Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Review

Ever been a couple of blocks from your house only to realize that you’ve forgotten to lock your front door? Or perhaps you’ve gotten comfortable in bed and then remembered you didn’t turn the deadbolt.

That problem can be solved with the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. It allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely, it’s easy to set up and use, and it’s accessible through a high-grade app.

With that said, not everyone has a good experience with this lock. Some testers found the instructions to be difficult, thought the deadbolt was quite bulky on their door, or disliked the need for additional equipment to use the advanced features.

Nevertheless, before you make your final decision, let’s take a closer look at the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt: The Details

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 x 8 inches.
• Product Weight: 4.85 pounds.
• Product Type: Deadbolt smart lock.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa? Yes.

How Does It Work

While the Schlage Sense deadbolt may look difficult to install and use, it’s a rather straightforward process. First things first, the digital steps:

Download the app (available for Apple and Android) on your phone and create an account. Once that’s finished, tap “add the lock,” select the “Sense” tab, and then follow the instructions the app provides from there. It should take about 20 minutes to fully install.

If you have a Wi-Fi adapter, you will need to pair that separately. First, open the menu, hit the Wi-Fi adapter button, and then press the ‘plus’ sign. From there, you will need to connect your Wi-Fi network.

As for physical installation, start by putting four AA batteries into the deadbolt. Then, align the deadbolt with your door to ensure it will fit snugly; most of all, be certain the door will close without any issues.

Next, you should remove your current deadbolt and then find the access and programming codes in the guide that comes with your new smart lock. From there, you can install the new deadbolt, screwing it and the support plate into the door. Next, install the alarm system.

Once everything is installed, you can test the alarm by closing the door and putting in your access code. You can then lock and unlock the door with the touchscreen.

Schlage: The Brand

Founded in 1920 in San Francisco, California, by Walter Schlage, the company has made security products from its inception.

According to the business, they are currently one of the most popular brands for locks in the United States, and they make everything from deadbolts to doorknobs to electronic locks and levers.

In 2013, Schlage joined 23 other companies under the Allegion brand, which develops a range of different security-related products.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Review

The Positives

Easy to Install

While installing a deadbolt, especially one with smart capabilities, may seem tricky, users reported that installing the Schlage Sense Deadbolt was straightforward and intuitive – even more so with help from the Schlage app.

Whether or not you’re skilled in the handy department, chances are, you won’t have to worry about fumbling with a frustrating device out of the box.

Schlage has put instructions in place to make this process much less daunting than it needs to be.

So long as you possess the right tools, it will require an hour or less to finish the installation. That’s remarkable for a smart lock.

Easy to Use

How does the lock perform in practice? Testers mentioned it was easy to use and simple to update. You can lock or unlock the door via the app or by using the entry codes you generate during the set-up process.

You can even create and then delete codes for guests. Users found that it was easy to set up a variety of access codes for their family, visitors or housekeepers.

You’ll also have a variety of options available to you with this smart lock. If you are inside the house, you can turn the deadbolt to lock the door or set the auto-lock feature.

It’s straightforward and intuitive, letting you customize it for your needs or preferences!

Convenient

Whether you forgot to lock the door before bed, before leaving for work, or are just uncertain about its state, this smart deadbolt allows you to secure your home more easily – and from any location. Users were very pleased with this convenient aspect.

The auto-lock provides an extra security measure, the touchscreen lets you enter your home without the need for keys, and the key-codes ensure you can grant or remove guest access at your leisure. All that’s necessary is your phone!

If you’re in charge of a bed and breakfast, or just live in a busy home, this will definitely prove to be convenient.

Additionally, since the Sense Smart Deadbolt is compatible with Apple Home Kit, you can use Siri and tell the lock to activate or deactivate. That makes it even more hands-free!

As a bonus, this deadbolt is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, so you can secure your door with a simple voice command – even if your phone is elsewhere.

Durable

This Sense Smart Deadbolt offers a design that is both sturdy and durable.

