Schlage Lock Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It!

Whether it is twenty miles down the road or two thousand miles away from home, it is common for you to have anxiety pangs about whether or not you have turned off the gas, drawn the curtains, switched off the lights, and locked the door of the house before leaving. Thankfully, with the innovation in smart home technology, we live in the times of motorized curtains, smart door locks, and home automation systems. 

A smart lock is a step towards making our homes smart. A smart lock is not merely a lock that you can lock and unlock without a key, but a lock that connects with your home assistant and mobile apps so that you can practically lock or unlock your home from anywhere. So whether you hate carrying keys while getting late for work, need to set guest user codes for your Airbnb, or wish to avoid spending extra money for replacing keys for the house renters.

I have Schlage locks installed at my home and I trust them so much that I made my sister install the same locks at her place a couple of months ago. Schlage is a technologically advanced door lock brand that has been around in American markets for over 100 years. These locks are popular due to their series of smart locks that come equipped with enhanced security features.

If you are a Schlage user, it is common for Schlage users to face issues and have difficulty performing certain functions that are typically easy to troubleshoot. To fix the issues concerning your Schlage smart lock, ensure that your lock is installed properly and the vacation mode of your smart lock is deactivated. Depending upon the problem, you may have to power cycle your WiFi router, update your Schlage lock or reset your Schlage lock.

In this article, we will discuss some of these troubleshoots that help you fix your Schlage door lock in a few minutes.

Type Of Schlage Locks

Schlage is one of the leading door lock brands, and they sell some of the best smart locks. There are three types of Schlage locks available, and each of these comes with different features.

Schlage Connect Lock

The Schlage Connect lock combines the usual security system of a lock with advanced features to provide enhanced security of Z-Wave Plus. The locks work with Alexa, SmartThings, and other hubs, which makes them a great choice for most smart homes.

Schlage Encode Lock

The Schlage Encode lock is a WiFi-enabled lock. The built-in WiFi helps you to operate your lock from anywhere. You can pair your lock with either the Key by Amazon app or Schlage Home app and grant access to your trusted friends and family and also keep an eye on when your lock was accessed.

Schlage Sense Lock

The Schlage Sense lock comes with Bluetooth pairing technology and can be incorporated into the leading home automation systems. The locks also allow you to use the Schlage Home app to monitor your home from anywhere. 

Common Issues With Schlage Locks

If you are a Schlage lock owner, you may have or might encounter an issue with your lock that made you think about why your Schlage lock is not working. Like any other electronic device, it is normal for smart locks to act faulty at times. I can assure you that you can rectify most of these issues by yourself by following some Schlage lock troubleshooting steps.

Some of the major issues that Schlage lock users normally face are as follows.

Schlage Lock’s Keypad Not Working

The most common issue that people face with Schlage smart locks is the Schlage keypad not working. Usually, the issue arises due to the low batteries on the lock.

Schlage Turn Lock Feature Not Working

The turn lock or thumb turn feature allows you to lock your door from outside by rotating the thumb turn and pressing the Schlage button. The turn lock feature saves significant time for users as with the feature turned on, you will not have to enter the code to lock the door each time you leave home. The Schlage turn lock feature is likely to cause you trouble if your Schlage lock application is not updated. As a result, your Schlage lock won’t unlock.

Schlage Keypad Deadbolt Not Working

The Schlage Sense smart locks have a deadbolt instead of a thumb turn. The lock uses Bluetooth to pair the lock with the smartphone. In case the Bluetooth connection between your lock and the device is not proper, you may end up facing issues with the auto lock feature of your Schlage lock.

Schlage Programming Code Not Working

The programming code of a Schlage lock is used to put the Schlage smart lock into programming mode. The code does not unlock the smart lock and only enables you to perform functions like changing or deleting the user code, activating or deactivating the vacation mode, etc. If the programming code of your Schlage lock is not working or you cannot remember the code, you will not be able to program your lock.

Schlage Lock Won’t Connect To App.

Many users complain about the issue of not being able to connect their Schlage locks to the Schlage or SmartThings app. In some cases, the issue may arise because your lock or the app is not updated. In other cases, the issues may be because of Bluetooth or WiFi-related issues.

Schlage Keypad Not Lighting Up

In the cases where your Schlage keypad is working but is not lighting up, the reason could be either an issue related to the settings or a hardware-related issue. Whatever the reason be, a Schlage keypad not lighting up will most probably result in the Schlage keypad not working.

