Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter Not Working: Fixes & Setup

The Schlage Sense Wi-Fi adapter is a handy add-on to the smart lock that allows you to access it anywhere. However, as we well know anything that connects to the internet can sometimes provide seemingly invisible issues that can be tough to sort through.

If you are having trouble connecting your Schlage Sense lock to the Wi-Fi network using the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter, this can guide will help get your lock connected as fast as possible.

Here's How to Quickly Troubleshoot Your Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter:

• Make sure the adapter is close to the lock and within range of your router
• Check that you are trying to connect to a network that has a  2.4 GHz frequency
• Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in
• Reset your WiFi adapter by holding its reset button for 10 seconds
• Double Check the Lock Batteries
• Check for App and Firmware updates
• Reset the Schlage Sense Lock

These quick steps should get you up and running but we will cover them in more detail as well as setup instructions in case you missed something.

Schlage Wi-Fi Adapter Troubleshooting: 7 Ways To Fix

This troubleshooting guide will help when your Schlage Wi-Fi adapter won’t pair with your Wi-Fi or it is just not working properly.

If you haven't tried to connect at all yet or don't know where to start, see the Wi-Fi adapter setup instructions below.

1. Make Sure Your Adapter is In Range of the Lock and Router

Making sure you have a proper signal is one of the easiest things to check, and strengthening the signal between devices can prevent a lot of issues.

Schlage says to have the adapter within 40 feet of the lock, but the closer the better. As physical barriers or obstacles that can obstruct the signal's path, I would always use the outlet closest to the lock even if it requires some rearranging.

It's essential to understand that the distance between the adapter, lock, and router can affect the quality of the signal. A weak signal may result in problems with connectivity, which could cause delays or errors in communication.

Check that your router isn't too far away and even move if it if possible to get better signal strength. If you have a bigger house or your router is behind several walls, a Wi-Fi booster works well to well to spread the signal to hard-to-reach areas and are worth the cost.

2. Check Your Connecting to a 2.4 GHz Band Network

Before setting up the adapter, know it's essential to ensure that you're connecting to a 2.4 GHz band network. All Schlage locks require that you connect to a 2.4 GHz network.

It's worth noting that most modern routers have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and it's easy to confuse the two when connecting your device. Connecting to a 5 GHz network can result in compatibility issues with your device, rendering it unusable.

Here's How to Check your Wi-Fi Band:

1. The easiest method is to see if your Wi-Fi names the band, for example, it lists 2.4 or 5 in the title.
2. On a Windows computer, you can right the Wi-fi and click properties and it will tell you the network band.
3. On an IOS device, the easiest way is to find a Wi-Fi analyzer app that can detect it for you.
4. On Android, you can tap and hold the Wi-Fi settings until the gear icon pops up and lets you see the Network properties.

Switch to the 2.4 GHz, network if you found you were using a 5 GHz band network. Here is a more in-depth article on how to tell if you have 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi network, if you need more help.

Forgetting the 5 GHz network on your phone and temporarily turning off phone data can also help. This will ensure everything is getting connected to that 2.4 network so you have the best chance for success.

3. Restart Your Router

Yes, the old go-to, and you probably know the drill well. Unplug the router for at least 30 seconds and plug it back in. This deletes the recent cached memory, refreshes the router, and gets your device to the least crowded networks.

This means you will want to be sure your lock and phone are connected to the right band again. Even if you have tried restarting the router, trying it after these troubleshooting steps can't hurt.

4. Reset The Adapter

While all the previous steps are completely necessary to help avoid future issues, resetting the adapter itself can be a quick fix.

This will help when it simply has a software bug, or the adapter accidentally paired with the Apple Homekit system.

Try resetting the adapter itself first and resetting the lock itself only as a last-ditch effort as it will require you to reprogram it.

To reset the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi adapter simply press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.

5. Double Check The Schlage Lock Batteries

While the adapter plugs in and doesn't require batteries, having low ones in your lock can cause connectivity issues. Keep in mind, the lock should warn you when they are low by beeping and flashing orange before locking.

It is important to know that the Schlage Sense uses 4 AA batteries, alkaline batteries are preferred, and you shouldn't mix old and new batteries. You can also check the battery level in the app connected to your lock, but a visual inspection can be helpful too.

Checking the batteries on your Sense lock is simple, here's how you do it:

1. Pull up on the black cover of the panel on the inside of the door.
2. Disconnect the wire connected to the battery tray up top
3. Pull out the tray and inspect the batteries for damage and see the expiration dates
4. Replace them all with new ones if necessary
5. Seat the battery tray fully, firmly connect the wire, and replace the cover

6. Check For App and Firmware Updates

You should check for updates often, as using an outdated app or firmware version on your lock can unfortunately give you grief.

