It’s almost time to turn another calendar page, which always makes us a little nostalgic. As we head into the new year, we thought we’d recap some of our favorite tips, tricks, hacks and inspiration from 2021.

1. 15 robots you’ll want to bring home in 2021

2. How to make your hollow core doors look expensive when you're on a budget.

3. 10 before-and-after porch remodels you have to see.

4. 13 tips to help you safely remodel your home during pregnancy

5. 10 home security lessons to teach your kids now

6. Improve your security for working remotely from home.

7. Beat electronic clutter with these 5 digital organization steps.

8. Green renovation ideas for an eco-friendly home.

9. Top tips for choosing indoor plants and keeping them alive

10. How to understand lever and door handing

Honorable mention

How to clean porch décor: When was the last time you washed that doormat?

 

Advice for buying your first home: Because buyer’s remorse hits a lot harder on a house you spent thousands on versus a $50 sweater.

 

Time travel: Vacation safety tips from 1953 that still work: A lot has changed in almost 70 years … but not as much as you might think.

 

How to set up a home bar for your best holiday hosting: A Joybird study found that a fully stocked bar is the top-ranked must-have for hosting a party, so are your ready?

 

This is just the tiniest of fractions of what we offered in 2021, hoping to provide you with the ideas and know-how for turning your home into a haven. Find the rest, from DIY projects to technology and security updates, at Schlage.com/blog.

 

Once upon a time, we shared 10 tips for securing your smart home for Crime Prevention Month. We still stand by those suggestions, but here are a few more so you can protect your personal information and home even better.

 

1. Manage your passwords

Once you’ve set strong passwords, you might be tempted to write them down so you don’t forget. Don’t use a Post-It that anyone could find. Use an app or other secure cloud-based storage instead. If you do just make a note of it in your phone, at least password-protect your phone or use facial recognition.

Getting rid of unnecessary passwords is often an overlooked but important part of security. For example, if you’ve created multiple access codes for your smart lock, do a regular inventory to see if they’re all still needed. That code you created for your friends when they visited six months ago? Delete it. The one your neighbor used to water your plants when you were on vacation? Delete that one, too. Just like you don’t want spare keys floating around, you don’t want unnecessary access codes out there, either.

 

2. Beef up your work-from-home security

Now that it’s more common to spend at least part of your working life in your home office, make sure you’re taking all the precautions to keep personal and professional information safe. Adopt antivirus software, use a secure VPN when sharing data and be careful what you screenshare during that next Zoom call. Learn more ways to improve your security when working remotely.

3. Use all available features

Many smart devices have security features built in. Maybe it’s a way to track and find your phone if it goes missing. Or it could be an alarm and push notifications on your smart lock. Take the time to explore the options on your device and activate those that will improve your overall home security.

 

4. organize electronic clutter

There’s something really satisfying about clearing out a closet, but organizing your digital footprint? That’s not usually our first thought come spring cleaning time. Remove unnecessary apps from your phone, unsubscribe from e-newsletters you never read and delete desktop folders that don’t actually help you stay organized. You’ll be able to find what you need more easily, plus have a better handle on where personal information is and how it’s being used. That’s a key factor in beating electronic clutter for security.

5. Do a home inventory

If your home is broken into and devices are stolen, a home inventory will help you to know exactly what’s missing. While this can expedite insurance claims in some cases, it will also make it easier for you to know what data might have been stolen along with a device. Of course, it’s not just technology that should go on your home audit. Credit cards, passports and other personal documents that can be used to steal your identity can also be included.

 

6. talk to your kids about cybersecurity

Anyone under the age of 30 has no memory of life before the internet. Their ease with technology can be an advantage, but it can also put them at risk if they get too comfortable. Teach your kids what information should and shouldn’t be shared online, encourage them to safely store their devices when they aren’t using them and make sure they know not to divulge other information such as smart lock access codes, even to best friends. And in case you missed it, check out the first part of our Crime Prevention Month series with tips for how kids can help protect your home security.