Because of its added support plate and the generally large build, you can be sure this smart lock will stand the test of time and resist any tampering.

Users loved the heavy-duty and solid construction of the Schlage Deadbolt which reassured them of the overall quality of the lock.

Since it’s made with strong materials, you won’t have to worry about a cheap design clashing with your home. This lock is also fingerprint resistant leaving prying hands at bay.

Customers who brought this product mentioned the battery life to be great. You won’t need to replace the batteries too often which could be a huge con for a smart deadbolt. And when you do need to replace them, users found it super easy.

App Works Well

Apps for smart locks, thermometers, refrigerators, and the like are always hit or miss; they’re very buggy or they’re mildly acceptable.

Luckily, testers reported the Schlage app as very high grade. It’s stable, responsive, undergoes regular updates, and delivers no false-positives.

While that’s, of course, the goal of any app, it’s refreshing to see one that provides functionality in the first go.

Back-Ups in Place

For those of you still worried about making the switch to a smart lock, Schlage makes this an easy compromise thanks to the key backup.

Instead of forgoing traditional keys altogether (which could lead to some worry) Schlage has included a typical lock into the device so you can use a traditional key as a backup.

This also makes this deadbolt a great compromise for a home who may not all be convinced to make the switch to smart tech – they can do so at their own pace.

The Negatives

Bulky

Unfortunately, testers disliked this smart lock’s bulky nature. It can take up quite a bit of space. If you own a screen door, the deadbolt may prevent it from closing.

This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it’s wise to take extra measurements ahead of time to ensure this smart deadbolt works for your set-up.

Instructions Aren’t the Best

While some testers mentioned how in-depth the instructions that come with this deadbolt are, others had problems with them.

A few thought they were poorly written and lacked important details, making the installation process more difficult than necessary.

There are videos online you can view to help the installation process, as well as newly written guides available if you’re concerned about setting up your lock.

Additional Features

While you can certainly use this Schlage deadbolt without several of the more advanced features, like the use of Siri and Alexa, you will need to purchase additional equipment if you want to utilize those options.

Specifically, you will need a Bluetooth connection or a Wi-Fi adapter to control the lock remotely. As for voice commands, an Apple TV or an Alexa-enabled device will be necessary.

This isn’t a major negative, but if you want to get the most out of this product, you will be required to invest in extra items.

If you’re already making the switch to a smart deadbolt though, this might be a step in the right direction to integrating smart technology into your home.

Can Be Noisy

Some users found that the smart deadbolt was a bit noisy when automatically locking. Users could hear the motor working to lock or unlock the door.

While most users didn’t find this to be too much of a problem, other users can easily find this irritating. If you live in a smaller home or in an apartment building, this could be an annoying feature to you and others around.

While it’s not a reason to forgo this deadbolt altogether, it’s wise to be in the know so you can alter your decision to suit you.

Here’s a video showing what the Schlage Sense looks like out of the box and installed.

Overall Verdict

After looking over all the positives and negatives, we are recommending this product. Based on tester feedback, the Sense Smart Deadbolt lives up to its product description as easy to use, convenient to operate, and highly secure.

You can lock the door remotely, connect it to your other smart products, and even give family members or friends guest codes for easy access.

However, if you don’t already own an Apple TV or an Amazon Alexa product, you’ll be limited in using the advanced features.

Nonetheless, it’s a convenient product that will have your home safeguarded with the latest tech. If you’re interested in a smart deadbolt that allows for multiple kinds of access, this could be a great buy.

Where to Buy the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

Schlage has been in the home security market for years and by integrating current smart technology into their products, they’re able to stay ahead of the game.

Products from this company are known for being accessible and reasonably priced, available around the globe both in-store and online.

While you can usually find Schlage products at home reno or department stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• The Home Depot (from $206)
• Wal Mart (from $258)
• Lowes (from $229)

And of course, you can also find this smart deadbolt on Amazon.

That’s the end of our Schlage Sense review. Tempted to give this lock a try?