SCHLAGEEncode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Lock for Front Door, Keyless Entry Deadbolt, Unlock with Apple Watch, Built-in WiFi and App Control, Easy Install, Alexa & Apple HomeKit Compatible, Matte Black

The media could not be loaded. PROS:First, I've read many, many articles, reviews and viewed twice as many videos searching for the best Apple HomeKit compatible smart lock. I did my homework.Bingo - Schlage Encode Plus kept coming up as the one to purchase. The "Plus" means it Apple HomeKit compatible. I bought two. I agree hands down I made the correct purchase. They have worked seamlessly from install to setup. It took longer to install (15 minutes changing out hardware, etc) than to connect to HomeKit (2 minutes). Neither was complicated or frustrating! The connectivity has been seamless. I had a need to set up temporary Codes for others including limits to what days and hours, expiration date, etc. and when miles away from home lock or unlock the door, all done easily and successfully through HomeKit App.Schlage has a wealth of information on install and setting up and connecting to HomeKit. Start first with downloading the Schlage App. Also, they have great interactive instructions available walking you through step by step. All this makes for a successful install and operation.CONS:As for features, the only downside is getting geofence capabilities to work seamlessly in HomeKit and this appears to be because of security protections with HomeKit. Overkill, let the user decide. There is no information out there about this. The focus seems to be tap your phone or watch to lock/unlock while you are standing there (can also use Siri inside, etc) but NOT on setting up Scenes and Automations which is the weak link. When set up in Scenes with my other items, lamps, etc. nothing worked properly with Automation automatically due to the "alert" that pops up on iPhone screen asking if you want to execute the Automation. For example, pulling into or out of the garage and driveway "Scene" for lock or unlock Schlage locks, turn on or off lights, etc. I have to confirm execution of Scene on my iPhone pop up notification! Bummer. I had to remove the locks from the "Scene" and all was back to normal. An alert still pops up for the locks asking to confirm. This needs improvement holistically. I'm still seeking solutions and I'm sticking with my purchases.Also, Schlage only includes one key with the lock. At this price point, two keys would be appropriate.UPDATE: 08-10-2025: Through a Siri command on my phone or watch and also via CarPlay, I'm able to lock and unlock the door(s) upon leaving and/or returning home, pulling into or out of the driveway, etc. Though I don't consider this HomeKit Automation, it's a work around. I'm still satisfied with my purchase.

Edit: 6 month update. Still working flawlessly. Not a single hiccup or connection problem. Both locks are still using the original batteries with 85% life remaining. Keep in mind that I have them configured using Thread only, not WiFi, and have never bothered installing the Schlage app since it is completely superfluous when you are using Apple HomeKit.Original Review: I purchased two of these (one black and one nickel) for my front and back doors. Installation was a breeze once I repaired the strike plate misalignment on my back door — it was always a difficult lock and this forced me to fix it. 😇 NOTE: don’t try to reuse the bolt from your old lock. It won’t work. It took me an hour to figure out why I was having a problem.For HomeKit, the Schlage app is not needed as long as you have a HomePod/HomePod Mini/Apple TV with Thread support. Once I installed the locks, all I had to do was press the set up button and hold my iPhone up against the inside part of the lock and then my iPhone walked me through the rest.Within an hour there was a firmware update that HomeKit notified me of and I installed it — again with no need to install the manufacturer’s app! Warning — after the firmware installation I had to remove both locks from HomeKit, reset them and do the setup again. A minor inconvenience that was easily accomplished in just a few minutes per lock. So, when you do a firmware update make sure you leave time to reset things.In addition to working seamlessly with HomeKit, my local hardware store was able to rekey them to match my existing Schlage locks for $15 each.In everyday use these things are very responsive. They unlock immediately using Apple Home Key from my iPhone or Apple Watch. Using the Apple Home App, they lock and unlock as soon as I press the button. Siri will NOT unlock without confirmation on your phone which is a great security feature. Other automations (turn on porch light when I unlock, lock all doors when I say “goodnight” etc) are flawless. However, you do need to confirm on your phone or watch for location based automations (lock when last person leaves). A reasonable feature to prevent security breaches or locking someone out by accident.Bonus feature — my cat is fascinated by it!

I’m really impressed with this Schlage smart lock. It looks sleek and modern, instantly upgrading the appearance of my door. Installation was quick and straightforward, and setting it up in the app was just as easy. It paired with my Google Home in minutes and works flawlessly. The build feels solid and high quality, giving me confidence in its security. Overall, it’s a well-designed, reliable product that delivers exactly what I wanted. Highly recommended!