Schlage Encode Plus Review:The 1st lock with Apple home key support

Review: Schlage Encode Plus – the first smart lock with Apple home key support

9to5Mac By Jeff Benjamin

[{"selector":"#anim-c0d55e99-9072-4527-806e-2c5b8f1594ed","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] As first announced at WWDC 2021, iOS 15 evolves Apple Wallet to store keys for hotels, homes, and even cars .

[{"selector":"#anim-ee0c43bf-9f8d-4b00-9133-e4fcf1287e77","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Schlage Encode Plus is the first such consumer lock solution to take advantage of the NFC-powered Apple home key support.

[{"selector":"#anim-b29f6b6f-6f61-4f72-865c-2c4a692cb2c1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Schlage Encode Plus Tech Specs • Smart WiFi deadbolt • Touchscreen keypad entry • Physical key entry • HomeKit & Siri support with Home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, etc.) • Apple home key support for NFC tap-to-unlock w/ iPhone or Apple Watch • Express mode support to unlock without authentication • Unlock via NFC with dead iPhone

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[{"selector":"#anim-9790160b-5f7c-47b6-97f0-f27f1171e216","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Schlage, founded in 1920, has a long history in the lock business, so it’s obviously above board when it comes to important areas like security and durability – it’s just a matter of taking its expertise in the lock business and adding in modern conveniences.

[{"selector":"#anim-de5c7240-3858-463b-bfda-f27e270e0c10","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] My Schlage Encode Plus is in the Century style, which makes for a fairly modern-looking design. In all there are three finish options including matte black, aged bronze, and satin nickel, as well as a more traditional Camelot design option at launch.

[{"selector":"#anim-0ad6c313-1c36-48e9-8992-b10b11d8de9d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] As long as your door has the necessary cutouts — and the door is aligned properly when closed — installation should be a breeze. I had the Encode Plus installed in less than 10 minutes, and that includes removing my existing Yale Smart Lock .

[{"selector":"#anim-7ba22e50-6739-4439-857e-1ffb6192e0d7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Encode Plus supports HomeKit connectivity, which gives you the ability to control the lock using the Home app, HomeKit automations, and Siri voice control.

Learn more about the Schlage Encode Plus and watch my hands-on video review at 9to5Mac.com.

[{"selector":"#anim-454a118b-8f63-4d8a-9bd4-79004925a6ae","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Video review