batteries when instructed to do so. This ensures that nothing interferes with the auto-handing process of the lock and properly initiates the setup sequence that is needed after the lock is installed. If you do make a mistake or miss a step, you can simply perform a factory reset to start over.

Choose a coordinating handleset

Don't forget to complete the look by pairing a coordinating handleset, knob or lever. You'll need to consider which function will work best with your lifestyle. Do you want to make sure you can easily come and go without a mechanical key? Choose a Hall & Closet (Passage) function so you're never accidentally locked out. Keep in mind that if you keep a keyed knob or lever, you'll still have to manage mutliple mechanical keys for household members and guests. For handlesets, we offer a lower half, front entry handle that easily suites with the style of your smart lock.

Within several hours, it’s possible to renovate your house or apartment into a smart home - one that pulls from the latest technology to make your space more efficient, secure, convenient or just more entertaining to hang out in.

Smart home technology is quickly becoming the next renovation project homeowners are adding to their to-do lists. With many of the devices ranging from $75 to $200 and falling into the Easy DIY-category, apartment dwellers also are starting to embrace smart home technology as a way to quickly update their living spaces. An added bonus? Many smart home products can be uninstalled and packed up with the next move.
 

Advantages cited by smart home residents

Drop the need for keys

With keyless entry systems, you no longer have to worry about misplacing keys. Assign each person a unique access code for entry; it’s easy to know when someone has made it home because the data is sent to your smartphone. And if an unexpected visitor arrives, you can remotely let them in with your smartphone while you’re stuck in traffic.

Cut the energy bills

Smart home thermostats automatically cut down the heat when outdoor temperatures rise, while irrigation systems water your lawn only when Mother Nature decides to take a break.

Light the way

Based on your preferences, smart lighting systems can be installed to turn on as you enter a room and turn off when you leave. You can also use your smartphone to control all the lights throughout your home, whether you’re in the bedroom or hundreds of miles away.

While these are among the most common smart home applications, innovations also have led the way to refrigerators that text you with selfies of their contents, beds that make themselves, and smart toilets that give you a warm seat on cold days.

You may not be quite ready to take a leap toward warm toilet seats, but you can take on several projects to get a head start on transforming your home into a smarter home.
 

3 steps to building a smart home

1. Understand the basics.

As with any new innovation, there typically is a slow rate of adoption until people become more familiar with the product. That was the case with the smartphone which first came on the market in 1994 as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. Priced at about $900 with a two-year contract and weighing in at slightly over a pound, it’s no wonder only about 50,000 were sold in that first wave. About 77 percent of Americans now own a smartphone -- up from only 35 percent in 2011, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. For many of those owners, the survey revealed, it’s now “something they can’t live without.”

Today, the smartphone has been paving the way toward the significantly quicker adoption of smart home technology, especially since it is considered a key component of how a smart home operates. By 2019, about two-thirds of Americans say they expect to have at least one smart home product in their homes, according to a recent survey by the Acquity Group. So, how does the smartphone (and tablets, laptops and computers) figure into the operation of a smart home? Good question.

Here’s one example. The latest smart locks are Bluetooth®-enabled so you can control and program the lock through a simple app on your smartphone. With the click of a button, you can unlock the door or create a new personalized code to share witha trusted friend or service professional, allowing them to access the home without interrupting your day.

In addition to smart locks, your smart home can have lighting systems that automatically turn on and off, surveillance cameras that keep an eye on things, and thermostats that adjust temperatures depending upon how hot and cold it is outside. All these functions, including many others, also can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

2. Do your research

While many smart home products can be installed within minutes (yes, minutes), it’s best to research the products available to customize a smart home designed with your priorities in mind. It’s also important to determine if there are products you may want to purchase in the future. By doing so, you can come up with an integrated plan that meets your needs and desires.

Determine what you and the other people in your household want. More security? Lower electric bills? Safety measures for young children or elderly relatives? More conveniences? Or a more dynamic space for entertaining friends? Maybe it’s as simple as not dealing with your teenager losing the keys to the house. Again. As it turns out, there’s a smart home plan to meet all of those objectives, while staying within your budget. Here are a few examples of what you can accomplish:

• Energy-efficient smart home: With a smart thermostat and smart irrigation systems, you can lower bills by using power and water only when you need it. These products automatically adjust to weather patterns or your preferences.

• Convenient smart home: Install smart keyless door systems, blinds, lighting systems and motion sensors that will make daily routines simpler. With a click of a button, you can get the coffee going in the morning or the blinds shut, the doors locked, the alarm activated and the lights turned off at night. All from the comfort of your bed.

• Safe smart home: Your home can be set up with smart cameras, motion sensors and keyless door systems so that you can keep an eye out for the safety of family members. You can also install smart carbon dioxide and smoke detectors that send messages to your smartphone when something is awry.

• Entertaining smart home: If you like the idea of staying at home for movie night, install a smart entertainment system along with smart lighting that pulsates and lights up the room with color along with the action scenes. Your smartphone doubles as the remote control. Your home also can be set up to play your favorite tunes in different parts of the home as you enter a room.

As part of your transition to a smart home, gauge your level of comfort with the technology. For example, if you have an automated garage with a keypad, it may not be a huge transition to install a keyless lock that allows you to enter with a code. A smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures may be equally appealing for a first try. You may decide that you’re ready to take the plunge into all the main components a smart home can offer, including technology that gradually determines your living pattern and adjusts accordingly.

With either approach, it’s important to select products that can effortlessly interact with each other through one central Wi-Fi controlled hub that acts as the brain of it all. You can purchase a hub that works with all your smart home devices. Some companies like AT&T, Xfinity and Vivint offer home automation packages that include a monthly maintenance fee to ensure the products work together. 

3. Installing and connecting it all

With many of the latest smart home products, DIY installation ranges from ridiculously simple to moderately simple. And installation time can be quick. That new smart lock? Under 15 minutes to install. Smarter thermostat? Home surveillance? Automated lights? Energy-efficient outlets? All about the same – 15 to 30 minutes each with common tools like screwdrivers.

Of course, some smart home products are more complex, and may take longer to install or require the assistance of a professional with experience in the industry. Even with DIY-products, you may feel more secure hiring an expert to help with installation as well as the operation of the system.

According to a poll conducted by Harris Poll and Lowe’s, 50 percent of Americans would prefer to install smart home products themselves with no monthly fees. About 21 percent said they would opt for a professional to install their smart home systems and pay a monthly maintenance fee.
 

Smart homes in 2022

With innovations for the smarter home moving at a record pace, futurists and other industry experts are predicting that a significant number of Americans will transform their homes at a record pace. According to the research firm Gartner, the average American household will own 500 smart home or connected devices by 2022.

If you’re already using your smartphone as an integral part of your day-to-day routines, a smart home could become another component of your lifestyle you can’t live without.

The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt makes daily life easier and more convenient. Enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the door instead of searching your pockets for keys. Pairing the lock with your smartphone over Bluetooth^® is as easy as pairing your phone with your car, and the free Schlage Sense app makes setting up and using the lock as simple as checking email. Share access with trusted friends and family with just a few taps – no more keeping track of spare keys.

Now that this smart lock is compatible with Android smartphones and iOS devices, there are a few things you need to know. Check out a few frequently asked questions below.

1. Do I need to create an account to use my Schlage Sense app?

Both new and existing Schlage Sense lock users will be asked to create an account to use with their Schlage Sense app. Creating an account allows you to take advantage of all the latest features that the lock has to offer. If you’ve already been using the Schlage Sense lock with your smartphone, creating an account will not affect your lock’s settings.

2. How do you add an access code?

With the Schlage Sense app, adding and deleting access codes is easy. Simply set up a new code by going to "Add new access code." You can also give the code a name so you always know who should be using that code and even apply an access schedule so the code is only valid during certain days.

3. How do I receive notifications for my lock's activity?

If your lock is set up with HomeKit, you’ll need to add a HomeKit-enabled Apple TV 3rd or 4th generation or an iPad with iOS 10.0 or higher to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure that the Apple TV/iPad is set up with the same iCloud and iTunes account information as your iPhone. Push notifications may need to be enabled from your iPhone as well. You can customize the types of notifications you receive by going to the Lock Settings > Push Notifications menu.

If the lock is set up with the Schlage system option (ideal for Android users or households using both Android and iOS), you’ll need to add a Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network. Notifications will be enabled by default from the Schlage Sense app but can always be updated to your preference in lock settings.

4. Will my current Schlage Sense lock work with the Android app?

The current Schlage Sense lock can be updated to the latest firmware to support Android smartphones as well as other new features. If you are currently using the iOS app with the lock, open the Schlage Sense app and accept the firmware upgrade, or go to Lock Settings and tap on the firmware version to request an update.

5. If my lock is already connected to the iOS app, how do I connect it to the Android app as well?

To connect your existing Schlage Sense lock that has already been paired with an iOS device, you will need to complete the firmware update then follow the steps to remove your lock and repair it with the app. You can do this by going to lock settings and tapping "Delete Lock." This will return your lock to factory settings which means you will have to reset your access codes.

After you've removed the lock from your app, use the app to pair the lock again. This time you will be presented with two options for set up - "Setup with HomeKit" or "Set up with Schlage System." For your lock to compatible with both the iOS and Android smartphone app, you will need to select "Set up with the Schlage System."

