How to Change Codes in a Yale Smart Lock?

Got questions about setting up master and user pins for your Yale smart lock? Relax, you're in the right spot.

Most models allow you to manually program codes directly through the keypad so you don’t always need to rely on the app to manage it. Through manual programming, you can manage codes and change some of the lock settings.

In this guide, I provide general programming procedures along with model-specific instructions. Let’s get into it!

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Overview

Before I jump into the step-by-step guides, let me talk about some of the common things you should know about before attempting manual programming.

Creating a master entry code: Almost all Yale locks require you to initialize them by setting up a Master (or family) entry code. This primary code allows the owner to manage guest codes and configure the settings for the lock.
Touchscreen activation: Before typing in a code or initiating programming mode (also referred to as “menu mode”) Yale locks may require you to touch or swipe the Yale logo to wake up the touchscreen. It helps keep the lock awake and from timing out, so don’t forget to do this during a programming process as it might exit programming mode without confirming your changes.
The gear button: Most models use the gear button as a confirmation input during the entire programming process, so make sure to follow each step correctly as they may require you to press the gear button after each step. In older models, such as the Yale Real Living deadbolt and lever, the gear button might be replaced by a Hash (#) button. Nonetheless, the function remains the same.
Speaker prompts and indicator buttons: Certain models will make the programming process easier with helpful speaker prompts. Others might only show indicator lights and beeps.
Storage space for entry codes: Yale locks with a smart module installed can store up to 250 different entry codes. A lock without a smart module can save only 25, or 12 depending on the model.
Yale Access App: The more recent models such as the Nest x Yale and Smart Lock 2 don’t allow users to change codes manually.
Factory reset: If you’re facing any difficulties or you’ve forgotten your old codes, you can always perform a factory reset.

Yale Access App

As mentioned above, for most models you can program codes via the lock itself or the Yale iOS or Android app. However, for the more recent models such as the Assure Lock 2, Nest x Yale, and Yale Linus, you can only use the app to change codes.

Click below to download the Yale app, if you haven't done so already.

iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yale-access/id1450980221
Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.august.bennu&hl=en&gl=US

Programming Process for Yale Assure-Style Smart Locks

The instructions shown below are common for the Gen 1 Yale Assure models and Yale Real Living Smart locks, specifically these model numbers:

YRD226-CBA-619
YRD256-CBA-619
YRD216-CBA-619
YRL226-WF1-619
YRL216-WF1-619
YRD246/YRD446
YRD210/YRL210
YRD220

Also, there might be minor differences such as the hash/gear key button and the number of codes that can be stored without the smart module.

Initializing the Lock with a Master Code

The initial setup can vary slightly. Don’t worry, I’ll list out the exact steps for each model below.

To create a master entry code during the initial setup:

For touchscreen models:
1. Press the Yale button on the outdoor side or swipe your palm over the keypad.
2. Wait for the speaker prompt: “Register Master Code. Press the gear key to continue.” The number “1” and the gear key will light up.
3. Now, press the gear key button
For keypad models:
1. Press the gear/hash button
2. Press “1” and the gear button
3. Wait for beeps or the keypad/Yale button to light up in blue
Enter your 4-8 digit master code
Press the gear key button to confirm
Wait for confirmation lights or the speaker prompt: “Registered.”

Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen Master code setup — Initiating the master code on a Yale Assure Touchscreen model

If your Yale smart lock's keypad is flashing or beeping unnecessarily, check out this article for solutions.

Changing the Existing Master Code

If you want to change your old master code, follow these steps:

Enter your old master code
Then press the gear button to initiate menu mode
Press “1” followed by the gear button
Enter your new master code
Press the gear button to confirm

Add New Entry Codes

In the menu mode in Yale Assure locks, you can add entry codes one by one. Here’s how:

Press the outside Yale button or swipe your palm over the touchpad
Enter the master entry code
Press the gear/hash key button
Press “2” and then press the gear button
Press “1” and then the gear button
Enter your new entry code (4-8 digits)
Press the gear button and
To add more entry codes, press the gear button, add the new code, and press the gear button again to confirm. Keep repeating this process to add more guest codes
To exit programming mode, press the checkmark button.

Delete Entry Codes

You can delete entry codes one by one or all of them at the same time. Here’s how to do it:

Activate the touchpad by pressing the outside Yale button or swiping your palm across
Enter the master entry code
Press “2” and then press the gear button
Press “3” and then the gear button
To delete a single entry code: type in the code you wish to delete
Then press the gear icon
To delete all codes press the “0” button twice
Then press the gear button twice to confirm

For a comprehensive list of optional programmable functions such as auto-relock, and volume of the speaker/beeper, check out this listicle.

Programming the Yale Conexis Smart Lever (L1/L2)

The Yale Conexis Smart Lever has an entirely different process for programming because it mainly relies on the app and uses key cards and tags.