7. refresh your online shopping strategy

The holidays are right around the corner. When you go to snag all those cyber deals, use this guide to stay secure shopping online and prevent package theft. They’ll help protect the financial information you share with stores as well as your purchases when they reach your doorstep.

Since 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council has declared October as Crime Prevention Month. Since then, they’ve worked with a variety of organizations to improve personal safety and crime prevention in our neighborhoods. Get the answer to “How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?” and learn more about smart home tech at the Schlage blog.

 

Most of us could use all the help we can get when back-to-school season heats up. With the right smart home technology, you can make mornings smoother and evenings calmer. Try these five back-to-school hacks to get smart this fall.

Get smart about … scheduling

This is an easy one, especially if you already use Alexa or Google Assistant. Use your voice assistant to set a series of timers to help everyone get out the door on time. It’s 7 a.m.? Wake up. 7:30? Come get your breakfast. 8:15? Time to catch the bus. Look into the Echo Dot Kid’s Edition for capabilities designed especially for the kiddos.

 

You can also create routines through your voice assistant, so one word and your smart home is seamlessly taking you through bedtime paces. “Alexa, time for bed” could dim the lights in your child’s room, turn on sleep sounds and turn off other technology that could interfere with their sleep patterns. (Keep reading for more sleep-friendly tech tips.)

 

As the day-to-day action picks up, use your voice assistant to remind you of important tasks. Sync it with your personal calendar and ask it to notify you of upcoming events like a soccer game, parent-teacher conferences or deadlines. You can also set one notification for recurring events, so each Tuesday, Alexa will remind your kids it’s time to take out the trash.

Get smart about … organization

If you need help keeping track of schedules and making sure you know how to reach everyone in the carpool, there’s an app for that. There are actually quite a few. Choose one that lets you share calendars and contacts with the whole family. If your kids have a smartphone, set them up with apps to help with homework – due-date reminders, language learning, math assistance, note-taking and even creating flashcards. And don’t forget parental control apps that limit their screen time. Check out Digital Trends’ recommendations.

 

Wonder of all wonders, your child remembered that they need posterboard for the science fair more than 24 hours in advance. Ask Alexa to add school supplies, food for lunches and more to your Amazon shopping list. If it’s something you use regularly and replenish often – maybe laundry detergent for all those sports jerseys and school uniforms – Alexa can reorder it automatically so you don’t even have to ask.

Get smart about … security

Schlage smart locks can’t improve your child’s grades, but they can do a lot of other really helpful things. When you create unique access codes for your kids, they no longer have to carry – and try not to lose – a spare key. Not only do you not have to worry about who found the spare, but you always know Bobby and Susie can get in the house when they return from school, football practice or band rehearsal. If they forget their code, you can always unlock the door from anywhere for them using a compatible app on your smartphone.

 

Need another benefit of a smart lock for back-to-school? When your Schlage lock is connected to your home network or smart hub, you can access an activity log on your phone. You’ll be able to see who used their code and when, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your kids made it home from school on time.

 

Learn more about each of our smart locks – the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Sense® Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect® Smart Deadbolt – and try the Smart Lock Selector to see which one is best for your family.

Get smart about … sleep

Science has proved that kids learn better when they get a good night’s rest and smart technology can actually help kids sleep. This Wake Up Light simulates sunset and sunrise to ease your student in and out of sleep. Customize the start of the day by choosing between a range of light colors and brightness as well as different alarm sounds. Digital Trends has more suggestions for tech that creates white noise and sleep sounds to help your little one get to sleep faster.

 

If your kids are restless sleepers, it might be an air quality issue. An air purifier and humidifier can help remove air particles and allergens. The humidifier adds moisture to the room so they aren’t breathing stale, dry air. All of this together might help them breathe more easily, resulting in better rest. The Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool is on the pricier side, but we like its smart features – control it with an app or via Alexa and Apple Siri® – and quiet settings for night mode.

Get smart about … college

Help your older kids be smart on campus. The easiest way to turn a dorm into a smart home, even though it’s a temporary living situation, is by installing smart plugs or power strips. You get to skip the hardwiring, but they can still control lights, music and more. A multi-port USB charger is always helpful, too. No more fighting with the roommate for valuable outlets when everyone needs to charge their phone, tablet and other tech at the same time.

 

No matter where your college student lives – at home, in a dorm, in an off-campus apartment – get them a Bluetooth tracker for their valuables. Apple AirTag for iPhone users and Tile Mate for Android users are great ways to find laptops and other devices if someone tries to swipe them.

 

Back-to-school doesn’t have to be a stressful time. With smart technology, you can make it easier than geometry proofs and French verb conjugation. Find more ways to make the season a snap on the Schlage blog with our tips for creating a family command center, taking the perfect back-to-school photos and designing a homework station that will help them focus.

 

 

When you work in an office, most employers go to great lengths to keep everything secure. You might have to show or swipe your badge to enter the building and use secure network connections for your computer. There could be greeters in the lobby to monitor who’s coming and going and security cameras to record activity in and around the building. But when you work from home, most of those safety measures are either more relaxed or nonexistent. Here are some simple yet important ways to keep your personal and professional information secure when working remotely.

 

Cybersecurity strategies for working from home

In 2020, Malwarebytes surveyed IT and cybersecurity leaders about whether their companies were prepared for remote work during the coronavirus pandemic. Forty-five percent of those respondents said that devices being more exposed at home, where non-employees may have access and inadvertently compromise those devices, was their biggest cybersecurity concern. So how can you make sure you’re keeping your laptop and other devices safe at home?

First, talk to your employer about the security requirements and resources available to you for free. There’s a good chance your company already has access to some of the cybersecurity features you’ll need most:

• Antivirus and internet security software that helps prevent malware, spyware and other attacks
  
  
• Operating system and software updates to provide the most current patches that fix bugs and security gaps
  
  
• A secure VPN to safely share information across shared or public networks – like your home WiFi – as if you were connected directly to your employer’s private network
  
  
• Centralized storage or cloud access for backing up documents

 

Second, make sure your WiFi router is secure. If you’re still using the default password that came with the router, change it to something unique and hard to guess now. While you’re in there changing the password, update the name of your network, or SSID, too. Choose something that can’t be traced back to your home.

 

Enable network encryption, too. There are a few methods available, but WPA2 is the strongest. You can change this through the WiFi settings on your router’s management page.

 

Not only is securing your WiFi good for protecting your work data, but it also helps protect anything else you have on your network. Alexa, your smart TV, personal tablets – any device connected to the Internet of Things – is more secure when your router is password protected and encrypted.

 

Perhaps the best line of defense against breaches in cybersecurity is you, not all the malware software and password managers and whatnot. Take the time to learn about phishing and email scams. Know how to identify them and report them to your employer.

Safe sightlines for remote work

You also want to keep prying eyes away from sensitive or confidential documents. With the rise in videoconferencing, be aware of what you’re screensharing. There may be “for your eyes only” information in a document without you thinking about it. You don’t want to flash that up for everyone on your Zoom meeting to see.

 

On a similar note, invest in a sliding webcam cover. While it doesn’t affect what others can see on your screen, it can help keep them from peeping something around your home office they shouldn’t. It could be a physical copy of an important document on your desk, or it could simply be a family photo in the background you’d rather not share with coworkers or third-party vendors.

Securing your home office

What if the prying eyes are in your own home? We doubt your family is trying to steal sensitive information, but you still need to take extra steps to keep them away from work devices and documents. Lock your computer and phone when you step away from your desk. Better yet, turn on the automatic locking function.

 

Don’t let your kids or others use your work devices and be diligent about keeping work-related materials off personal devices. At best, it’s embarrassing if your kiddo accidentally emails your boss. But worst-case scenario, they send confidential information to someone or delete it altogether.

 

If you need to keep a closer eye on who enters your home office, consider a secure lock on the door. Typically, we think of deadbolts and smart locks for the front door and other exterior entrances. But an electronic lock like the Schlage Touch® Keyless Touchscreen Lever or Schlage keypad lever is ideal for a home office that requires an extra level of security.

 

Finally, whether it’s for your keypad lock, phone or computer, set secure passwords. Check out this article for how to create secure access codes.

 

 

Sound privacy when you work from home

When we talk about white noise machines for the home, it’s usually as a way to get better sleep. They work great for home offices, too, though. If you want to keep others from hearing your phone calls, try a device like the Sound+Sleep. It has 10 audio programs to fit any kind of work mood you’re in and dynamically adjusts the volume based on other noises in the room.

 

Other ways to control sound in your home office are improved insulation, soundboards to keep noise from traveling through the walls and rugs or carpets. You might find that white noise machines and sound dampeners not only improve privacy but help you focus as well.

 

Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean that your home shouldn’t still feel like a haven. In fact, it’s probably even more important to make your home comfortable when you spend so much time there. Get more tips for working from home at the Schlage blog. Once you’ve created your home office, you might check out our 10 WFH upgrades or learn more about how to move your home office outdoors.

 

 

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a home or putting yours up for sale. But have you considered getting a smart lock? As a new homeowner, you’ll want to replace your locks right away for security, so why not choose one that also makes your life more convenient. And as a seller, electronic locks can make your home more attractive to buyers, too.

1. trusted security

You have so many new house ideas, like what colors to the paint the walls, how you’re going to decorate your new movie room, getting the kids settled and more. One of the first things to do when moving, however, is replacing the locks on your new home. You never know who might still have a key – the previous owner, their cleaning lady, some stranger who picked it up after their kid lost it on the walk home from school.

 

Secure your home with a new smart lock or one that you brought with you from your old house. If you’re using a lock from your previous home, you’ll need to complete the programming and pairing process again at the new place. Either way, the addition of new door hardware – electronic locks or mechanical deadbolts – is the smart choice for security and style.

2. People in and out of your home

When you’re selling a home, people are coming and going constantly. Whether it’s the realtor showing prospective buyers around or service providers coming to make repairs or clean, it’s impossible for you to be home every time someone needs to get in. Instead of leaving your door unlocked or hiding a key under a plant, install a smart lock to keep your house secure while still allowing access to those you trust. Instead of a lockbox on the door, ask your realtor about using access codes instead.

 

You can use an app to program new access codes into the lock, even setting schedules for when those codes can be used. And because you’re notified when they are used, you can keep a better eye on who is in your house and when. It’s an easy way to grant secure access to those service providers, not to mention see when people are viewing your home and preventing the realtor from showing your house during certain times of the day.

 

 

3. What buyers look for

Smart home devices are becoming more in demand and expected for buyers. In a 2018 survey, Coldwell Banker Real Estate found that smart home devices and other technology are integral to helping homes sell faster and for more money. A vast majority of the survey’s respondents said they expect certain smart devices to be pre-installed before even moving in. Topping the list were smart thermostats (77%) and fire detectors (75%). Sixty-three percent of respondents expected smart locks to be pre-installed.

 

And by the way, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found in 2018 that three out of four millennials – the largest generational group of home buyers – were willing to pay $1,500 to $4,000 to make their homes smarter. Think how that investment can pay off for you.

 

Finally, as we move beyond 2020, consider the idea that many people may be looking for touchless technology in greater numbers. Not only is it convenient for those times when your hands are full, but it can also be more sanitary when you’re trying to keep hands clean and germ-free.

4. Curb appeal

The first impression is sometimes the only impression when it comes to deciding to make a home purchase. While there are plenty of major upgrades that will increase your curb appeal, updating front door hardware is one of the easiest and most noticeable improvements you can make. Use the product selector to find the perfect door hardware for your home and refresh the front of your house in minutes.

Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home, use this moving checklist for a smooth transition and, of course, check out Smart Lock Selector to see which smart lock works best for you.

 

 

Have you ever left the house in a hurry, and later wondered whether you accidentally left the door unlocked behind you? With so many things to juggle in life, it’s happened to us all.

 

That got us thinking – what if you never had to wonder whether your door was unlocked again? What if you could lock it from wherever you are? And wouldn’t you like to receive smartphone notifications whenever the lock is used so you can keep track of who’s going in and out and when?

So we designed the Schlage Sense® Smart Deadbolt so that users could have this functionality – if they want it. Smart lock beginners who want to benefit from the lock’s basic features can do that out of the box with just a smartphone, no need for a home automation system or other smart accessories.

 

However, if you’re looking for the convenience and peace of mind that comes with being able to access your lock from anywhere, there are multiple options available for doing this – and it’s easy to choose the right one for you.

 

Here are the basics:

Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter option: Android smartphones + iPhone

If you want to use both iPhone® and Android smartphones with your lock, you’ll want a Schlage Sense® WiFi Adapter.

 

The Adapter is a simple wall plug-in that connects your lock to your WiFi network so you can lock and unlock it from anywhere and receive activity notifications. It’s easy to set up – plug it in within Bluetooth range of the lock (usually about 40 feet), and use the Schlage® Home app to connect the Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network. Then pair it with your lock.

 

As long as your Adapter stays plugged into power, connected to WiFi and within Bluetooth range of the lock, you’ll be able to access it using a compatible iPhone, iPad®, iPod touch® or Android smartphone from anywhere.

 

Keep in mind that while the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter will work with a compatible iOS device, it does not work with Apple HomeKit® and is not compatible with features like Siri® or the Apple Home app.

Apple HomeKit option: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch only

If you have an Apple TV® or use iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in your household, you might prefer the Apple HomeKit setup option. If your lock is up to date with the latest firmware (use the Schlage Home app to check for updates), it will ask you simple questions at setup to determine whether this Apple HomeKit option is best for you.

 

If you set up your lock with the Apple HomeKit option, you can pair your lock with a compatible Apple TV and gain anywhere access using Apple HomeKit technology. You’ll still be able to control your lock and manage settings from anywhere with the Schlage Home app, plus your lock will work in tandem with other HomeKit-enabled devices in your home through the Apple Home app. You’ll also be able to use Siri to lock and unlock your door, and receive notifications when the lock is used (use the Schlage Home app to manage your notification settings).

 

Keep in mind that this option is intended for Apple HomeKit users and does not work with Android smartphones.

 

Here are the technical details:

 

We recommend an Apple TV 4th generation or an iPad with iOS 10.0 or higher. If you decide to use your iPad as your Apple HomeKit hub (a new functionality offered by Apple with iOS 10.0), the iPad must stay at home powered on and connected to WiFi just as an Apple TV would be.

 

You’ll also want to make sure that the Apple TV/iPad is set up with the same iCloud and iTunes account information as your iPhone.

If I already have a Schlage Sense lock, how do I update it so that I can use it with Android and/or the WiFi Adapter?

First, you’ll need to make sure your lock has the latest firmware. Firmware updates are important because they ensure that your Schlage Sense lock has the latest features and capabilities. The lock will notify you of a firmware update through the Schlage Home app. Firmware updates for the lock must be performed through the app within Bluetooth range of the lock:

When you're within Bluetooth range of the lock, connect your lock with the app.

Tap “Begin Update” or go to Lock Settings > Information and tap the firmware version information to request an update.

The firmware will be updated over the next several minutes.

Once you’re up to date with the latest firmware, you can change the setup option on your lock so it will work with Android devices and the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. In the Schlage Home app, you’ll need to delete the lock from your account and pair it again, choosing the new setup option. This will return your lock to factory default settings and erase any new codes you’ve added, so make sure you record those if you want to add them to the lock again.

If the lock is currently set up with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, first delete the lock from the account by going to Lock Settings and tapping Delete Lock.

Then, use the Schlage Home app to pair the lock again. If adding the lock from an iOS device, select “Explore Other Options” and then “Set up with Schlage system.”

 

A firmware update may be required, after which you will need to restart the “Add a lock” process and select the Schlage system.

 

Once setup is complete, the lock will be compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and can be paired with the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter.

Questions about lock setup? You can reach us on Facebook or Twitter or try our FAQs online.

 

The Schlage Sense® Smart Deadbolt makes it easier to control access to your home – getting started is simple with the Schlage® Home app and gaining remote access from anywhere is no problem when you pair the lock with the Schlage Sense® WiFi Adapter. And now you can also access your lock with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Here’s what you need to know to combine the superior security of the Schlage Sense lock with the great convenience of Amazon Alexa.

 

1. Will current Schlage Sense® Smart Deadbolt models be compatible with Amazon Alexa?

Yes, all current Schlage Sense lock models are compatible with Amazon Alexa devices through the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter (sold separately), which is perfect for remote access for split-device households or owners who haven’t chosen a home automation system yet.

2. What hubs does the Schlage Sense lock work with?

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is compatible with Alexa-enabled devices via the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. The Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter does not work with Apple HomeKit® or support the use of Siri^® voice control.

3. How do I connect with Amazon Alexa?

To connect your Schlage Sense lock with an Alexa-enabled device, plug the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter into power at home. The WiFi Adapter needs to be within Bluetooth range of the lock (about 40 feet). Then use the Schlage Home app to pair your deadbolt with the adapter and connect it to your home WiFi.

 

Once the lock is connected to your home WiFi, you are ready to complete the setup within the Alexa app.

 

• Log in to your Alexa app using your Amazon password.
  
  
• Enable the Schlage Home skill in the Alexa app.
  
  
• Link your Schlage account to your Alexa account. This will give the skill permission to access the lock.

 

To enable the unlocking feature – this is initially disabled by default for your security – create a four-digit PIN in the Alexa app now.

4. What can the Schlage Sense lock and Amazon Alexa do?

After connecting the devices, you can ask Alexa to lock and unlock the door, and check the status of your Schlage Sense deadbolt. This offers the peace of mind and convenience of knowing your home is always locked and protected by one of the strongest, most convenient locks on the market.

 

Voice unlocking is one the newest functions available in the integration between Schlage and Amazon Alexa. The feature was made possible through technological improvements that now require Alexa to authenticate the user’s identity prior to unlocking the door. The additional step helps to maintain the superior security you expect from Schlage while still enjoying the convenience of voice activation. Read more about unlocking your door with Amazon Alexa here.

5. What can't the Schlage Sense lock and Amazon Alexa do?

Already trusted in over 40 million homes, Schlage always aims to create carefully designed products that bring the possibilities and potential of every door in your home to life – keeping you safe and making life easier and more connected. We are unwilling to compromise that, especially when it comes to smart home integration. With this in mind, Amazon Alexa is not enabled to check battery status or create/maintain secured codes. This ensures that control of these features remains directly in your hands rather than relying on third-party components.

 

Whether asking Alexa from bed if the front door is locked or manually securing your deadbolt from the touchscreen, the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt provides all users with keyless convenience and confidence in their home security. Add to that additional benefits that come when you pair your lock with the other technology in your home and there’s proof that smarter homes start with Schlage.

 

Learn about our other smart home integrations for the Schlage Sense lock at Schlage.com. If you have questions about setting up your smart lock, message us on Facebook or Twitter or visit our How-To Center.

 

 

One of the best ways to get security and advanced features in a Schlage smart lock is by pairing it with a compatible home automation system. The Z-wave Plus-enabled Schlage Connect® Smart Deadbolt works with most Z-Wave smart home hubs, including Samsung SmartThings. Only when you pair your lock with a hub like SmartThings can you control the lock from anywhere, freeing you from the hassles of lost keys, getting locked out and hiding a spare where anyone can find it.

 

Here are 10 tasks made possible when you pair your Schlage Connect smart lock with a Samsung SmartThings hub.

1. Remote accessibility

Gone are the days of worrying whether you left the door unlocked when you headed out for the day. Simply check the status of your lock through the SmartThings app. If the deadbolt is unlocked, lock it via the app, no matter where you are, without the need to turn around and go home.

