Schlage announced on May 9, 2018 that their Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt can now be unlocked with Alexa via voice commands. This new unlock function is an addition to the current ability to verbally lock or check the status of the Schlage door lock via Alexa-enabled devices.
You’ll need to log in to your Alexa app to enable the voice-unlocking feature (disabled by default for security), and you’ll need to create a unique PIN while you’re in the app. Afterwards, you’ll be able to unlock the Schlage lock by speaking the PIN; three incorrect attempts will disable the voice-unlock feature.
Of course, the Schlage locks will need to be connected to the internet for Alexa to unlock them. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will require the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter (no monthly fee required). The Wi-Fi Adapter allows iOS and Android smartphone users to gain remote access to their lock through the Schlage Sense app. The Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt requires a Samsung SmartThings or Wink hub for connectivity.
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt were graded Best in Residential Security, Durability and Finish from the Builders Hardware Manufactures Association (BHMA). These locks enable homeowners to never worry about losing, hiding, carrying or forgetting keys. Features include:
- Create and delete up to 30 unique access codes so trusted friends and family can enter using their code at the lock’s touchscreen
- Schedule access codes so guests can only enter when you allow
- Pair with a smart-home hub (Schlage Connect) or Wi-Fi Adapter (Schlage Sense) to check on the lock’s status from anywhere, so you never have to wonder if the front door was left unlocked
- View past activity to see which codes have been used and when
- Update settings and check battery life
Rob Martens, futurist at Allegion, the maker of Schlage locks says: “Schlage has been at the forefront of the Internet of Things industry since launching the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. This new integration and functionality is a testament to our ongoing commitment to raise the bar for innovation, convenience and security.”
Visit the Schlage website to learn more. The Schlage Sense ($229), Schlage Connect ($188.95), and Schlage Wi-Fi Adapter ($69.99) are available now on Amazon.
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If you have the Z wave version there is a workaround to permit voice locking/unlocking. You can create a virtual switch called “XXXX security” (front door security, back door security, etc.). Then, create a SmartApp in groovy or CoRE to lock the door when security is on and unlock it when it is off. After that, have Alexa manage the virtual switch in it’s smart home. Then, you’ll be able to tell Alexa to “turn on/off XXXX security” and the door will lock and unlock with voice commands.
BTW, the security issue with this is someone can potentially shout at your echo or dot, “Turn off front door security” and walk in the front door. However, if you use a tap or other voice recognition device that requires physical contact the risk is averted.
If someone can yell in through my locked front door to my Alexa or Dot to unlock the door, then they’ve got pretty good lung power. 🙂
I bought the Schlage Connect lock a few weeks ago after my garage door wouldn’t open. I haven’t carried keys to my house for years and I was locked out! My husband and I thought a smart lock would solve that problem in the future.
The laugh is on us, since we also lock the screen door (most days) because of the dogs and for a little extra security. We’d still have to break through that to get to the front door lock. 🙂
I still want the wifi and Alexa connection, though. Just because I can.
How do I unlock Alexa