Schlage Lock WiFi Issues

If your internet connection is good, but your Schlage lock won’t connect to the WiFi, the reason could be the bandwidth. Some Schlage locks only connect to 2.4 GHz, so you won’t be able to connect them to 5GHz internet.

How To Troubleshoot Your Schlage Locks?

Whether you are facing an issue of the Schlage turn lock feature not working or the Schlage keypad not lighting up, no matter what is the issue that you are facing with your Schlage smart lock, in most cases, you should be able to troubleshoot the issue for yourself. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to fix your Schlage smart lock not working issue, the following fixes will help you fix most of the issues related to your lock.

Let’s discuss the Schlage lock troubleshooting steps one-by-one in detail.

Ensure Entering The User Code Correctly

There are two types of lock codes that support the security system of Schlage door locks. The programming code is a default six-digit code used to put the Schlage smart lock into programming mode and does not unlock the smart lock. The user code is a 4-digit, routine code that works as the key to your home or office. Make sure that you are entering the correct code to open your door lock.

You may set up to 19 user codes on your Schlage lock, from which one is the primary user code, and the rest are the guest codes. The user code of your Schlage smart lock must be different from the first four digits of the programming code. If your Schlage lock’s vacation mode is activated, you will be able to unlock your home using the primary user code. I have done a pretty extensive article on changing codes on Schlage lock.

Replace The Batteries Of Your Schlage Lock

The most common reason why your Schlage lock won’t work is that the batteries of your smart lock are dead, and they need to be replaced. I recommend trying this Schlage keypad lock troubleshooting for most issues related to the locks. Schlage Lock battery replacement is a task that should not take more than a few minutes, and all you need to do the same are a Phillips-head screwdriver and a set of new batteries. 

Here’s how you can change the batteries of your Schlage lock in a few minutes.

• Step 1: Remove the screws of the Schlage door lock using a Phillips-head screwdriver securing the cover on the inside of the door.
• Step 2: Locate the screws that secure the battery cover of the Schlage lock. You will find either one or two battery covers, depending upon the model.
• Step 3: Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws.
• Step 4: Now pull the battery covers out from the Schlage smart lock.
• Step 5: Remove the old batteries from the lock and install new batteries keeping in mind the anode and cathode of the battery. If your Schlage door lock runs with a 9 Volts battery, remove the battery from the cover and disconnect the wire cap from the head of the battery. Then install a new 9 Volts battery and connect the wire cap to its top. In the end, carefully insert the battery back into the battery compartment.
• Step 6: Place the battery cover back in its place.
• Step 7: Secure the battery covers with the help of screws.
• Step 8: Position the lock over the lock cover attached to the door. Once the lock fits properly, secure it using the screws.

If the issue of Schlage electronic lock not working was due to low batteries, changing the batteries will definitely fix the issue for you.

Reset Your WiFi Router

If you are facing issues like Schlage connect not working with the SmartThings or Schlage sense not connecting to the app, the culprit could be your internet connection rather than the lock. In such cases, I recommend checking whether the internet is working fine on your other devices. Also, some Schlage locks only connect to 2.4 GHz, so you won’t be able to connect them to 5GHz internet.

I recommend power cycling your WiFi router to fix any connectivity-related issues if you are facing an issue of Schlage lock not unlocking.

Here’s how

Step 1: Disconnect the power cable connected to your Spectrum modem device and remove the batteries.

Step 2: Disconnect the power cable connected to your Spectrum router.

Step 3: Wait for 1-2 minutes and allow the equipment to cool down.

Step 4: Insert the batteries back into the modem and reconnect the power cables.

Step 5: Wait for 1-2 minutes till the modem powers up. The modem’s lights will indicate that the modem is now turned on.

Step 6: Re-plug the Spectrum router back into the electric power supply. 

Step 7: Wait for the display lights to turn on.

Following the above steps, you will be able to fix any issue related to the internet connectivity of your WiFi router and should be able to connect your Schlage lock to Schlage or SmartThings app.

Deactivate The Vacation Mode On Your Schlage Lock

The vacation mode on a Schlage lock disables all guest user codes at the keypad so that only the primary user code works. Vacation mode ensures that nobody can enter your home in your absence. If the keypad of your smart lock is not responding to the user code that you are entering, there are chances that the vacation mode is activated on it. Hence, to open your lock using the guest user code, you will have to deactivate the vacation.

