Smart Home & Wearables
Schlage Encode Plus Review: A Full Deadbolt Replacement With Apple Home Key Support
- Brand:
- Schlage
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-20
The verdict
Schlage Encode Plus is the smart lock to buy when you want a genuine deadbolt replacement with a real keypad, solid battery life, and Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock — it costs more and takes more effort to install than a retrofit lock, but the trade-off is a more complete, secure system.
Pros
- One of the first smart locks to support Apple's Home Key standard, letting you unlock by tapping a paired iPhone or Apple Watch
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge required, plus a physical keypad supporting up to 100 access codes
- Full deadbolt replacement (not a retrofit) means genuinely stronger, more consistent security than add-on lock devices
- Battery life averages around six months on four AA batteries, with low-battery alerts both on the lock and in the app
- Solid real-world reputation, holding around a 4.1-star rating across thousands of customer reviews
Cons
- MSRP of $299 (commonly $270-$340 depending on finish) is a real step up from retrofit-style smart locks like the August
- No geofencing without Apple HomeKit — it doesn't automatically sense you approaching or leaving on its own
- No fingerprint sensor, which some competing premium deadbolts now offer
- As a full deadbolt replacement, installation is a bigger job than a retrofit lock — expect a proper door-hardware installation, not just a quick screw-on
This review is based on Schlage's published specifications for the Encode Plus and the consistent patterns across independent smart lock reviews and thousands of verified customer ratings, focused on how it compares to retrofit-style smart locks.
Apple Home Key is the headline feature
Being among the first smart locks to support Apple's Home Key standard means you can unlock by simply tapping a paired iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock, without opening an app — a genuinely convenient feature for Apple households, and one still uncommon across the smart lock category.
A real deadbolt, not an add-on
Unlike retrofit locks that mount over an existing deadbolt, the Encode Plus fully replaces it, which means a bigger installation job but also a more integrated, singular piece of security hardware rather than two stacked mechanisms. The built-in keypad supporting up to 100 codes is useful for families, guests, or short-term rentals.
Who it's for
Best for anyone replacing a deadbolt outright who wants a built-in keypad, solid six-month battery life, and — for Apple users — genuine tap-to-unlock convenience. If you'd rather keep your existing deadbolt and do a quick retrofit install instead, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the simpler, cheaper option.
Frequently asked
- Does the Schlage Encode Plus support Apple Home Key?
- Yes — it's one of the first smart locks to support Apple's Home Key standard, allowing tap-to-unlock with a paired iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Does it need a separate hub?
- No, it has built-in Wi-Fi and doesn't require a separate hub or bridge to enable remote access and app control.
- How long do the batteries last?
- It runs on four AA batteries with an average life of around six months, and provides low-battery alerts both on the lock itself and through the app.
- Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth buying?
- Yes, if you're doing a full deadbolt replacement and want a built-in keypad plus Apple Home Key support. If you'd prefer a quicker, cheaper retrofit that keeps your existing deadbolt, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a better fit.
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