What makes the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock different
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock stands apart from standard smart deadbolts because it was the first lock in North America to support Apple's Home Key feature. That support means a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch can tap near the lock to unlock it through NFC, without opening an app first. The lock also carries built-in WiFi, so it connects directly to a home network without needing a separate hub or bridge.
Most competing WiFi deadbolts require a bridge device or rely on Bluetooth alone. The Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock removes that extra hardware. Buyers comparing the Encode Plus against the older Schlage Encode model will find the main difference is exactly this Apple Home Key and HomeKit support, since the standard Encode lacks both.
Key features of the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock
The feature set explains why this lock carries a premium price. Buyers evaluating the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock typically weigh these capabilities:
- Apple Home Key support for tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch
- Built-in WiFi for remote locking and unlocking through the Schlage Home app
- HomeKit compatibility for Siri voice control and Apple Home automations
- Backlit keypad for entry codes when a phone is not available
- Physical key backup included with the deadbolt
- Access codes that can be scheduled or set for temporary guests
- Built-in alarm that sounds if someone tries to tamper with the lock
The lock works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control as well, though those integrations do not include the Home Key tap feature. That NFC-based unlock remains exclusive to the Apple ecosystem.
How to install the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock
Installation takes most people under an hour, according to hands-on reviews from sources like Wirecutter and MacRumors. The lock replaces an existing deadbolt using standard tools. The process follows a clear sequence:
- Remove the existing interior deadbolt plate and disconnect the thumb turn assembly.
- Slide the new exterior keypad assembly through the door and secure it with the mounting plate.
- Attach the interior assembly and connect the cable from the exterior keypad.
- Insert the included batteries and snap the battery cover into place.
- Align the deadbolt latch with the strike plate and test the throw with the physical key.
- Pair the lock with the Schlage Home app and follow the on-screen setup for WiFi.
The main constraint is door preparation. The lock needs a standard 2-1/8 inch bore hole and a 1-inch latch hole, which most modern doors already have. Older doors with non-standard holes may need additional drilling. The deadbolt itself is ANSI Grade 1 rated, meaning it meets a high residential security standard for strength and durability.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock compatibility and requirements
Compatibility drives most purchase decisions for the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock. The lock requires an iPhone or Apple Watch for the Home Key feature, and that phone must run a recent version of iOS. HomeKit setup also needs an Apple Home hub, such as a HomePod or Apple TV, for remote access and automations to work when away from home.
For non-Apple users, the lock still functions fully through the Schlage Home app on Android or iOS. The keypad, access codes, and built-in WiFi all work without HomeKit. What those users lose is the tap-to-unlock convenience and Siri voice commands.
Battery life runs on four AA batteries, and the lock reports low-battery warnings through the app. The physical key remains the backup entry method if batteries die completely. One limitation noted in reviews is that only one physical key ships with the lock, so buyers should plan to have copies made.
Is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock right for your home
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock fits best when the household already uses Apple devices daily. The Home Key feature turns a phone or watch into the primary door key, which removes the need to carry a physical key for that door. Renters and homeowners who frequently forget keys or want to check lock status remotely will find the built-in WiFi useful.
The premium price is harder to justify for Android-only households. Those buyers get the same keypad, codes, and remote access from the standard Schlage Encode at a lower cost, without the Apple-specific features. Homes with non-standard door prep may also face extra installation work that adds to the total expense.
For business or office use, Eyonic's smart lock guidance applies here: door condition, user roles, and backup entry should be reviewed before installation. A standalone smart lock suits a single door with a handful of users, while an access-control panel may serve multi-door offices better. Eyonic's project work for the Kuching Immigration Office and KTA Sarawak Sdn Bhd focused on staff movement and visitor handling, which are the same access questions a buyer should answer before choosing any smart lock. Sharing the property type and door setup with Eyonic on WhatsApp at +60 11-5111 7959 can clarify whether the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock fits the intended use.