Safety & Security

My biggest “smart lock” fear has always been what happens if it runs out of battery. How do you get in if the app won’t respond and the keypad won’t light up?  Depending on the model, you can unlock the door using a physical backup key or provide emergency power just enough to type in your code.  So in this article, I’ll…

It’s important to replace the batteries regularly on your Yale smart lock to prevent lockouts and glitches.  When the battery levels are down to 20%, the mobile app or touchpad itself will let you know that the batteries need changing.  In this guide, I provide detailed instructions on how to do so for your exact model. Let’s go!  Replacing the Batteries on…

Having to replace the batteries frequently on your Yale lock and other smart devices can be tedious.  Maintaining high signal strength for your Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee connection is one method to ensure your smart lock doesn’t eat away at your batteries unnecessarily. So, to learn how to fix this and other issues, read on!  1. Use Only High-Quality Alkaline AA Batteries…

There are a number of reasons why your Yale smart lock keypad may become unresponsive and not light up when touched. From lockout modes to dead batteries, there are various fixes you can implement to get your lock back up and running. In this guide, I provide eight ways to fix a dead keypad and help prevent it from ever happening again.…

A flashing keypad on a Yale lock can mean different things for different models. In some cases, it can imply a lockout mode, while in others it can be stuck in menu mode or trying to indicate low battery. These are just a few of the reasons why, so in this guide, I’ll show you how to fix a flashing or beeping…

A unique feature of many Yale Smart locks is the ability to enable privacy mode from the inside. So if you’re wondering about how to enable it, you’ve come to the right place Privacy mode disables the keypad on the outside, preventing users from gaining access or opening the lock remotely via the app.  In this guide, I’ll show you how to…

If you’re unsure of how to program the master and user pin for a Yale smart lock, you’ve come to the right place.  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.…

There are lots of causes and solutions to the problem of a Yale smart lock not being able to connect to Wi-Fi. From incorrect credentials, poor signal strength, and network interference to congested Wi-Fi channels there are a number of ways you can improve your network’s reliability. In this article I discuss the common causes and corresponding solutions to solve this problem,…

Jimmy-proof vertical deadbolt locks are great as they offer enhanced resistance against forced entry. Their unique design, which involves interlocking with a strike plate mounted on the door frame, makes it difficult for intruders to pry the door open or spread the door and frame apart. Most smart locks available today, are designed for single-cylinder deadbolts. So if you’re renting an apartment…

On average, Schlage locks can function for an entire year on a full charge. Beyond that, you can try to reduce battery drain on a Schlage lock by following certain practices. With the exception of rapid battery drain, which can be due to a malfunction or a loose connection, you can enable/disable certain features to minimize power consumption.  So in this guide,…

A blinking red light on a Schlage lock can become annoying. It can cause delays, unnecessary beeps and impede the natural operation of the lock. That said, a blinking red light is most often due to battery issues or a programming error. So in this article, I’ll provide model-specific instructions on how to fix a Schlage lock with a red blinking error.…

If your Schlage smart lock has stopped working all of a sudden, don’t worry, it can be fixed! Whether that’s a bolt that won’t extend/retract or a touchpad that doesn’t register, a non-responsive Schlage lock can almost always be reverted to default with a factory reset. However, a factory reset is a last resort, so in this guide, I’ll walk you through…

The orange blinking light on a Schlage lock can cause the lock to stop responding, causing delays or complete lockouts. Although it’s primarily used to indicate programming mode, the orange light can start blinking continuously if there’s an underlying battery issue or programming error. So read on to find out how to fix it. 1. Programming Mode On every Schlage lock model,…

If you need to change access codes on your Schlage smart lock or need the programming code to fix an issue that has arisen, you’re in the right place.  All Schlage smart locks come with default programming codes which can be reset if you’ve lost yours. In this article, I provide detailed model-specific instructions on how to manage these codes to get…

If your Schlage lock’s battery has dropped dead and you’re locked out, don’t worry, you can open the lock without having to call a locksmith.   In most models, you can easily bypass a Schlage lock using a battery jump start or with the help of the physical key.  So in this guide, I’ll show you how to open a Schlage lock…