There are a few reasons why your Schlage smart lock won’t turn on.
To find which one is affecting your Schlage smart lock, go through this troubleshooting list.
Often, the problem is easily fixable once you know where to look or what to look for.
However, in some instances, you may not be able to fix your lock. I have gone into more detail below.
Check for Battery Issues
Schlage smart locks are battery-powered, so the first step is to ensure that the batteries are working properly and supplying enough power.
Low Battery Power
Generally, Schlage batteries should last at least a year.
That said, sometimes, Schlage smart locks are known to eat through batteries way too fast. And we have seen cases where Schlage batteries would last 4 to 6 months or even 2 to 4 weeks.
Batteries nearing the end of their life may not be able to supply enough power to keep the lock operational all the time.
Check if the batteries are low and replace them if necessary.
When batteries are up for a change, the lock will inform the owner by using a combination of light flashes or beeping.
Here are a few examples:
- Schlage Encode: If the battery power is low, the low battery icon on the top of the keypad will begin flashing after entering a user code. The icon will turn solid red when the batteries are critically low.
- Schlage Sense: When the batteries are low, the yellow dot will start flashing, coupled with several beeps. There is likely going to be a short delay before the door actually unlocks, too. In addition, the Schlage button on the indoor assembly will start flashing every 5 minutes. And when the battery power gets critically low, the Schlage button on the outside will flash a red X 3 times each time when the button is pressed, and the lock is used.
- Schlage Connect: The Schlage Connect is very similar to the Sense. The yellow dot on the outside assembly will start flashing when the batteries are low. There may also be a slight delay before the lock starts working. At the same time, the Schlage button on the interior assembly will flash red every 5 seconds. When the batteries are critically low, there will be 3 red X flashes on the outside assembly when the lock is used.
Changing Batteries
When changing batteries, replace all batteries at the same time. Mixing new and old batteries can cause imbalances that can damage the batteries and potentially the lock as well.
Most of the popularly purchased Schlage Smart locks today typically take 4 non-rechargeable AA alkaline batteries. Using lithium batteries is not recommended by Schlage.
Some models use one 9-volt battery and a couple that use 2 AAA batteries.
Off-brand batteries are also not recommended because not all will provide enough voltage.
Generally, it is recommended to go with Duracell batteries as they have proven to be the most reliable when it comes to Schlage smart locks.
Using off-brand batteries is one of the common reasons why some Schlage smart locks will stop working after a battery change.
Changing Schlage smart lock batteries is very easy:
- Locate the black battery cover on the interior assembly. Slide it up to remove it.
- Disconnect the wire and remove the battery tray.
- Replace the batteries.
- Insert the battery tray. Make sure the batteries are facing the door and connect the wire. Snap the black battery cover in place.
There have been cases over the years where the lock will read the batteries as low even though they are fresh new batteries. There are a few possible reasons why that may happen.
- Check if the battery tray is connected properly and not loose.
- Check the battery plates and ensure they have not been damaged, warped, or dirty.
- Ensure that the batteries are facing the right direction and are not loose. Interestingly enough, inserting the batteries the wrong way may still allow Schlage locks to work, but with questionable reliability.
Batteries Are Completely Dead
In cases where the batteries are completely dead, and the lock is not turning on at all, you can use the emergency key override function of the lock.
Just use the mechanical key to open the lock like any normal lock. After that, you can replace the batteries.
Also, some Schlage smart lock models, like the Schlage Touchscreen Lever, have a 9-volt external battery backup port that can be used for temporarily powering up the lock.
Check for Cable Issues
One sneaky little issue that can cause many problems lies in the internal cables.
Some Schlage smart locks are prone to having the cables behind the battery pack wear out due to pinching.
Check if the battery tray is connected to the connector wire. If the wire is loose, it will prevent the lock from working.
Also, check the wire that is running through the door and connecting the interior and exterior assembly. It can get disconnected, pinched, or damaged, which will prevent the lock from turning on.
Installation And Misalignment Problems
If your Schlage smart lock has stopped working, you may have to reinstall the lock. While reinstalling the lock, ensure the installation instructions are followed perfectly.
Ensure there isn’t anything that obstructs the free movement of the deadbolt or creates binding
Make sure the latch and the strike plate are aligned. If necessary, consider lubricating the deadbolt. Dust and dirt can build up and make it hard for the lock to turn and extend the latch.
Sometimes, doors can warp due to humidity and temperature changes, which can throw off the alignment. If you are finding that you need to push or pull on the door to close it properly, this is a good giveaway that the door may have warped.
Smart locks like these are often very sensitive, and even small misalignments can cause problems when it comes to locking and unlocking. The misalignment can be small but enough to prevent the lock from locking properly, even with a fresh set of batteries.
If your Schlage smart lock keeps spinning, this is a good sign that there could be a misalignment and the lock needs to be reinstalled.
