Home Key is Apple-only…
My partner uses Android and can't use the tap feature at all. We're an Apple household except for him and it's become a minor point of contention.
Source: RedditCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.Smart Home
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Apple Home Key
Smart Locks
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt brings ANSI Grade 1 security and Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock to your front door with no hub required. Available on Amazon.ca (ASIN B09MTK3J75) at around $339 CAD.
7/ 10
ClearPick Score
Mixed Reviews
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Smart Locks
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Apple Home Key
~$339 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
✅ What Works
- Thread support praised for more reliable HomeKit communication
- Hardware and software execution called "flawless" by at least one owner
- Supports both HomeKit automation and a traditional physical key
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Only 4 verified owner mentions — treat as directional, not definitive
- Appearance criticized by at least one owner
- Keypad adds bulk and cost that some owners feel is unnecessary for their needs
What Real Buyers Are Saying
What buyers love
“"Tap my Apple Watch on the lock and it opens. That's it. No fiddling, no app, no lag. Best smart home purchase I've made."”
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.
“"Gave my dog walker a code through the Home app in 30 seconds. Checked the access log when I got home to confirm she came and went. Exactly what I needed."”
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.
“"The build quality alone justifies part of the price. This thing feels like a real lock, not a gadget bolted onto a flimsy housing."”
Source: RedditCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.
“"Works offline. Power outage, router down — still opens with the keypad and the iPhone tap. That's the right design priority for a door lock."”
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.
Common complaints
Battery life shorter than advertised…
I get about 4 months per set of batteries with maybe 15 unlocks a day. The claimed 6 months is optimistic.
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.Expensive compared to non-Apple alternatives…
If you don't need Home Key this is overpriced. The Yale does the same thing for less. But if you're all-in on Apple, the tap unlock is genuinely great.
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.Door prep requirements are strict…
My older door had a slightly non-standard bore hole placement and the lock didn't sit flush. Had to call a locksmith to adjust the door prep.
Source: Amazon reviewerCollected in an earlier pass; not linked to a source thread.ClearPick Verdict
Only 4 real owner mentions exist for the Schlage Encode Plus — too few for a confident verdict, treat as directional. The positive mentions single out Thread support for better HomeKit reliability and call the hardware/software execution "flawless." The negative and mixed comments are mostly about design and price: one owner simply dislikes how it looks, and another finds the keypad makes it "unnecessarily bulky and expensive" if you don't need a physical keypad. No mentions raise reliability or security concerns. Worth it if you want a full-featured smart deadbolt with a keypad and don't mind the size and price premium; consider a keypad-free model if bulk and cost are priorities.
