Smart Lock Installation Reference

Why this reference exists

Smart locks (electronic, app-controlled, keypad) are the fastest-growing residential lock category. Customer pays installed; locksmith earns in labor on each install. App setup, integration with smart home, family access management create recurring service revenue. This is the working reference.

Major smart lock brands + types

Schlage Encode + Encode Plus:

• Wi-Fi built-in (no hub required)
• Touchscreen keypad
• Works with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit
• retail; installed
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 (best residential standard)

Yale Assure (multiple variants):

• Z-Wave or Wi-Fi options
• Keypad + sometimes keyed
• Pairs with most smart home hubs
• retail; installed

August Smart Lock:

• Retrofits existing deadbolt (no key change needed)
• Wi-Fi
• Auto-lock features
• retail; installed

Kwikset Halo + Aura:

• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
• Smart key compatibility
• Lower price point
• retail; installed

Lockly Vision:

• Built-in HD camera
• Smart home integration
• Premium feature set
• retail

Aqara Smart Lock:

• Matter-compatible (newer 2025+)
• Premium quality For most modern install: Schlage Encode Plus OR August Smart Lock (best balance).

Common features

Keypad entry:

• 4-8 digit codes
• Multiple codes for family + guest
• Temporary codes (date-limited)
• Code monitoring

App control:

• Lock/unlock remotely
• Notifications on entry
• Activity log
• Family member management

Auto-lock:

• After 30 sec to 5 minutes
• Configurable

Voice control:

• Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
• Open/close + status check

Geofencing:

• Unlock when phone arrives
• Premium feature

Key backup:

• Most still have physical key
• Backup for battery dead

Battery life:

• 6-12 months typical 4 AA batteries
• Notifications when low

Pre-install survey

Door measurements:

• Backset (distance from edge to center of bore): 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" standard
• Thickness: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" typical (smart locks fit range)
• Bore size: 2-1/8" standard
• Latch bore: 1" standard

Most smart locks fit standard doors. Specialty doors (thick fire-rated, narrow stile) may need different model.

Door fit:

• Door + frame square + plumb
• Latch + strike align
• Existing lock condition (replacement OR new install)

Wi-Fi check:

• Smart lock needs reliable Wi-Fi at door
• 5 GHz typically required by some; 2.4 GHz by others
• Speed test at door before quote
• Weak signal = add Wi-Fi extender

Installation procedure

Step 1: Pre-install customer prep

• Customer signs scope
• Wi-Fi password ready
• Customer downloads app
• Existing lock removed photos OR new install confirmation

Step 2: Remove existing lock

For replacement:

1. Disconnect existing lock + handle
2. Remove screws + bore plate
3. Preserve door + frame condition

Step 3: Install exterior side

1. Mount keypad / handle
2. Pass cable through bore (most smart locks have ribbon cable)
3. Verify cable not crimped

Step 4: Install interior side

1. Mount interior assembly
2. Connect cable
3. Insert batteries
4. Tighten mounting bolts

Step 5: Strike adjustment

1. Close door + lock manually
2. Verify smooth operation
3. Adjust strike if binding
4. Hand-tightening; tools as needed

Step 6: Configure

1. Lock initialization (set master code per manual)
2. App download + pair via Bluetooth
3. Connect to home Wi-Fi
4. Configure preferences (auto-lock, codes, etc.)
5. Family member access setup
6. Voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google, Apple)

Step 7: Test + customer briefing

1. Lock/unlock from app
2. Lock/unlock via keypad
3. Voice command test
4. Manual key backup test
5. Battery indicator
6. Customer briefing 15-30 min

Common service issues

Won't connect to Wi-Fi:

• Verify password
• Check signal strength at door (often weak)
• 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz network confusion
• Factory reset + re-pair

Battery drain fast:

• Wrong battery (use alkaline, not rechargeable initially)
• Heavy use
• Wi-Fi reconnection cycle if signal weak

Door binding:

• Out-of-square door / frame
• Latch + strike not aligned
• Adjust strike or shim

Customer locked out:

• Battery dead
• Use physical key backup
• App password issue → customer service support

Code not working:

• Code disabled or removed
• Customer entered wrong
• Lock factory reset cleared codes

Customer education

For new install:

1. App walkthrough (master account)
2. Family member adding
3. Code creation (permanent + temporary)
4. Activity log access
5. Battery replacement procedure
6. Physical key backup location
7. Warranty registration

Most customers comfortable after 30-minute briefing.

Common pitfalls

• Poor Wi-Fi at door: smart features unreliable
• Customer's old door / frame issues: lock doesn't operate smoothly
• Wrong backset / bore size: doesn't fit
• No key backup mentioned: customer locked out
• App password forgotten: customer locked out of administration
• Battery dead during outage: same as forgetting key
• Family member added incorrectly: can't enter

Customer talking points

For interested customer:

1. "Smart lock features: app + voice + family codes + auto-lock"
2. "Best brands: Schlage, August, Yale - all work with Alexa/Google/Apple"
3. "Total installed depending on brand + features"
4. "Wi-Fi at door required; we'll test signal first"
5. "Annual maintenance optional: includes battery + visual + app review"

For security-conscious customer:

1. "ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating: highest residential strength"
2. "Schlage Encode + Aqara Aqara Cube: best ratings + reliability"
3. "Physical key backup retains traditional lock advantage"
4. "Activity log + notifications for awareness"

Smart home integration setup

Alexa:

• Alexa app → Add Device → Smart Home → Lock
• Select brand (Schlage / Yale / August)
• Sign in + authorize
• "Alexa, unlock front door" works via PIN by default

Google Home:

• Google Home app → + Set up device → Works with Google
• Select brand
• Sign in + authorize
• Voice control via PIN

Apple HomeKit:

• iPhone Home app → + Add Accessory
• Scan HomeKit code on lock OR app pairing
• Hub required (HomePod, Apple TV, iPad)
• Premium for Apple users

Setup takes 5-15 minutes per ecosystem. Customer briefing essential.

Recurring revenue

After install, service contract:

• Annual battery check + replace
• App password reset assistance
• Family member updates
• Quarterly check-in (manageable for high-touch clients)

. 50-100 customers = K-20K annual recurring.

Warranty registration

Most smart locks include manufacturer warranty:

• Schlage: limited lifetime mechanical + 5-year electronic
• Yale: 1-year electronic + lifetime mechanical
• August: 1-year typical
• Kwikset: limited lifetime mechanical + 1-year electronic

Register at install; preserve warranty.

Customer-facing emergency

If customer locked out:

References

• ANSI/BHMA A156.2 (Bored Locks)
• UL 437 + UL 768 (key cylinder + electrical lock)
• Manufacturer install + setup manuals (Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset, Lockly)
• Smart home protocol references (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter)