Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Now Remotely Controllable With Wi-Fi Adapter

[MacRumors]

Schlage today released a new Wi-Fi adapter that enables iOS and Android users to control the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt away from home.

Schlage Sense is a Bluetooth-enabled smart deadbolt compatible with HomeKit, allowing homeowners to control it using Siri voice commands or the Home app on iOS 10 or later. The lock has a touchpad and comes in various finishes.

The adapter plugs into a wall outlet, connects to a home's Wi-Fi network, and allows the lock to be controlled remotely with the Schlage Sense app, which is free to download on the App Store [Direct Link] or Google Play.

With the Wi-Fi adapter, Schlage Sense owners can check on and change the lock's status from anywhere in the Schlage Sense app. The app also provides push notifications when the adapter detects that the lock has been used.

It was already possible to remotely control a Schlage Sense lock with a third-generation Apple TV or newer and, in terms of price, that may remain the less expensive or more worthwhile option for many homeowners.

Schlage's Wi-Fi adapter costs $70, the same price as the third-generation Apple TV at many retailers, in the United States. In fact, many new or used third-generation Apple TVs are considerably cheaper by this point.

At $149, even a fourth-generation Apple TV is worth considering, as it can be configured as a Home Hub to control other HomeKit-enabled smart home accessories. Needless to say, it's also an entire Apple TV.

Schlage said the Wi-Fi adapter is available today at Amazon, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, and Build.com. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is sold by Apple, Amazon, and select Lowe's and Home Depot stores for $229.95 or less.

Article Link: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Now Remotely Controllable With Wi-Fi Adapter

 

[MacknTosh]

Does this mean someone could stand outside your home and shout 'Hey Siri, unlock the door'.....

 

[Lord Hamsa]

Does this mean someone could stand outside your home and shout 'Hey Siri, unlock the door'.....

Of course they could.

I mean, they'd just look like an idiot as nothing happened, but they could do it.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

Of course they could.

I mean, they'd just look like an idiot as nothing happened, but they could do it.

Well done. I almost spit at my monitor over this.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The article seems to be finding some fault with the Schlage pricing and pushing an TV instead. What it leaves out is the range of wifi vs. the range of Homekit (Bluetooth). How many people have their TV near their TV but (too) far from their door(s) (for reliable Bluetooth)?

Yes, someone could buy another TV to solve this problem but does that actually make sense if the area close enough to the door has no TV? On the other hand, it seems one could buy one of these wifi controllers and positioned about central in a floor plan, it probably can communicate with all doors. Or am I missing something here?

 

[oneMadRssn]

How "secure" is this lock? Understanding that it is a residential lock and not very secure to begin with, but how does the security compare to a Schlage B60?

 

[kas23]

I'll pass on having my front door lock connected to the internet.

 

[roland.g]

I have a Schlage Sense and an ATV4, but my iPhone only connects to the lock when I am away from home about 40% of the time or less. And I don't believe it has ever connected when my phone is on cellular. I think it is only worked when I was on another wifi network, oddly enough. $49 for this to have a more reliable connection would be ok. $70 is a bit steep.

 

[Mickc82]

How "secure" is this lock? Understanding that it is a residential lock and not very secure to begin with, but how does the security compare to a Schlage B60?

According to Schlage it has the same commercial and residential standard certifications as the B60.

Commercial - ANSI/BHMA A156.36-2010 Grade 1
Residential - ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA

 

[gaximus]

An Apple TV or iPad will also allow you to control the lock while away from home.

 

[gsmornot]

The article seems to be finding some fault with the Schlage pricing and pushing an TV instead. What it leaves out is the range of wifi vs. the range of Homekit (Bluetooth). How many people have their TV near their TV but (too) far from their door(s) (for reliable Bluetooth)?

Yes, someone could buy another TV to solve this problem but does that actually make sense if the area close enough to the door has no TV? On the other hand, it seems one could buy one of these wifi controllers and positioned about central in a floor plan, it probably can communicate with all doors. Or am I missing something here?

How far is too far? Asking. I have a bluetooth wireless thermometer I use with my cooker that I can "see" all over the house while it sits on the back porch. I assumed I would be able to reach other devices from my AppleTV which is in the living room basically exactly in the center of my home. I'm curious since there are other bluetooth devices I have been looking at too. My current devices have hub which sit right next to the AppleTV.

 

[44267547]

I'll pass on having my front door lock connected to the internet.

I like Schlage and what they have to offer for products with electronic locks. But I agree, I much prefer their manual locks. They make a great product and they are a reputable company.

 

[Kabeyun]

Access to your home controlled by WiFi. What can possibly go wrong?

could ≠ should

 

[jer-78]

Does this mean someone could stand outside your home and shout 'Hey Siri, unlock the door'.....

Only if your iPhone or iPad is unlocked. HomeKit won’t open doors without first unlocking the iOS device.

