How do I gather tools and remove the old deadbolt?

You will need a Phillips head screwdriver (the type with an X-shaped tip) — that is the only tool required. Turn off nothing electrical; this is purely mechanical work. From inside your home, remove the two long screws that pass through the interior part of your existing deadbolt and hold the front and back pieces of the lock together. The lock will come apart into two pieces — one on each side of the door. Pull them out along with the bolt assembly in the door edge, which slides out after the main lock is removed.

How do I install the schlage encode hardware?

Follow the printed instructions included in the Schlage box — they use clear diagrams for each step. Insert the new bolt assembly into the door edge first. Then position the exterior keypad unit (the larger piece with the keypad, on the outside of the door) through the hole and align it with the bolt mechanism. From inside, attach the interior cover piece and drive the two long screws through it to pull both sides together tightly. The lock should turn smoothly with the thumb turn on the inside.

How do I connect the lock to the schlage home app and wi-fi?

Download the "Schlage Home" app from the App Store or Google Play and create a free account. Open the app and tap "Add a Device." The app will display a QR code — hold it up to the camera on the exterior keypad of your lock (there is a small scanning port near the top). This pairs the lock to your account. Then follow the in-app steps to connect the lock to your home Wi-Fi network by selecting your network name and entering your Wi-Fi password.

How do I create access codes for family members?

In the Schlage Home app, tap your lock and go to "Access Codes." Tap "Add Code" and enter a name (for example, "Mom" or "Neighbor Maria") and a 4 to 8 digit code. The person you assign this code to can punch it into the exterior keypad to unlock the door without a phone, key, or app. You can create up to 100 access codes on the Schlage Encode. To delete a code when a guest visit is over, find it in the list and tap "Delete."

How do I set auto-lock and schedules?

In the app's lock settings, find "Auto-Lock." Enable this feature and choose how many seconds after the door closes you want it to lock automatically — options typically range from 30 seconds to 4 minutes. This is helpful if you frequently forget to lock up when leaving in a hurry. You can also set schedules — for example, unlock automatically at 7:00 AM and lock again at 8:00 PM — though schedules are more commonly used by businesses than households.

How do I use alexa or google assistant with the lock?

Link the Schlage Home app to your Alexa or Google Home account through the respective app's "Skills" or "Add Device" section. Once linked, you can say "Alexa, lock the front door" or "Hey Google, is the front door locked?" For security reasons, most smart lock integrations allow voice unlocking only after you enable it explicitly and set a voice PIN — locking via voice is generally enabled by default, but unlocking requires the extra verification step.

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The Schlage Encode is a smart deadbolt lock — the kind of lock that slides into the door frame to secure your door — with a built-in keypad and Wi-Fi connection. Unlike many smart locks that require a separate hub device, the Encode connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network. This means you can lock and unlock your door from your phone anywhere in the world, create and delete access codes for family members or guests, and receive notifications when the door is locked or unlocked.

The lock runs on four AA batteries, which typically last 6 to 12 months depending on how often the lock is used. There is no wiring involved in the installation. The Schlage Encode replaces your existing deadbolt — if you currently have a keyed deadbolt lock on your door, the Encode takes its place. You will keep one key for emergency backup, but day-to-day you use the keypad and your phone.

Installing the Schlage Encode requires a few basic household tasks: removing the existing deadbolt using a screwdriver, and fitting the new lock hardware onto the door. Schlage's instructions and online videos guide you through the process step by step. Most people complete the installation in 30 to 45 minutes. The lock fits most standard US door preparations — the industry term for the pre-drilled holes in your door — without any cutting or drilling.

The Schlage Home app is where you manage access codes, view entry logs (a history of every time someone used the lock), and set up auto-lock schedules. The lock also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can ask your smart speaker to lock the door without picking up your phone. This guide covers the installation process, app setup, and the most useful features.

How to Install and Use the Schlage Encode Smart Lock

Gather tools and remove the old deadbolt

Install the Schlage Encode hardware

Connect the lock to the Schlage Home app and Wi-Fi

Create access codes for family members

Set auto-lock and schedules

Use Alexa or Google Assistant with the lock

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