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

I purchased several of these to replace other deadbolts of this type both smart and those with only a button code entry. These were beyond simple to install and even easier to get setup with HomeKit and a keypad code on my phone as well as family members, guests etc. I've only had them for a month or so at the time of writing this and they've worked flawlessly. The lock mechanism works quickly as does the status notification (locked / unlocked) and seems to be just as secure, if not more secure than those I previously had. I also like the fact that there is a key in case you'd prefer to give that to a guest, worker or if you get locked out somehow without the other options to get in.My only complaint is that unlike all of my other smart and keypad locks, you cannot simply touch the keypad anywhere so it illuminates allowing you to then punch in your code (unless your code starts with say 5 and you always touch it in the middle of the lock where it's almost natural to since it has the little (( NFC ))" icon). Otherwise, you'll continue to enter the incorrect code until you realize you need to touch the left [HOUSE] button, then it will illuminate, and you can enter your keypad code. Once you know this is how it works, it's not a big deal. We typically use our phone or watch to unlock the doors anyhow. I'm mentioning because, as luck would have it, only 2 days after installing these, a family member kept getting locked out for the "cool down" phase the lock goes into after too many incorrect attempts simply because they were touching it to get it to light up, then entering the code - not realizing the action of touching it was also entering the first number. Maybe there is a way to adjust the illumination feature, I've not really dug into it since we now know about it and rarely use the keypad anyhow.Otherwise I would recommend these deadbolt locks, they're priced great for what you get and in comparison to others out there and/or that I've previously owned. Should anything change, I'll update this review.

[> TLDR Section <][> PROS <]Tapered Wedge Shaped Bolt DesignTimeout to re-lock (15s, 30s and 1 to 5 Minutes)iPhone as E-Key (Via Apple Wallet)Some iPhones can still be used as an E-Key even if off (Dead Battery)Voice Control via Siri/Alexa (Google untested)Siri access can be locked behind Face IDExcellent integration with Apple HomeKit"Anywhere" control and status through the app and Siri (Did not test with G-Home or A-Alexa)Integrates with more than one service at a time; i.e.: HomeKit & Alexa togetherMakes use of Apple HomeKit Automation RoutinesCan create Guest accounts with limited days/hours of authorized accessCan have multiple Residents under HomeKit to grant PIN and E-Key accessShows lock status on HomeKit Home View (Locked, Unlocked, Jammed, etc.)Can get lock's status from Siri/Alexa (Locked, Unlocked, Jammed, etc.)Attempted Forced Entry detection (adjustable sensitivity) with audible alarm and app notification.Default codes stop working once the lock is assigned to HomeKit Home (Alexa/Google Not tested)[> CONS <]Price $$$$Auto-Relock timeout time cannot be arbitrarily set, 5 minutes is the maximum timeoutOnly ONE physical key includedAlexa skill REQUIRES verbal PIN codeDefault and programming codes are easily accessible under the battery coverNo obvious way to provide dedicated power to the lock and use batteries as a backup[> POTENTIAL CONS <]Requires use of Schlage app which talks to a central app services serverIf centralized server is shut down then the lock will very likely cease operationNo obvious way to make use of the lock without proprietary softwareRequires Schlage's app account to use the lock electronically.---[> REVIEW NOTE <] I do not have access to an iPad, so no tests were performed with one. All tests were done with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, an iPhone 11, an Apple TV 4K and an Amazon FireTV Cube.[> FULL REVIEW <]This lock integrates very nicely with Apple's HomeKit perfectly. While it does integrate with Amazon's Alexa, the Alexa skill requires you to verbally supply a passcode in addition to the command. Apple's HomeKit does not have this requirement via iPhone. I did NOT test the lock with Google Home, so I can't give feedback on that. I specifically avoid Google anything these days for many reasons, most of all, the utter lack of respect for the privacy of their customers, much like Microsoft or the US Government.Being able to use my iPhone as an E-Key is VERY handy. That key shows up under Apple Wallet. Being able to use a voice command to Siri or Alexa is quite nice. The timed re-locking feature was also very important to me. I am my mother's full-time caretaker and she often forgets to re-lock the door, resulting in certain unwanted individuals to just enter the house without invitation. This lock solves that lapse in judgement and the resulting problem.The deciding factor on this particular lock over others with the same or similar functionality was the bolt's shape. It has a wedge shape to it that flares out into a fully round bolt instead of a full-shaft round bolt like pretty much every other deadbolt out there, smart or dumb. Our door has weather stripping that causes the door to not fully close if it isn't slammed or pushed against HARD to fully engage the standard door catch mechanism. Every other deadbolt I've tried on this door that is the typical cylindrical bolt (ROUND from head to tail) fails to engage properly if the door isn't FULLY closed (which is difficult for my mother to do due to her disabilities), thus not providing secure bolt engagement. Other deadbolts often fail to fully latch even if the door is fully closed because they have to overcome the reistance provided due to the weather stripping around the frame of the door. It was incredibly irritating until I found this lock and its tapered bolt design.The shape of this lock's bolt in combination with the motor and gear mechanism used inside the main body are good enough to overcome the problems with our particular door and allows the bolt to FULLY engage, even if the door is not fully closed properly. This provides us with peace of mind. And if the door isn't closed enough for the bolt to engage, the lock makes audible tones and shows on the app and Apple's HomeKit as "Jammed".I only really have two complaints. For the price of this lock, there really should be TWO physical keys included. Unfortunately, there's only ONE in the box. My second complaint is that the default access codes along with the programming code are easily accessed by just removing the battery cover. While convenient, it is a physical security risk if anyone you don't fully trust has access to the battery cover on the interior body of the lock. That sticker really should have been placed in such a way that a screwdriver would be required to get to it. Because I don't fully trust certain people who occasionally have access to the house while we're home, I was forced to remove that sticker and store it safely elsewhere. It is identical to the one provided on the ENGLISH manual. Unfortunately, once you peel the sticker off, the glue affixing it in place can't be "re-stuck" to something else.The ONLY other complaint I would have is that the lock can't be used without the Schlage app. It would have been far better had Schlage made use of Matter for integration instead of a proprietary app that relies on a centralized services server network. My only fear is that WHEN they decide to shut down those servers, the lock's functionality will cease to exist, at which point I'll have to hack it to make use of a Raspberry Pi Pico to make it work again! Hopefully they'll just keep the servers up, unlike some other manufacturers that just don't care. Only time will tell on this one, I'm afraid.

The "plus" version of this lock supports Matter and integrates into Apple Home. If you have have no interest in Apple Home do not get the plus version.Apple Home allows you to open the lock using an iPhone or Apple Watch. This works very well. Super convenient. It was easy to add the lock to Apple Home. After mounting the lock I connected it to Apple Home but pressing the button on the back of the lock and tapping my iPhone. Thats it! I did not need to connect the lock to WiFi first. Once you are set up you can invite members of the household (ensure they have the home app installed) or limited access for guests.If you want to connect this lock to WiFi, you need to know that this lock CANNOT connect to 5 Ghz WiFi. It requires 2.4 Ghz. Some WiFi systems do not let you turn off 5Ghz. If that is the case with you, you will not be able to connect the lock to WiFi.Another thing to know is that the lock code entry area with numbers is black on black. You can't see the numbers until you press something on the area. People often press a number to light up the area, then enter the code. This results in a wrong code being entered. I tell people to press the home button first, then enter the code. But many people don't follow those instructions. This is especially important for short term rentals.As an Apple Home user, I absolutely love this lock. While there are other locks that support Apple Home, I think this is the only one that supports the Thread protocol.