Schlage Encode Plus Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Schlage Encode Plus is a strong smart deadbolt for keyless entry, remote control and Apple home keys, provided your door fits its standard measurements and your home WiFi is suitable.
On this page (8 sections)
- Schlage Encode Plus review: the quick verdict
- Access methods and everyday usability
- Installation fit and door measurements
- WiFi, apps and smart-home connections
- Security features and practical limits
- Is Schlage Encode Plus compatible with Thread or Z-Wave?
- Which finish should you choose?
- Schlage Encode Plus review: who should buy it?
The Schlage Encode Plus is a capable smart deadbolt for homes that want several ways to secure and open a door. It combines a touchscreen, access codes, built-in WiFi, Apple home keys and voice control support, with installation designed for a standard door.
That mix suits households who do not want to rely on a single method of entry.
A code can work for one person, while another person uses an app or a tap from a phone or watch.
The three options here use the same Encode Plus family design and door fit measurements.
The main difference is finish and stated code capacity.
The Aged Bronze version supports up to 250 access codes.
The Satin Nickel and Matte Black versions support up to 100 access codes.
For most homes, 100 codes is already more than enough for family, guests and regular visitors.
The higher capacity becomes more useful where codes change often.
That can include a busy household, a rental with rotating guests, or a home where several people need their own scheduled access.
All three versions share the touchscreen approach and the same basic set of controls.
So the choice is less about the core lock and more about the look of your door and how many codes you expect to manage.
Remote control is another reason to consider this lock.
Built in WiFi connects it to the Schlage Home app, so you can lock or open from elsewhere and check activity.
That feature depends on a suitable home WiFi connection at the door.
Aged Bronze, Satin Nickel and Matte Black can look quite different once fitted.
It is worth checking the finish against your handles, hinges and other entry hardware before you order.
Schlage Encode Plus review: the quick verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is best for keyless entry with remote access and a wide choice of control methods. It makes the most sense when your door fits the required measurements and your 2.4 GHz WiFi reaches the entry.
The touchscreen lets you enter a code without carrying a key.
That is useful for children, guests and anyone who tends to leave keys behind.
One touch locking from the outside also makes securing the door quick when you are leaving.
You can also use the Schlage Home app, Apple home keys, Alexa or Google Home, depending on the devices and accounts you connect.
Each option suits a different routine.
The app helps when you are away and need to check or change the lock.
Apple home keys help when you want a simple tap with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Voice control can help when your hands are full, though it works best as an extra option rather than your only method.
Auto lock is another practical feature to think about.
You can set a time delay so the door locks after you enter, or turn auto lock off if you prefer manual control.
That choice matters for families with different habits.
Some people want the door to secure itself every time.
Others find manual locking easier to manage with children or visitors.
This is a residential deadbolt, not a complete home security system.
It can record lock history and send notifications through the app, but it does not replace cameras, lighting or a wider alarm setup.
If you want to understand how a lock fits into a wider plan, start with this guide to smart door locks.
Before buying, check the door thickness and backset first.
Also check that WiFi reaches the entry well enough for remote features to work as expected.
If both of those checks pass, the Encode Plus gives you a flexible way to manage access.
You can give regular users their own codes and remove access when it is no longer needed.
That makes code management part of the routine from the start.
It also helps to decide how you will use the lock day to day.
Some homes will use codes most often.
Others will lean on the app or Apple home keys.
Choosing the finish and code capacity after those decisionsround out the choice more sensibly.
Access methods and everyday usability
The Encode Plus gives you more than one way to use the door, which helps different people in the same household. A family member can use a code, while another person may prefer an iPhone, Apple Watch, app control or voice commands.
The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen supports keyless entry and one-touch locking from the exterior. Auto-lock can be set with different time delays or turned off, so you can choose between automatic locking and manual control.
The Schlage Home app adds remote locking and opening, access-code management, lock history and customizable notifications when the lock is connected to your home WiFi. Multiple locks can also be managed together through the app.
Apple users get an extra access method through Apple home keys. With a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, you can tap to lock or open rather than type a code.
