So you have a new Schlage Encode Wi-Fi smart lock and just want to get it connected to your Wi-Fi. The process of setting up and connecting it is designed to be easy, but it's just our luck to have some technical difficulties.
No worries, as we will guide you through the quick fixes for Schlage Encode Wi-Fi connection issues and then move on to easy steps to follow if needed.
The most common issues and fixes for a Schlage Encode not connecting to Wi-Fi are:
- Basic Internet Issues: Reset Modem or Router
- Incorrect Login Info: Test Network Info on Another Device
- Incompatible Wi-Fi Band: Be Sure You Are Connecting to a 2.4 GHz Network
- Low Signal Strength: Move the Router Closer or Boost the Signal
- Bug or Technical Glitch: Restore to Factory Default Settings
If these sparked an idea go ahead and try them out, otherwise, check out these more detailed solutions to help you pinpoint the exact issue.
Here are seven solutions that will help connect your Schlage Encode smart lock to Wi-Fi!
1. Restart Your Router
It is best to start straight at the source of the Wi-Fi and give it a fresh restart. This can fix a lot of issues straight away and is a simple place to begin.
Here is how most modems or routers can be easily restarted:
- Unplug the power cord from the router/modem.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, and then plug the cord back in.
- Wait a few minutes for the device to reboot.
- Once it is up and running again, try connecting your Schlage lock to the wifi again.
If this doesn't seem to be a quick fix, continue on to the next step to be sure your network is visible.
2. Double Check Network Login Info
First of all, is your network showing up? It is possible that your network is hidden or may not be showing due to it not being password protected.
When your network is not visible, you can also select "Other Network" and manually enter login info. Either way, you may want to test out your password by entering it into another device to see if you are entering it correctly.
There is also an option to connect to your lock using Bluetooth if, for whatever reason, your internet is just down for the time being.
If your wifi is showing but either is indicating low signal bars or you just can't connect, try boosting the signal.
3. Boost Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Now the router has a fresh start, and let's be sure that the signal is reaching your smart lock.
Wi-Fi signals can be weakened by a variety of things, from barriers, like walls, to general distance.
If it isn't fully installed in the door already, try bringing your lock close to the router during connecting process. If possible, you can also move your router as far as the cords will allow towards the door with your lock.
In the case that moving the lock temporarily resolves your connection issues, you may consider getting a wifi range extender.
Are you sure the lock is in the range of the Wi-Fi and still having trouble? Move on to double-check the Wi-Fi band.
4. Check Your Network Wi-Fi Band
Most routers are dual-band, meaning that you will have two available signals, both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, the Schlage Encode smart lock doesn't work on a 5 GHz network.
Be sure you are trying to connect to the 2.4 GHz network. If you can't tell by the wifi name which network band you are on, you may need access to a computer to figure out which one is which.
To check the band, your wifi network is using, follow these steps on your computer:
- Make sure you are connected to your wifi network
- Go to the network settings panel by clicking on the wifi icon in the taskbar or system tray
- From the available networks list, click on the properties of your wifi network
- In the window that opens, scroll down until you see the Network Band setting, it will show either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
Once you figure out which is which, temporarily forgetting the 5 GHz network on your phone may help, this will prevent you from accidentally connecting to it.
If you figured out you were attempting to use the 5 GHz signal but still aren't able to connect, try manually entering your login credentials.
5. Check For An App Update
When an app on your phone has an update available, it can start to have issues that prevent it from working correctly.
To check for an app update, simply locate the app you are using (Schlage Home app or Key App by Amazon) in the app store or on Google Play if you are using Android.
If your app needs an update, try reconnecting after doing so or move on to the next idea.
6. Battery Issues or Replacement
The Schlage Encode Deadbolt lock uses 4 AA alkaline batteries which when low, could affect the performance of some features. With the cover off, pull the top rectangular portion to access the battery tray.
Check they were put in correctly and seated firmly. If you have made it this far and haven't been able to connect, trying new fresh batteries can't hurt.
Keep in mind there is a low battery indicator on the lock itself that should give you a heads-up before they go completely dead. You can also see the battery life in the app once it is connected there.
If you find the batteries aren't the problem, a factory reset may do the trick.
7. Perform Factory Default Reset
If the wifi is still failing to connect, you should try resetting your Schlage Deadbolt to its factory settings. While this could solve all the issues upfront, this step takes the longest and will make you start the setup process over.
Before doing this, you should know this reset will erase all previously programmed codes and virtual keys. These cannot be recovered once they are erased, so you will need your default codes ready in order to re-program the lock.
Here are the steps for resetting your Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Deadbolt to its factory settings:
- Remove the battery cover to locate the Reset button, which is a black circular button located to the right of the thumb turn.
- Press and hold the Reset button until the lock flashes red.
- Keep holding the Reset button until the red flashes stop.
- The factory default reset is complete once you see a solid blue light, which can take up to 10 seconds.
Remember to now change your default programming code and delete user codes. These default codes are printed on the white label under the cover of the lock.
If you need help finding this or changing the programming code, check out these code guides at Schlage:
What Should I Do If I Still Can't Connect?
If you are still having trouble connecting your Schlage Encode Lock to the Wi-Fi after trying these solutions, it is probably time to contact Schlage Customer Service.
Customer service may help identify an issue that was overlooked and could identify if the lock needs to be replaced. If a replacement is needed, there is a chance you may be covered cost-free.
Both the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi deadbolt and Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi deadbolt include a limited lifetime mechanical and finish as well as a limited 3-Year electronics warranty.
Summing it Up
The Schlage app is, more often than not, very quick and efficient when guiding you through the process of connecting the Encode lock to the internet.
If issues arise during this setup, it almost always comes down to basic internet issues, trying to connect to a 5 GHz network or poor signal strength.
When you are sure everything has been tried, you may just have a pesky technical glitch that requires you to start the process over with a factory reset. The factory reset can also come in handy with other issues that may come up with general locking issues.
I hope this article led you to a quick yet informative solution to your Encode Wifi connection issues and that your smart lock is back on track to do its job well!