2. Smart home routines

SmartThings allows you to create routines that are triggered by a single action. A goodnight routine, for example, locks the doors, closes the garage and turns off all electronics with a single command. A vacation routine could, again, lock all your doors and adjust the thermostat. Setting up automation with other smart devices is fast and easy since you can do everything directly from your smartphone.

3. Create unique access codes

Use the SmartThings app to quickly create a code for a family member or trusted friend and disable it when it is no longer needed. You can also receive alerts from SmartThings when your Schlage Connect deadbolt is unlocked with one of the access codes, so you always know who is coming and going. You can still manage codes at the lock’s touchscreen without SmartThings, but the hub gives you the next level of flexibility and convenience for controlling access remotely.

4. Easily share access codes with visitors via SMS

Once you’ve assigned a new access code to a visitor in the SmartThings app, you can conveniently share that code via SMS. No need for you to leave the app and no need for temporary users to download anything new to gain access.

5. Rename or delete an access code

Can’t find your programming guide or instructions? That’s not a problem because SmartThings allows you to edit and delete access codes all through the app instead of the touchscreen.

6. One convenient place to check the status of all your locks

If you have more than one smart lock installed – at home on the front and garage entrance doors, a vacation house or an AirBnB property – SmartThings allows you to conveniently check the status of each lock in a single app.

7. Lock all smart locks in one click

Did you leave all your doors unlocked? (You know how forgetful kids can be.) You don’t have to command each Schlage Connect deadbolt to lock one at a time. SmartThings allows you to lock them all with a single tap.

8. Track access codes for multiple locks in one place

Keeping track of all active access codes, whether you have one lock or several, is simple. Easily view which family members and friends have access to which locks all in the SmartThings app.

9. Receive updates on lock activity

SmartThings offers more peace of mind with your Schlage Connect lock by letting you know precisely when your lock was manually locked or unlocked, if it was unlocked using a code, and when a code was updated or deleted.

10. Pair your smart lock with Amazon Alexa

Add even more convenience to your home automation set-up by pairing an Alexa-enabled device with Samsung SmartThings. Easily check the status of your deadbolt or command it to lock or unlock by asking Alexa.

Once you’ve installed your Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt on your door, pairing with the SmartThings hub is quick and easy. Get full instructions on how to connect here. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Schlage continues to lead the security industry in innovation. The evidence: The Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt is now compatible with a growing list of smart home systems, meaning it’s easier than ever to access your lock via Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. Here’s what you need to know to use your Schlage Connect lock with Amazon Alexa.

1. Are all Schlage Connect models compatible with Amazon Alexa?

 

Yes. Both the Schlage Connect lock with Z-Wave technology and Schlage Connect lock with Zigbee technology are compatible with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. You will need a compatible smart home hub to pair your lock to the device.

2. How do I connect with Amazon Alexa?

 

In order to utilize the Schlage Connect lock via Alexa-enabled devices, users must pair the deadbolt to a compatible smart hub. Which hub is required depends on whether your Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt uses Z-Wave or Zigbee technology:

 

• Z-Wave-certified Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt: Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Ring Alarm, Blue by ADT, Honeywell Home 
  
  
• Zigbee-certified Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt: Samsung SmartThings, Key by Amazon App + Cloud Cam, Amazon Echo Plus

 

Once your lock is connected to your smart hub, you will be able to access your lock via voice activation. For the most up-to-date instructions on how to give Alexa permission to control your Schlage Connect lock with voice commands, try our guide to pairing your lock with your new smart device or follow the steps provided at the hub’s website.

3. What can the Schlage Connect lock and Amazon Alexa do?

 

After connecting the devices, you can ask Alexa to lock and unlock the door, and check the status of your Schlage Connect deadbolt. This offers the peace of mind and convenience of knowing your home is always locked and protected by one of the strongest, most convenient locks on the market.

 

Voice unlocking is one the newest functions available in the integration between Schlage and Amazon Alexa. The feature was made possible through technological improvements that now requires Alexa to authenticate the user’s identity prior to unlocking the door. The additional step helps to maintain the superior security you expect from Schlage while still enjoying the convenience of voice activation. Read more about unlocking your door with Amazon Alexa here.