The lock also works with Apple Home.
Alexa and Google Home support add voice control and the option to connect the lock with smart-home routines. Voice control is useful when your hands are busy, but you should still choose an access method that works when your phone, internet connection or voice assistant is unavailable.
For a practical walkthrough, see how to use Schlage Encode Plus.
Which Schlage Encode Plus version is the best fit?
The Aged Bronze version is the strongest choice for households that need many access codes. Its stated capacity is up to 250 codes, compared with up to 100 for the Satin Nickel and Matte Black versions.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock: Best for larger code needs
- Aged Bronze finish
- Built-in WiFi
- Up to 250 access codes
- Apple home keys
- Alexa and Google Home support
This finish has the largest stated access-code capacity of the three options. It suits homes, rentals and households that need many scheduled codes while keeping the same standard door-fit range.
Pros
- Built-in WiFi
- Supports Apple home keys
- Supports Alexa and Google Home
- Customizable alarm
- Highest stated access-code capacity
Cons
- Requires compatible 2.4 GHz WiFi for the listed remote features
- Aged Bronze may not suit every door
The Satin Nickel version suits a door with silver-tone hardware and gives you the same core Encode Plus approach. It supports built-in WiFi, Apple home keys, Alexa and Google Assistant, touchscreen entry and a customizable alarm.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock: Best for classic hardware style
- Satin Nickel finish
- Built-in WiFi
- Up to 100 access codes
- Apple home keys
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
The Satin Nickel version keeps the main Encode Plus access and remote-control features in a neutral finish. It is a practical match for doors with silver-tone hardware.
Pros
- Built-in WiFi
- Apple home keys support
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Simple screwdriver installation
Cons
- Lower stated code capacity than the Aged Bronze option
- Remote features depend on WiFi connection
The Matte Black version is the better visual match for dark modern hardware. Its access-code capacity is stated as up to 100, and it includes the same standard door-fit range as the other two options.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock: Best for modern dark hardware
- Matte Black finish
- Built-in WiFi
- Up to 100 access codes
- Apple home keys
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
This option gives the Encode Plus system a darker finish for modern entry doors. Its stated access-code capacity and door-fit range match the Satin Nickel version.
Pros
- Built-in WiFi
- Apple home keys support
- Remote control through the Schlage Home app
- Customizable alarm
- No hardwiring required
Cons
- Lower stated code capacity than the Aged Bronze option
- Matte Black needs to coordinate with existing hardware
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Because the three products share the same main lock family, finish and code capacity carry much of the difference here.
Installation fit and door measurements
Schlage Encode Plus fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, with a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset. Measure both details before ordering instead of assuming every existing deadbolt opening will match.
The lock is designed to install with a screwdriver and does not need hardwiring. Its Snap ‘n Stay design helps hold the lock on the door while you work, which can make the inside and outside parts easier to align.
The products include installation hardware and installation instructions. You should still inspect the door before starting.
A sagging door, a latch that rubs, or a strike plate that is not aligned can make any deadbolt harder to operate.
Remove the existing deadbolt only after confirming the replacement measurements. Check the door edge, the center of the deadbolt opening and the space around the exterior touchscreen.
The hardware is zinc, and the listed dimensions are 0.9 x 3 x 5 inches. Those measurements help with planning, but the door's trim and nearby handle can affect how comfortable the lock feels in daily use.
If you need to replace nearby hardware too, compare the options in Best Door Handles for Schlage Encode Plus.
WiFi, apps and smart-home connections
Built-in WiFi is one of the Encode Plus's main advantages because remote control does not require an additional lock hub. For Matter compatibility details, see Schlage Encode Plus Matter support.
The Aged Bronze product data specifies a 2.4 GHz home WiFi connection for its remote features, so check your network setup before installation.
The Schlage Home app is the central control point. It lets you lock or open remotely, create access codes, view lock history, receive notifications and manage multiple locks.
Remote control depends on the lock staying connected to WiFi and the app being configured correctly. A weak signal at the entry can affect the experience, so think about the lock's location and your router coverage.