This will be a more likely issue for someone who has had the lock for a while, or didn't recently download the app

You will have the latest version of the app if you just downloaded it, but it's worth checking.

To check for an app update, locate it in the App Store or on Google Play where it will indicate if an update is available.

To see if a firmware update is available, you can check on the Schlage Home app by finding Firmware in the settings. It will usually alert you if one is available for your lock.

For those that use the Allegion ENGAGE app, you can update remotely through it as well.

Here's how you can check for a firmware update on your Schlage smart lock with Engage app:

1. Log in and choose the name of the residence where the lock is located.
2. Select the lock unit that you want to update.
3. Once the "Connected" banner appears at the bottom of the screen, tap "Update Firmware" to see if one is available.

Try to connect to the adapter again if any sort of update was required and move on to the last step if you were not successful.

7. Reset the Schlage Sense Lock

In the case you have tried all the other steps with no luck, you may need to reset the Schlage Sense lock as well.

This is a factory reset that will erase all programmed user codes, and only be usable with the default codes. Therefore, you will want to first locate the default user and programming codes.

They will be on the manual if you have it, otherwise, you will need to take the two screws off the inside panel to see them on the sticker inside.

Here's how to reset the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt:

1. Pull up on the black cover of the panel on the inside of the door.
2. Disconnect the wire connected to the battery tray up top
3. Discharge leftover electricity by pressing the Schlage button a few times
4. Next, press and hold the Schlage button while reconnecting the battery wire
5. Hold the Schlage button until three green checkmarks flash
6. Replace the battery cover, and test the lock

Here's how to change the default user codes on your Schlage lock if you need a reminder.

Try retting the adapter one more time and setting it up from scratch if you still can't connect. If nothing is working, you can contact Schlage Customer Support to help you identify if the device needs to be replaced.

Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter Setup Instructions

You'll need to download the Schlage Smart Home App onto your mobile device if you haven't done so already. The app also has a handy installation video that can be useful.

How To Set Up Your Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter On IOS

1. Open the Schlage Smart Home app and select "Wi-Fi Adapters".
2. Look for the "+" icon at the top right corner of the screen, and tap it to add a new device.
3. Enter the programming code from the back of your Wi-Fi Adapter into the app.
4. Plug in the Wi-Fi Adapter (within 40 feet of your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt).
5. Follow the in-app instructions to connect to the adapter's network.
6. Follow the prompts to connect your home's Wi-Fi network to the Wi-Fi Adapter within the app.
7. The lock should now pair automatically with the app, as long as it is within range.
8. Your Wi-Fi adapter should now be paired with your Sense lock.

How To Set Up Your Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter On Android

1. Check that your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that you plan to use for the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter.
2. Open the app and go to the menu, where you can find the Adapters options.
3. Tap the "+" symbol on the top right corner of the app screen to start adding a new device.
4. Check the 8-digit programming code on the back of your Adapter as you will need it later.
5. Plug in the Wi-Fi Adapter into an outlet (within 40 feet of your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt).
6. Select the Wi-Fi Adapter on the list shown in the app.
7. Choose your home Wi-Fi network to connect the Adapter to.
8. Enter the programming code, noted earlier, for your Wi-Fi Adapter.
9. The Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter is now added to your account.
10. You have successfully paired your lock with the Wi-Fi Adapter.

Schlage Wi-Fi Adapter FAQs

What does the Schlage Wi-Fi adapter do?

The Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter lets you use both IOS and Android devices to connect to your lock from anywhere. The Sense comes with this feature only available for IOS via Apple Home.

Do You Need a Wi-Fi Adapter For Schlage Sense?

If you have a Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt you will need the adapter to be able to connect to it from away from home with both Android and IOS devices. You won't need it if you only use IOS devices and connect to Apple Home, or just want to use it in Bluetooth range at your home.

Summary

I have found when the Schlage Wi-Fi adapter isn't working, the usual culprits are most often the user trying to connect to a 5 GHz network, their internet is having issues itself, or the adapter just needs to be reset.

Normally the pairing of the adapter and lock is a seamless process but technology doesn't always play nice. When you are looking to upgrade locks, I would recommend the Schlage Encode so you don't have to even deal with the adapter.

That said, I hope this guide helped you nail down the problem and you have gained useful information to combat any further problems with your Sense lock and adapter.