Keyless Entry Schlage Connect - Smart Lock Review

Why I recommend keyless entry for the home using the Schlage Connect Smart Lock, i.e., Schlage Lock, and how it has made my lifestyle more efficient. 

I did receive the Schlage Lock for review but all opinions are my own. *This post may contain affiliate links and I'll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here. 

Why I Switched to Keyless Entry

Over the summer, my family and I were blessed to stay at a lovely lake house in Grand Haven, Michigan. A few days before our arrival we received a confirmation email with helpful information including the code lock for the front door and the code lock for the door to our apartment. 

The process was convenient, easy, and made so much sense and that got me thinking about how a setup like this would work for my own home. 

While we were at the lake, our kids and their friend could come and go, my husband and I could come and go, and no one needed to worry about who had the key or if someone would be there to let them in which allowed everyone to enjoy the beach and the area with much more freedom. 

Why a Smart Lock Makes Sense

A few weeks ago I read an article about the best locks for Airbnb hosts and that was the final "click" for me.

I went by the recommendation in the article as far as the lock I chose (the Schlage Connect but there were other brands mentioned) and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

My family and I, and more than likely you and your family as well, have a busy lifestyle. There is a lot of traffic in and out of our house. We already had a deadbolt in place with a standard doorknob beneath, both with different keys. We tended to come and go through the garage just because it was easier to open and close the garage door than the front door and not everyone took their keys with them when they left the house which is totally understandable. If one of the guys went out for a run, a walk through the neighborhood, or for a bike ride, they didn't want to take their keys and I totally get that but what that meant for me was that when they came back, I had to run down to the door and let them in. Maybe it's just my family but if someone doesn't open the door within 3 seconds they start ringing the doorbell and knocking incessantly. Also, if one of the guys was out late and forgot their keys, I had to stay up to open the door and let them in. I honestly got annoyed almost every time I heard the doorbell ring or a knock. I know, I am not the most patient human being. 😉

Here's Why My Family Loves the Schlage Connect and Keyless Entry

I installed the Schlage Connect last week and I can't tell you what a difference it has made. First off, the lock was extremely easy to install. I already had a deadbolt in place so it was just a matter of swapping the locks out. Setup was easy following the directions in the instruction manual.

If you decide to make the switch be sure that your current deadbolt smoothly locks and that you don't have to push the door in, pull it out, or up or down to make the lock work. The Schlage Connect locks automatically sliding the deadbolt into place (or out of place) with the touch of a button so a smooth transition is absolutely necessary for the deadbolt to work properly.

Also, for the bottom entry point assembly, there's no need to purchase a doorknob with a lock. This means that entry into the home is easy for those who have a pass code and the ability to enter using the keyless entry option.

I chose the Schlage Accent Passage Lever in Satin Nickel for aesthetic purposes since this was the lock that matched the keyless entry Schlage Connect.

There are other finishes available for both including Bright Brass,

Aged Bronze, and several other options (you can find them all here). 

Each member of my family chose a code of their own which I recorded in the included user manual using a pencil (codes can easily be changed). Setting up codes is very simple, again, using the easy-to-follow instructions in the manual that comes with the Schlage Connect.

So far, everyone has had nothing but praise for the new system and I like the freedom it has given us all. When the kids stay out past my bedtime 😉

I don't need to keep my phone ringtone on high so that they can call and let me know they forgot their keys and need to be let in. That, in and of itself, makes it worth the cost for me. 

Bonuses of Installing a Keyless Entry Smart Lock - Schlage Connect

When we go away on vacation whether it's for a few days or longer, I can set up a passcode for a neighbor or family member to check the house. Once I get home, if I choose, I can delete that passcode thereby revoking access to the house for that person.

The Schlage Connect - A Connected Smart Home

The Schlage Connect is compatible with Amazon Alexa (this is the one I have) allowing voice commands so that the door can be locked from where ever you are (bed?) and also to unlock the door if someone's hands are full and they need a little assistance.

Schlage Connect is also compatible at the present time with Samsung Smart Things, Iris (from Lowe's) and Wink. 

You will need a separate "hub" (available here) for each of the above connected smart home options but having a connected home is becoming more and more compatible and now would be a great time to start moving your household in that direction.

You can check out the Airbnb Host recommendations here for other smart lock alternatives.