 

[CrystalQuest76]

i am sooo weak that I am incapable of carrying a small metal key in my pocket so this device that will connect to my phone will help me in regards to my home lock.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

How far is too far? Asking. I have a bluetooth wireless thermometer I use with my cooker that I can "see" all over the house while it sits on the back porch. I assumed I would be able to reach other devices from my AppleTV which is in the living room basically exactly in the center of my home. I'm curious since there are other bluetooth devices I have been looking at too. My current devices have hub which sit right next to the AppleTV.

There's no single answer to the question of Bluetooth reach. In ideal circumstances, it's reach can be amazing but, best I know, none of us live in such circumstances. The general rule of thumb is about 10 meters or about 30 feet. If you buy that rule of thumb, 30 feet is out toward the edge of the range and may or may not work in any given home. In my case, 2 of the doors where such a lock might be used is about 50+ feet away from the location of the nearest TV, with walls & other potential range-shortening obstacles in between. Wifi does seem to reach such points but Bluetooth seems to have trouble at < 30 feet in my home.

 

[Kabeyun]

i am sooo weak that I am incapable of carrying a small metal key in my pocket so this device that will connect to my phone will help me in regards to my home lock.

Lol. I think the idea is that you don't have to be present or arrange a key for people you want to let into your house.

Not that I think this is a good idea. At all.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

i am sooo weak that I am incapable of carrying a small metal key in my pocket so this device that will connect to my phone will help me in regards to my home lock.

Great news. When you pay the hefty premium for this kind of homekit-enabled stuff, you significantly lighten your wallet load too. So not only do you get freedom from the burden of carrying that key but also the added lift of not having to lug around that pesky cash either. Homekit is genius in every way.

 

[scr1968]

Does this mean someone could stand outside your home and shout 'Hey Siri, unlock the door'.....

Haha!

I suppose in theory this could work if you happened to have left your iPhone inside your house and close enough to be heard AND had "Hey Siri" enabled AND knew what the "front door" was called to be able to say "Unlock the [name of the front door]."

I have a Sense Smart Deadbolt and couldn't be happier with it. It connects surprisingly well to my Apple TV I have in my master bedroom when I didn't think it would. For the most part I have always been able to access it remotely wherever I have been - although on occasion it has flaked out on me for whatever reason.

 

[macduke]

It's also worth noting that the Apple TV is horrible as a relay device and you can't rely on it to connect to your deadbolt 100% of the time, even if nearby, and even if you reset your iCloud. The most reliability I've seen is if you turn off sleep mode.

 

[Iconoclysm]

Access to your home controlled by WiFi. What can possibly go wrong?

could ≠ should

Hmm, someone sophisticated enough to crack your WPA encryption and hack the lock...or a hammer to a window?
[doublepost=1502825495][/doublepost]

i am sooo weak that I am incapable of carrying a small metal key in my pocket so this device that will connect to my phone will help me in regards to my home lock.

Actually, what this does is allow you to grant access to others throughout the day or remotely. It's quite nice if you have a dog walker.
[doublepost=1502825530][/doublepost]

Haha!

I suppose in theory this could work if you happened to have left your iPhone inside your house and close enough to be heard AND had "Hey Siri" enabled AND knew what the "front door" was called to be able to say "Unlock the [name of the front door]."

I have a Sense Smart Deadbolt and couldn't be happier with it. It connects surprisingly well to my Apple TV I have in my master bedroom when I didn't think it would. For the most part I have always been able to access it remotely wherever I have been - although on occasion it has flaked out on me for whatever reason.

The response to "Hey Siri, open the door" would be "You have to unlock your iPhone first".

 

[nsayer]

I'll pass on having my front door lock connected to the internet.

That's up to you. For us, it has, I believe increased our net security just a little bit by not requiring us to copy keys and give them to third parties or keep one under a rock outside or what not.

Keep in mind that your ordinary 5 pin deadbolt is a far, far easier way to get in your front door than spoofing a smart lock.

 

[thefourthpope]

Lol. I think the idea is that you don't have to be present or arrange a key for people you want to let into your house.

Not that I think this is a good idea. At all.

My current set up ignores the online portion of the lock (in part because it's always dropping from being linked with the Home app). We use the keypad instead of carrying a key. My daughter has her own code. Our neighbor has a code. We can set tenporary codes for others. It's a great system, even without the online part of the feature set.

 

[ksnell]

I'll pass on having my front door lock connected to the internet.

Locks keep the honest people out. You do realize if someone really wants in, a lock is not going to protect you, right? Internet connected or otherwise.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

hm. I don't have locks on my doors. Haven't for 25 years. I don't even lock my door when I live in San Diego, but just sleep with it open to let the night breeze through.

If I ever do put locks on my home, they might be Schlage, as they make nice hardware, but they won't be electronic.