the first smart lock with Apple home key support

As first announced at WWDC 2021, iOS 15 evolves Apple Wallet to store keys for hotels, homes, and even cars. The Schlage Encode Plus is the first such consumer lock solution to take advantage of the NFC-powered Apple home key support.To get more news about best smart home company, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

As you’ll see in my hands-on video, home key is a great way to access your home with your iPhone or Apple Watch via just a tap. Let’s take a closer look at what the Schlage Encode Plus and Apple’s home key technology have to offer!
Schlage, founded in 1920, has a long history in the lock business, so it’s obviously above board when it comes to important areas like security and durability – it’s just a matter of taking its expertise in the lock business and adding in modern conveniences.

My Schlage Encode Plus is in the Century style, which makes for a fairly modern-looking design. In all there are three finish options including matte black, aged bronze, and satin nickel, as well as a more traditional Camelot design option at launch.

As someone who has installed a ton of smart locks for testing over the years, I can pretty much install a new lock in my sleep. As long as your door has the necessary cutouts — and the door is aligned properly when closed — installation should be a breeze. I had the Encode Plus installed in less than 10 minutes, and that includes removing my existing Yale Smart Lock.

Installation is just a matter of removing the existing lock, installing the dead bolt and strike plate, installing the touchscreen and corresponding backplate, connecting the cable, and securing the inside lock with thumb-turn.

That may sound like a lot, but it can be done in just a few minutes with nothing more than a Philips screwdriver. Trust me, I’m the furthest thing from a handy man, so if I can do this, you probably can, too.The Encode Plus supports HomeKit connectivity, which gives you the ability to control the lock using the Home app, HomeKit automations, and Siri voice control.

But it’s the home key support that separates the Schlage Encode Plus from its non-Plus version, and other smart locks on the market. Home Key adds the convenience and ease of use of NFC, which allows you to simply tap the lock with your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock your door. I must say that it’s quite delightful, and if you’ve ever used Apple Pay, then you’re pretty much familiar with how home key works.Initial setup of HomeKit and home key is accomplished via NFC as well. Simply tap your iPhone to the NFC tag behind the inside cover after pressing the pairing button, and you’ll be prompted to set up your lock.

After you select your home, lock location, and name, you’ll be prompted to set up your home key to store in the Wallet app. Home keys normally require you to authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID, but you can enable Express Mode, which lets you unlock without needing to authenticate.

Finally, the setup process will prompt you to create access codes for residents and guests. For instance, if the dog walker needs to come through, you can assign them with their own guest code. These access codes can be entered on the lock’s physical touchscreen to gain entry into a residence.

Like all HomeKit-enabled products, you can utilize automations to do things like automatically turn on a porch light when the smart lock is unlocked, or automatically lock when a sensor learns that the door is closed.

While standard HomeKit works just like you would expect with the Schlage Encode Plus, the standout feature is home key support, especially when used with an Apple Watch. Home key support turns your Apple Watch into an NFC-enabled key that lets you simply tap to unlock your door. There are no buttons to press, no goofy Siri to misinterpret your request, or anything like that. If you can lift your wrist close to the Schlage Encode Plus, you can unlock your door.