SCHLAGE BE499WB CAM 619 Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Satin Nickel

I've been looking for a relatively tiny, smart phone operatable, no extra drilling, tough enough, no extra devices like door bell, hub or camera, just a reliable simple to use real LOCK, and this is the one. My front door is a little different from most regular doors, there are windows on the left and right side of it, so no way for me to use long screws, and its faceplate is round, most locks are rectangle, although some brands do have round option, but I have to contact their customer support to get one, that means I have to wait couple of more days to have the job done, I don't like it. Some brands have fancy functions like chimes, hub, camera, fingerprint or even AI feature, they really attracted my eyes, but after carefully research, you either have to buy additional accessories separately, or you have to buy memory card etc. to enjoy the full features. And, I found some fancy locks are made by plastic!! Why bother to install a fancy plastic lock that anyone could kick in?? What's the point to buy a lock in the first place? Then I read a lot of comments of each different lock, I love high-tech stuff too, but many buyers said their camera didn't work after couple of months, or the lock won't connect to its hub and memory card couldn't store videos, or fingerprint doesn't recognize anymore, or the rechargable battery drains fast... I just need a lock, a lock that can let us in and out easily while prevent someone who's not invited from showing up in my house, and it should comes with a physical key just in case something goes wrong, basically that's all I want - and if a lock that can lock/unlock with a smartphone that'd be even better. This Schlage Encode+ Smart Lock has it all, it comes with square and round faceplates and it supoort wifi, I can use my iPhone as a key to lock/unlock the door, no need to put additional devices in place to have the lock fully functional, and it's tiny (at least it looks like a lock) with beautiful looking. Speaking of looking, some locks with fancy functions are really big, I understand when putting camera, doorbell, fingerprint altogether would need a bigger case, but it really looks ugly... it's like sticking a frying pan or brick onto your door, plus some fancy locks are made of plastic or thin aluminum alloy, a screw driver would totally remove the lock in seconds. Anyways, there might be better locks in the market, but they don't fit my door. This Schlage lock meets all my demands, I have to go for it although its price is higher. Conclusion: less fancy stuff, less power consumption and less opportunity to mulfunction. Do not misguided by fancy functions, we are looking for a reliable lock after all.

It worked for 6 months - bought it in Feb 2025. Now the touchscreen will randomly not work and i have to remove the battery pack and reinsert to get it working. No warning as to when it will fail. My previous Schalge touchscreen lasted more than 10 years. Total disappointment as the return period is over and no warranty from Amazon. I just saw other 1 star reviews who have the same problem. AMAZON should respond to this.

I received the Schlage smart lock and installed immediately. The installation went well and the pairing with the Schlage iPhone app with my phone went well as well. When I tried pairing the Schlage lock with Apple HomeKit is when my problems started. After several hours of troubling shooting as to why it would not pair with Apple HomeKit that I realised that the issue was that Amazon sent me the wrong Schlage dead bolt. As you can see on my video the box had to barcodes, one for the Schlage wifi (non HomeKit version) & one for the Schlage Encode Plus which is the one I ordered. If you are looking for a non HomeKit version then this smart lock is for you. My problem was with Amazon, they have placed 2 seperate barcodes on the box. I have contacted Amazon and they have agreed to send me a replacement unit. I'm just hopping the replacement unit is the real deal & I don't have the same issue. I will update this review once the replacement unit is installed. Update: After receiving the correct Schlage encode plus with HomeKit support that I paid for and tested the unit- works as advertised very happy.

Edit: 6 month update. Still working flawlessly. Not a single hiccup or connection problem. Both locks are still using the original batteries with 85% life remaining. Keep in mind that I have them configured using Thread only, not WiFi, and have never bothered installing the Schlage app since it is completely superfluous when you are using Apple HomeKit. Original Review: I purchased two of these (one black and one nickel) for my front and back doors. Installation was a breeze once I repaired the strike plate misalignment on my back door — it was always a difficult lock and this forced me to fix it. 😇 NOTE: don’t try to reuse the bolt from your old lock. It won’t work. It took me an hour to figure out why I was having a problem. For HomeKit, the Schlage app is not needed as long as you have a HomePod/HomePod Mini/Apple TV with Thread support. Once I installed the locks, all I had to do was press the set up button and hold my iPhone up against the inside part of the lock and then my iPhone walked me through the rest. Within an hour there was a firmware update that HomeKit notified me of and I installed it — again with no need to install the manufacturer’s app! Warning — after the firmware installation I had to remove both locks from HomeKit, reset them and do the setup again. A minor inconvenience that was easily accomplished in just a few minutes per lock. So, when you do a firmware update make sure you leave time to reset things. In addition to working seamlessly with HomeKit, my local hardware store was able to rekey them to match my existing Schlage locks for $15 each. In everyday use these things are very responsive. They unlock immediately using Apple Home Key from my iPhone or Apple Watch. Using the Apple Home App, they lock and unlock as soon as I press the button. Siri will NOT unlock without confirmation on your phone which is a great security feature. Other automations (turn on porch light when I unlock, lock all doors when I say “goodnight” etc) are flawless. However, you do need to confirm on your phone or watch for location based automations (lock when last person leaves). A reasonable feature to prevent security breaches or locking someone out by accident. Bonus feature — my cat is fascinated by it!

The "plus" version of this lock supports Matter and integrates into Apple Home. If you have have no interest in Apple Home do not get the plus version. Apple Home allows you to open the lock using an iPhone or Apple Watch. This works very well. Super convenient. It was easy to add the lock to Apple Home. After mounting the lock I connected it to Apple Home but pressing the button on the back of the lock and tapping my iPhone. Thats it! I did not need to connect the lock to WiFi first. Once you are set up you can invite members of the household (ensure they have the home app installed) or limited access for guests. If you want to connect this lock to WiFi, you need to know that this lock CANNOT connect to 5 Ghz WiFi. It requires 2.4 Ghz. Some WiFi systems do not let you turn off 5Ghz. If that is the case with you, you will not be able to connect the lock to WiFi. Another thing to know is that the lock code entry area with numbers is black on black. You can't see the numbers until you press something on the area. People often press a number to light up the area, then enter the code. This results in a wrong code being entered. I tell people to press the home button first, then enter the code. But many people don't follow those instructions. This is especially important for short term rentals. As an Apple Home user, I absolutely love this lock. While there are other locks that support Apple Home, I think this is the only one that supports the Thread protocol.