Problems with the internal mechanisms of the smart lock can also cause this problem.
For example, the internal spring-loaded pin and arm in some models can disconnect over time, wear down, and start to fail, preventing the lock from working.
More can be seen in this video below:
Check for Keypad Issues
Ensure all the buttons on the keypad move freely throughout the full range of motion and are not stuck.
Dirt, dust, and grime build-ups can prevent the buttons from making contact upon being pressed down.
Temporarily Blocked Lock
Make sure you are using the correct entry code.
The keypad will get blocked for 30 seconds if the wrong user code has been entered several times in a row.
If you have used an incorrect entry code, the lock will inform you. Here’s how some of the more commonly used Schlage models do it.
- Schlage Encode: It will flash the lock and X icon in the lower right on the keypad if a wrong user code has been entered.
- Schlage Sense: If an incorrect user code has been used, the red X located on the bottom right corner of the keypad will light up
- Schlage Connect: If a wrong user code has been entered, the lock will produce one beep, and the X on the bottom right of the touchscreen will flash red one time.
Consider the Ambient Conditions
Generally, Schlage smart locks are intended to work in a wide temperature range between 150 degrees Fahrenheit and -22 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the lock’s model.
However, many areas can observe temperatures below -22°F, and there have been several reports of owners suspecting that recent freezing temperatures have killed their Schlage smart lock.
In other words, Schlage keypads may not work very reliably once temperatures drop below freezing (32°F) despite being expected to work to as low as -22°F.
What’s more, low temperatures can also negatively impact battery life and thus further affect the reliability of the lock—especially with metal doors, which provide little insulation.
Check if Certain Features Are Enabled
There are a few different features that can be turned on and off that could affect your Schlage smart lock, depending on the model you are using.
Vacation Mode
Make sure the Vacation Mode has been disabled.
While the Vacation Mode is enabled, no entry codes will be working. Regardless of whether you are entering a correct or incorrect code, the lock will not unlock the door.
To disable the Vacation Mode, you will need to enter the programming code first. Then, you can use your old user codes.
The purpose of the Vacation Mode is to temporarily disable all codes without deleting them.
You can see how the Vacation Mode works in the video below:
Lock Override Mode
Check if the Lock Override mode has been enabled.
When enabled, the Lock Override mode will disable the keypad.
Until the Lock Override mode is disabled, the only way to operate the lock is to use a physical key.
Turn Lock Mode
Check if the Turn Lock feature is enabled or disabled.
This feature is enabled by default, however, if it has been disabled, this means that you will need to enter a valid user code to lock the door.
Check for (HomeKit) Connectivity Problems
HomeKit owners are also likely to stumble upon a whole set of different problems.
A fairly common issue with Schlage Smart locks is that they can become unresponsive after power outages or after firmware updates.
For example, this problem has been happening with some specific HomeKit architectures.
The usual fix for an unresponsive Schlage smart lock in HomeKit is to power cycle the lock. Even factory resetting the lock in some instances may be necessary.
Some owners report that they experience more issues when certain devices act as the hub, such as the OG HomePod and, to a lesser degree, the Apple TV. The best performance seems to be offered by HomePod Mini.
In those cases, you will have to unplug the other devices and force the Apple TV or a HomePod Mini to be the leader.
New architecture updates can lead to issues with some Schlage smart locks that use Bluetooth. Generally, the fix here is to restart all Home Hubs by unplugging them.
A weak signal when using it over HomeKit can cause the lock to disconnect and stop responding, so ensure there is a hub nearby that can provide a reliable and strong signal to the lock.
What to Do if Nothing Works
Schlage is generally known to have excellent customer support and is pretty good with smart locks that are not working reliably.
Reach out to Schlage customer support and inform them of the issues you are experiencing with their smart lock.
Generally, they will walk you through some of the same troubleshooting steps and perhaps ask you to do a factory reset as well.
However, if the lock is not working properly, in most cases, they prefer to send a new replacement to their customers. If you have purchased your Schlage smart lock from a local store, you might have to return it to the store, though.
You can get in touch with Schlage Customer Support at the following numbers:
- US Residential: 888-805-9837
- US Commercial: 877-671-7011
- CA: 800-900-4734
You can also email them by filling out their contact form here.
There have been cases with faulty locks where there will be some sort of a current leak or even no current flow at all, even though there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the lock at first glance. This could be attributed to a strange manufacturing defect.
Conclusion: What To Do When Schlage Smart Lock Won’t Turn On
While Schlage smart locks are designed for durability and longevity, occasional technical glitches can occur. It’s essential to diagnose the issue methodically, starting with the most common potential problems, like batteries, before moving to more complex troubleshooting.
Your smart lock plays an integral role in your home’s security and convenience. It’s crucial to address any operational issues promptly. After all, security is not just about locking doors but ensuring those locks work flawlessly every time.
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