Initial Set Up

To begin, you need to add the master key card to the lock, before pairing your smartphone. Here’s how to do it:

Press the ‘R’ button on the internal handle to turn the light on the external handle to purple
Touch the card below the Yale logo on the external handle so that the light turns green, then purple. Wait for a Beep
Press ‘R’ to finish. Wait for three beeps for confirmation

Conexis R Button — R button on the Yale Conexis

Pairing with the App

Then, you need to set up the Yale Conexis with the app. So to start using the app, download it, register an account, and verify it through the link sent to your email.

You will receive five virtual key credits, and extra credits can be purchased through the app.

To pair your Yale Conexis with the app:

Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on and it has an internet
Open the app and press the option named: “Tap here to add your lock.”
Initiate pairing mode by pressing the ‘R' button under the radio cover, then press the glowing purple light on the front of the lock to turn it blue.
When prompted press the ‘R’ button.
Press Purple Light again to activate Bluetooth

Pairing the lock to your phone will use up one of your five “key credits.”

Conexis Purple Button — Purple button on a Yale Conexis Lock

Adding Extra Cards/Tags

Please note that after initializing with the mobile app, all key cards/tags must be added through the app. Here’s how:

Open the app, press the key in the top right corner & select the lock.
Then tap on the name of the lock to access its settings
Select the cards/tags option
At the bottom of the menu, press the “New Card/tag” option
When prompted, press the Bluetooth button on the exterior handle.
When prompted by the app, present the card/tag

Conexis Pair card tag — Presenting Card/Tag for the Yale Conexis

Once an additional key card/tag has been added, an account by the name of ‘User 1’ will show up in the list of users. This is the master key card that you’ve previously added.

For adding additional key cards or tags, use the app and follow the steps to access the lock settings menu, and present the new card or tag when prompted.

You can give people access to your lock by sharing a virtual key. Five virtual credits are offered when you pair your lock with the app. After that, credits have to be purchased separately.

Here’s how to share virtual keys:

Open the app and press the key in the top right corner & select your lock.
Tap on the name of the lock to access its settings
Select the “shared keys” option
Tap on “Invite user to access these locks”
Pick your user from contacts or give the necessary contact information
Pick between a scheduled key or a permanent key

Invitees will have to download the Conexis App and register an account. Also, the virtual key has to be accepted by the invitee.

If the guest key is not appearing, don’t forget to refresh the app for it to show up.

Setting Up the Yale Keyless Connected Electronic Lock

The Yale Keyless Connected electronic lock allows you to set up two distinct pin codes: family code and visitor code. Here, the family code acts as the master pin, allowing you to manage visitor codes and configure the settings.

Here’s how to set up family and visitor codes:

Open the separate battery compartment on the inside by pressing the two release buttons on either side simultaneously.
Then press the I (Registration) button once
Enter the family PIN code you wish to register. (4-12 digits)
Press the # button.
You can either press the I button on the battery pack to exit the programming mode or continue to add a visitor code.
To add a visitor PIN (4-12 digits), enter the PIN code after you press the # button in step 3.
Then press the I button on the battery pack.

Keyless Connected Reset I button — I Button on the Yale Keyless Connected

Follow Up Questions

1. How Do I Initiate Menu Mode on a Yale Smart Lock?

Initializing menu mode/ programming mode only requires you to type in your master pin followed by pressing the gear/hash button.

After this, a speaker prompt will let you know you’ve activated it or the keypad and Yale logo lights will turn blue.

2. Can I Change the Master Code After Initial Setup?

Yes, you can easily change the master code on most models by initiating programming mode, pressing the “1” command, and following the given instructions.

If you forget the master code, you will have to perform a factory reset and set up a new master code. Also, in models that rely solely on the app, you can go through their settings to factory reset or change the master code

3. Can I Use the Master Code to Temporarily Disable Other Entry Codes?

Yes, in most models, you can enable “all code lockout mode”. To do this, simply initiate programming mode and press “6” as the programming command followed by the gear button. Then press “1” followed by the gear key to enable or “3” to disable. Don't forget to input the gear key during every step sequence.

To learn more about lockout modes such as privacy mode and all-code lockout, check out this guide.

4. How Do I Ensure My Codes are Safe and Secure?

Whenever you create a new master/family code, make sure you memorize it, and keep it written down somewhere safe. You can write your codes down on the manual or any other place where guests or visitors cannot find them.

Also, don’t reveal your master code to others, and always remember to change them frequently, preferably once a month.

Conclusion

Manually programming your Yale lock can help you manage master and entry codes without having to always rely on the mobile app.

However, not all models support manual programming. Recent models such as the Assure Lock 2, Nest x Yale, and Yale Linus, need the app to perform these functions.

Whatever the case, it’s important to memorize your master codes and keep them in a safe place. Don’t share the master code with others and don’t forget to change the codes regularly.

How to Change Codes in a Yale Smart Lock?

Overview

Yale Access App