Quick Summary The Schlage Encode Plus is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart lock that supports Apple HomeKey, Amazon Alexa, and the Schlage Home app. When it fails to…
Quick Summary
The Schlage Encode Plus is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart lock that supports Apple HomeKey, Amazon Alexa, and the Schlage Home app. When it fails to pair, the most common causes are a Bluetooth range issue during initial setup, a Wi-Fi credential mismatch, or a firmware state that requires a factory reset before pairing. Unlike the original Schlage Encode (Wi-Fi only), the Encode Plus uses Bluetooth for the initial pairing handshake even when connecting to Wi-Fi — so Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone throughout the entire setup process.
Schlage Encode Plus LED and Beep Guide
Step 1: Prepare for Setup
Before starting the pairing process, ensure the following conditions are met. Batteries: Install 4 fresh AA batteries. Low batteries cause pairing failures even if the lock appears to power on. The Encode Plus requires strong batteries for the Wi-Fi radio to function during setup. Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on your phone and keep it enabled throughout the entire setup. The Encode Plus uses Bluetooth for the initial connection even when setting up Wi-Fi. Phone proximity: Stand within 1 metre (3 feet) of the lock during the entire pairing process. Bluetooth range limitations are the most common cause of Encode Plus pairing failures. App version: Update the Schlage Home app to the latest version before starting. App → Profile → App Version → check for updates in the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Put the Lock into Pairing Mode
The Encode Plus must be in pairing mode for the Schlage Home app to detect it. Press the Schlage button (the round button at the top of the keypad) once. The keypad will light up. Enter your Programming Code (the 6-digit code on the back of the lock or in the included documentation). The lock will beep and flash to confirm it is in setup mode. If you do not have the Programming Code: it is printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment or on the back of the lock. Do not confuse it with the Access Code. The lock will stay in pairing mode for approximately 30 seconds. If the app does not detect it in time, repeat this step.
Step 3: Add the Lock in the Schlage Home App
With the lock in pairing mode, use the Schlage Home app to complete the pairing. Open the Schlage Home app → tap + (Add Device) → Schlage Encode Plus. The app will scan for the lock via Bluetooth. Keep your phone within 1 metre of the lock. When the lock appears in the app, tap it and follow the prompts to enter your home Wi-Fi name and password. The lock will connect to Wi-Fi and complete registration. This can take up to 2 minutes. A green checkmark in the app confirms successful pairing.
Step 4: Fix "Lock Not Found" During Bluetooth Scan
If the Schlage Home app cannot find the lock during the Bluetooth scan: Confirm Bluetooth is on and the Ring app has Bluetooth permission. On iOS: Settings → Schlage Home → Bluetooth → On. On Android: Settings → Apps → Schlage Home → Permissions → Nearby Devices → Allow. Move your phone to within 30 cm (1 foot) of the lock and retry. Close and reopen the Schlage Home app to reset the Bluetooth scanner. Restart your phone's Bluetooth: toggle it off, wait 5 seconds, toggle it back on. Ensure no other phone or tablet is actively connected to the lock via Bluetooth. The Encode Plus can only pair with one device at a time during setup. Put the lock back into pairing mode (Step 2) and immediately open the app scan — the pairing window is only 30 seconds.
Step 5: Fix Wi-Fi Connection Failures During Setup
If the lock pairs via Bluetooth but fails to connect to Wi-Fi: Confirm your Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz. The Schlage Encode Plus does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Double-check the Wi-Fi password. Schlage passwords are case-sensitive. Move the lock's door (if not yet installed) or your router closer together during setup. The lock needs a strong Wi-Fi signal (-70 dBm or better) to complete the initial connection. Ensure your router uses WPA2 security. The Encode Plus has limited WPA3 support. If your router uses band steering (combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz SSID): temporarily create a separate 2.4 GHz-only SSID for the lock setup.
Step 6: Set Up Apple HomeKey
HomeKey (tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock) requires iOS 15.4+ and is set up after the lock is paired with the Schlage Home app. Ensure your iPhone has iOS 15.4 or later: Settings → General → About → iOS Version. Schlage Home app → tap the lock → Settings → Apple Home → Add to Apple Home. Scan the HomeKit QR code (printed on the lock's documentation or inside the battery compartment). Once added to Apple Home, tap the lock tile in the Home app → Settings → Home Key → enable it. HomeKey requires NFC to be enabled on your iPhone: Settings → General → NFC → On.
Step 7: Factory Reset the Lock
If pairing consistently fails after trying all steps above, a factory reset clears all stored data and returns the lock to its default state. Remove the battery pack from the lock. Press and hold the outside Schlage button while