4. What else should I know?

 

Already trusted in over 40 million homes, Schlage always aims to create carefully designed products that bring the possibilities and potential of every door in your home to life – keeping you safe and making life easier and more connected. We are unwilling to compromise that, especially when it comes to smart home integration. With this in mind, Amazon Alexa is not enabled to check battery status or create/maintain secure codes. This ensures that control of these features remains directly in consumers’ hands rather than relying on third-party components.

 

The Schlage Connect deadbolt will continue to work even if it’s not connected to the internet if, for example, you choose not to use remote access or if your internet is down. In these instances, you can lock and unlock the door and manage access codes at the touchscreen. However, if you would like to control your lock from anywhere and take advantage of the features listed above, you will need that home automation hub.

Whether asking Alexa from bed if the front door is locked or manually securing your deadbolt from the touchscreen, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt provides all users with keyless convenience and confidence in their home security. Add to that additional benefits that come when you pair your lock with the other technology in your home and it’s proof that smarter homes start with Schlage.

 

Learn about our other smart home integrations for the Schlage Connect locks at schlage.com. If you have questions about setting up your smart lock, message us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Schlage continues to lead the security industry in innovation. The evidence: The Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt is now compatible with a growing list of smart home systems, meaning it’s easier than ever to access your lock via Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. Here’s what you need to know to use your Schlage Connect lock with Amazon Alexa.

1. Are all Schlage Connect models compatible with Amazon Alexa?

Yes. The Schlage Connect lock with Z-Wave Plus technology is compatible with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. You will need a compatible smart home hub to pair your lock to the device.

2. How do I connect with Amazon Alexa?

In order to utilize the Schlage Connect lock via Alexa-enabled devices, users must pair the deadbolt to a compatible smart hub. The following hubs are compatible with the Z-wave certified Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt:

 

• Samsung SmartThings
• Wink
• Ring Alarm
• Blue by ADT
• Honeywell Home

 

Once your lock is connected to your smart hub, you will be able to access your lock via voice activation. For the most up-to-date instructions on how to give Alexa permission to control your Schlage Connect lock with voice commands, try our guide to pairing your lock with your new smart device or follow the steps provided at the hub’s website.

3. What can the Schlage Connect lock and Amazon Alexa do?

After connecting the devices, you can ask Alexa to lock and unlock the door, and check the status of your Schlage Connect deadbolt. This offers the peace of mind and convenience of knowing your home is always locked and protected by one of the strongest, most convenient locks on the market.

 

Voice unlocking is one the newest functions available in the integration between Schlage and Amazon Alexa. The feature was made possible through technological improvements that now requires Alexa to authenticate the user’s identity prior to unlocking the door. The additional step helps to maintain the superior security you expect from Schlage while still enjoying the convenience of voice activation.

4. What else should I know?

Already trusted in over 40 million homes, Schlage always aims to create carefully designed products that bring the possibilities and potential of every door in your home to life – keeping you safe and making life easier and more connected. We are unwilling to compromise that, especially when it comes to smart home integration. With this in mind, Amazon Alexa is not enabled to check battery status or create/maintain secure codes. This ensures that control of these features remains directly in consumers’ hands rather than relying on third-party components.

 

The Schlage Connect deadbolt will continue to work even if it’s not connected to the internet if, for example, you choose not to use remote access or if your internet is down. In these instances, you can lock and unlock the door and manage access codes at the touchscreen. However, if you would like to control your lock from anywhere and take advantage of the features listed above, you will need that home automation hub.

Whether asking Alexa from bed if the front door is locked or manually securing your deadbolt from the touchscreen, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt provides all users with keyless convenience and confidence in their home security. Add to that additional benefits that come when you pair your lock with the other technology in your home and it’s proof that smarter homes start with Schlage.

 

Learn about our other smart home integrations for the Schlage Connect locks at schlage.com. If you have questions about setting up your smart lock, message us on Facebook or Twitter.