Apple Home and Apple home keys are useful if your household already uses Apple devices. Alexa and Google Home support may be a better fit when your home relies on those platforms.
The Encode Plus uses Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. If you are comparing it with another smart-lock setup, Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus explains the difference between the two Schlage lines.
Security features and practical limits
The Encode Plus includes secure encrypted communication, a customizable alarm and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen. The product data also identifies it as Grade 1/AAA certified for the Aged Bronze version, with the other versions described as certified highest residential Security, Durability and Finish by BHMA industry experts.
An alarm for door movement and forced-entry attempts can add an alert layer at the entry. It does not replace a properly fitted door, a strong strike installation or a wider alarm system.
The touchscreen avoids handing out physical keys, but code management becomes part of your routine. Give each regular user a suitable code, remove codes that are no longer needed and avoid sharing one permanent code with every visitor.
Remote opening also deserves care. Only use it when you can confirm who is at the door, especially if the lock is connected to guest access or an automated routine.
For a broader view of how entry hardware fits with cameras, read What Is a Security Camera Kit, and Why It Matters?.
Is Schlage Encode Plus compatible with Thread or Z-Wave?
The Encode Plus product data identifies Bluetooth and WiFi as its connectivity protocols. For Schlage models that support Matter, see Schlage smart locks with Matter.
If Thread or Z-Wave is important to your home system, confirm the exact lock model and integration requirements before choosing it.
This distinction matters because smart-home protocols affect hubs, automations and which devices can communicate directly. Built-in WiFi is convenient, but it does not mean every smart-home standard is supported.
Read Does Schlage Encode Plus Use Thread or Z-Wave? before planning a new automation setup. If your home already uses Z-Wave, compare it with Which Yale Assure Lock Works with Your Z-Wave Hub?.
Which finish should you choose?
Choose the finish that matches your existing entry hardware after confirming the door fit. The Aged Bronze, Satin Nickel and Matte Black versions all use the Encode Plus family name, but the finish changes the look of the door.
Aged Bronze is the most useful option for a household that needs the higher stated code capacity. Satin Nickel is a neutral choice for silver-tone handles and hinges, while Matte Black suits darker hardware.
Finish is not only a style decision. A new deadbolt can look out of place if it clashes with the handle, door knocker or house numbers, so compare the full entry before ordering.
If you want more Schlage options, see Best Schlage Keyless Entry Door Locks.
Schlage Encode Plus review: who should buy it?
Buy the Schlage Encode Plus if you want a touchscreen deadbolt with built-in WiFi and several access methods. It is especially suitable for households that use Apple home keys, need remote app control or want to manage codes for guests.
Pick the Aged Bronze option when you need up to 250 access codes. Pick Satin Nickel or Matte Black when the finish matters more and up to 100 codes is enough.
Before ordering, measure the door thickness and backset, check WiFi coverage at the entry and decide which app or smart-home controls you will actually use. Those checks matter more than choosing a finish by appearance alone.
For this Schlage Encode Plus review, the decision is simple: choose the model that fits your door, network and access-code needs, then match the finish to the hardware already on your entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it?
The Schlage Encode Plus is worth considering if you want a touchscreen deadbolt with built-in WiFi, remote control through the Schlage Home app and Apple home key support. Its main limits are the need for a suitable WiFi connection and a door that matches the stated thickness and backset measurements.
What access methods does Schlage Encode Plus support?
Schlage Encode Plus supports touchscreen code entry, one-touch locking, remote control through the Schlage Home app, Apple home keys with an iPhone or Apple Watch, and voice control through supported Alexa or Google Home devices. The exact smart-home setup depends on the services you connect.
Does Schlage Encode Plus fit standard doors?
Schlage Encode Plus fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backset. Measure your door before ordering, and check that the existing deadbolt opening and surrounding trim leave enough room for the new hardware.
Does Schlage Encode Plus need a hub?
Schlage Encode Plus has built-in WiFi, so the listed remote-control features do not require a separate hub. It connects through the Schlage Home app and your home WiFi network.
Smart-home voice and Apple features still require the compatible accounts or devices named by Schlage.
