Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt BE479

Worked for a few years, so I probably shouldn't complain, but then stopped working. My main grumble is the Schlage service centre in Australia. They had never heard of this lock, despite it being one of their own products, and had no useful advice to offer. There are a lot of alternatives so I think this is my last time buying Schlage.

Unreliable. Drops off the network, drains batteries – Unfortunately I would advise to stay away from Schlage smart devices. We have bought a smart lock to help us set pins remotely for our bnb property. Not setting pins, drops off the network, drains batteries and sets incorrect statuses. Opted for another option.

Great choice for Digital Lock – Purchase and expectations. After considering several other options over a period of time I finally settled on this electronic lock and I am very satisfied with the product. We only had a cylinder lock so unless the door was locked with a key it would be open and sometimes the door would remain unlocked overnight or when going out for the day which… Read more

was somewhat of a concern. Also my teenager kids would forget their keys and lock themselves out. I also wanted something that could possibly log entry, and remotely monitored and controlled. So, this lock did everything I needed and was reasonably priced.

Fitting: I did not have an existing deadbolt so I performed the install my self. Anyone with moderate DIY skills/confidence should be able to do so but take your time and care with measurements and placement of the lock because mistakes are impossible/extremely difficult to rectify. I had some trouble because of the tools I had on hand with cutting to required depth and the exact diameters with my hole saw. Some careful hacking was then required. I followed the measurements in the instructions but I suggest measuring all the parts carefully regardless. It took me the best part of half a day. I am sure it could be done in a third of the time without problem solving/improvisation and suitable tools and experience. If in doubt, consider the extra cost of tools, borrow what's required beforehand or get a tradesmen.

Home Automation: The lock can be integrated into a home automation system. I have not gone taken that as far as possible at this time. The unit relies on Bluetooth and can be controlled from an iPhone (I cannot comment on Android). You need to be in bluetooth range. I had some initial difficulty pairing the lock and the Schlage app taking longer than expected. Not sure what the issues was but I eventually restarted phone, lock and reinstalled app to resolve. There is a WIFI gateway but this only available in the US not here in Australia. The Schlage app integrates to Apple Homekit. I read somewhere that Apple sold the lock in their stores so that is a good recommendation. Again, I had some initial trouble but carefully repeated steps until it worked. I easily added my wife phone too. I am not a big Siri user but it is good to ask her to open the front door when you hands are full although you do need to unlock your phone. I can also easily lock the door from my bedroom as it is in bluetooth range. Notifications are received when the door is locked/unlocked when in bluetooth range. Sometimes these are useful, sometimes annoying. These would be more useful when away from home which for me would require buying a HomePod or Apple TV (minimum 3rd Gen). As I have an older Apple TV I'm not looking to invest just yet although quite possibly in the near future. It would be beneficial to have connectivity away from home and it is apparently possible to set up such things as automatic locking and unlocking when leaving/arriving home.

Using the lock: The lock is robust construction and offers good level of security. Each user can be supplied with a unique passcode supports 30 more than enough for most purposes. I set 6 digit pins. 4-8 are possible but 4 digit are probably sufficient. There is support for providing access for workmen, cleaners etc One press locks the door - much easier than keys or there is a timer based auto locking feature. I often use Siri to unlock the door. There is an alarm to detect forced entry

Issues: Pairing of App and set up could be smoother. Install, if it does not fit in an existing lock cut out then some expertise and specialised tools required. It works but the keypad has no noticeable tactile feedback.

Schlage Sense - no more locking myself out of the house – So after locking myself out of my house for the third time I bit the bullet and switch to a smart lock. Now I don't need to remember to take my keys when I leave the house. The installation took a screwdriver and about 10 min, the setup (excluding firmware update) took about 5. Now the tradies working on my house reno can let themselves in, each… Read more

have their own access code and I get notified on my phone in real time when they come and go. I can check the status and close the lock with Siri when I go to bed and can't remember if I locked the door. It's just brilliant... Works best if there is a HomeKit hub (Apple TV or HomePod) within bluetooth range (mine is about 8m away in the living room) as that way you can control it via HomeKit from anywhere. Just before I get home in my car I just ask Siri to unlock the front door and voila I can walk straight in.

Smart lock for a Smart home and it works! – Purchased the Sense from the Apple Store in January this year and I love it. I was replacing an existing deadbolt and the process was very easy and took me around 10 minutes. Setting up the lock with the app was fairly quick too but setting up the lock with Apple TV for HomeKit compatibility took me the longest, I guess around 20-30 minutes. Now… Read more

I can unlock and lock my front door through the Home app on my phone and also with Siri. I also use a couple of Philips Hue globes which work very well with the Sense and Apple TV.

I can also keep a track of people who unlock the door and if the door has been locked while I am at work. I never thought a door lock can be so entertaining.

I noticed there is a new app update and read about it online before I updated the app. Apparently the lock is now compatible with Android but everyone at home is an iOS user so it doesn't bother me.

I read a few mixed reviews on the internet before I made the purchase but I have not had any issues with the lock.

I am very happy with the lock and I would recommend it.