6. I'm using an Android smartphone. How do I share access to my lock?

Virtual keys are electronic credentials that allow smartphone users to lock or unlock the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt when in Bluetooth range using the Schlage Sense app. Locks that are paired to your smartphone using the Schlage system setup option support the sharing of virtual keys with other smartphone users – both iOS and Android.

To send a virtual key, open the app and select the lock you want to provide access to. Tap the users icon on the bottom right of the screen then select "Virtual keys." Enter the name of the invited user and indicate whether you'd like to provide admin access or guest access (recommended). You can send the invite via email or text. Note that it will only be valid for 24 hours before it expires.

7. How do virtual keys work?

When an invited user is within Bluetooth range with Bluetooth on their phone turned on, they will be able to use the Schlage Sense app to lock or unlock the deadbolt.

It's important to note that virtual keys will not work with locks set up using the HomeKit option. If you'd like to take advantage of virtual keys, you will need to reset your lock to factory settings and re-pair it using the Schlage system setup noted in number 5.

8. How can I share access with someone who doesn't have a smartphone?

The Schlage Sense lock makes it easy to share access to your home with the people who need it. Even if a guest does not have a smartphone or access to the Schlage Sense app, you can provide a unique access code to allow them to unlock the door via the lock's touchscreen.

9. How do I update my lock's firmware?

Firmware updates are important because they ensure that your lock has the latest features. The lock will notify the user of a lock firmware update through the Schlage Sense app. Firmware updates for the lock must be performed within Bluetooth range of the lock.

10. How do I update my Schlage Sense lock firmware from Version 3.42 or 3.49?

Some homeowners may have experienced trouble updating from lock firmware version 3.42 or 3.49. There is now a way to work around this issue and update to the latest lock firmware. First, make sure you’ve downloaded the latest Schlage Sense app from the App Store or the Google Play store.

You will need to re-set your lock to factory settings by deleting it from your account in the app. Pair the lock again by tapping the "Add a lock" icon located at the top left of the main screen. Choose "Setup with the Schlage system" then you'll be prompted to update your lock's firmware. After that, complete the Add a lock process again, this time selecting HomeKit if this is the setup you prefer for your iOS device.

11. I lost my phone. How do I secure my Schlage Sense account?

If your smartphone is lost, you can access your Schlage Sense account on another mobile device to change your password and secure your account.

It’s almost fall, the days are getting shorter, and it’s time to start swapping out your summer decorations for a look that is more fit for cooler Autumn weather and the season of pumpkin flavored everything. In other words, it’s time to think of fall curb appeal ideas. Redecorating for fall and improving the look of your house doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make your home stand out.

Whether you’re selling your house and want to impress prospective buyers or just want to spark a healthy amount of jealousy from guests and neighbors, your home’s curb appeal is the place to start this fall.

Landscaping

Landscaping is the first step in improving your curb appeal. Summer is over and you don’t need to mow as often as you did at the beginning of the year, but the lawn still needs care. Keep up on the mowing and weeding so that your home looks cared for and welcoming to guests.

Fall is also a great time to plant certain year-round plants and trees. Visit your local nurseries to make the most of their year-end sales and spruce up your yard.

Landscaping Inspiration: See HouseBeautiful’s post about fall landscaping to learn more.

Front door

You’re probably familiar with the idea of painting your front door to improve your curb appeal as a lot of curb appeal tips revolve around it. And we absolutely agree, in fact, we have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to our love of pretty doors.

But paint isn’t the only thing that can improve the look of your front door. Changing your door hardware can really improve your whole entryway. If you’re unsure what would work best with your house, it’s important to think about the style of your home as well as the color of your front door. Schlage has a wide range of front door products that include touchscreen and “smart” locks, so you can find the door hardware that’s perfect for your home.

Perfect Door Hardware: Check out all of Schlage’s handlesets to see what’s right for your front door.

Painting

If you’re interested in painting something to give your home a splash of color, don’t limit yourself to the front door. Check out Country Living’s ideas about how to use paint to update your outdoor living space. Painting your porch can really add some brightness to an otherwise unnoticeable space. Whether you are working with wood or concrete, paint can improve the appearance of your porch or patio. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could do what Bella Tucker did and add a fun pattern to your front porch.

Front Porch Makeover: See what a difference painting can make.

Seasonal plants

Fall doesn’t have to mean the end of colorful plants. There are plenty of options to keep your house looking bright. Mums and pansies last much longer than most flowers and can keep your porch colorful in the fall. Whitney Curtis over at The Home Depot combined flowers with pumpkins and hay to really make her porch feel welcoming.

Fall decorating: Combine pumpkins and flowers like Paula Coldiron of Two Ellie did and make planters out of Styrofoam pumpkins.

Check out our Pinterest for more ideas about curb appeal and how to accessorize your front door.