To deactivate the vacation mode, type your 4-digit primary user code on the Schlage lock keypad and wait till the Schlage button flashes orange and beeps three times. Then press the Schlage button and number 4 simultaneously till the Schlage button turns green. The green light indicates that you have deactivated the vacation mode on your lock.

Reset Your Schlage Smart Lock

When nothing goes right, go left. And when nothing fixes your Schlage smart lock, reset it. While my joke may be bad, the idea is not. Many issues related to your Schlage lock, like your Schlage programming code not working, or Schlage smart lock not working after battery change, can be resolved by resetting your Schlage lock. The resetting of the Schlage locks will reset all the settings, including the programming code and user code, to default settings.

Here are the steps to reset your Schlage lock in less than a few minutes.

Step 1: Disconnect the batteries of your Schlage smart lock.

Step 2: Press and hold the Schlage button on the lock.

Step 3: Reconnect the batteries of your lock while holding the Schlage button.

Step 4: Release the Schlage button. You will notice that the lock will perform a setup process. Wait until the bolt of the lock stops moving.

Once the lock bolt stops moving, the reset process of the lock will be complete, and, hopefully, the issue related to your Schlage smart lock should resolve.

Update The Features Of Your Schlage Lock

Another reason why you may be facing an issue of Schlage lock not working is a pending update. Schlage locks come with a lot of features, but like any other smart device brand, Schlage is determined to make the experience of its users better than ever. For the same, they keep rolling out various features to enhance the performance of the locks through updates. I understand that updates and locks sound a bit weird together, but we live in an era when our locks are smarter than ever, and are even getting better through updates. So if you haven’t already, it is a great idea to update your Schlage locks now to avoid facing any issues.

• Step 1: Download the Allegion Engage App to your Android or iOS smartphone.
• Step 2: Log in to the account using the credentials provided to you by the Schlage Homebase Team.
• Step 3: Wait until you see the ‘connected’ message at the bottom of the screen 
• Step 4: Now click on the ‘Update Firmware’ icon and follow the instructions. To confirm the update, select update now. It is noteworthy that some of the updates of the Schlage locks are to be purchased and are not free of cost.
• Step 5: After the update is complete, close the Engage App on your smartphone, so it no longer connects to the lock.
• Step 6: Open the Schlage Homebase Mobile Manager and perform lock maintenance on your Schlage smart lock. 

The above steps should help you update your Schlage smart lock. In case you are unable to connect to the lock or are not able to update it, you may have to reset your Schlage lock following the Schlage lock troubleshooting steps given in the article.

FAQs

Q1. How can I disable the auto-lock feature on Schlage locks?

Answer – To disable the auto-lock feature of Schlage locks, press the Schlage button and number 9 simultaneously until a green light flashes. The green light will indicate that the auto-lock function is disabled.

Q2. A red light is flashing when I enter the code on my Schlage lock keypad. What does this mean?

Answer – A flashing red light upon entering the code on your Schlage lock keypad indicates that your lock batteries are low and need to be replaced. 

Q3. Why am I unable to create a new user code on my Schlage lock?

Answer – In most cases, there are two reasons why you may be unable to add a new user code to your Schlage lock. One, your Schlage lock already has 19 codes added to it. So, you will have to remove a code to add another. 

The other reason could be that you are adding a user code with digits identical to your programming code. In this case, try adding a different user code with digits different from the first four digits of the programming code.

Q4. How often should I update the features of my Schlage lock?

Schlage constantly rolls out updates to improve the user experience and to make new features available on their locks. You will find a number of updates available for the locks, which ensure that your lock performance keeps getting better than before.

But in case you do not feel the need for an update as you are convinced with the level of security or do not have the budget to purchase all the updates, you can stick to purchasing the updates that you need and buy the rest if and when you need them. It is not mandatory for you to purchase all the updates on your Schlage locks.

Q5. My Schlage lock is blinking red. Should I be worried?

You don’t need to worry if the lock is blinking red. I have covered the same in great detail here.

Conclusion

Schlage locks can change the way you feel about home security. Installing the locks at your home and office can relieve you from massive stress concerning the security of your home. The features of the lock ensure that you leave your home without bothering about unauthorized intruders, as smart locks give the peace that nobody can enter your home until you allow them to.

But in case you face the issue of your Schlage keyless lock not working, all the stress can bounce back in no time. But I can assure you that most of the issues related to your Schlage lock can be resolved following a few Schlage keypad lock troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article. 
I hope that the article must have helped you with your Schlage smart lock troubleshooting. If you have any more issues related to your Schlage lock, write to me in the comment section.