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
• 2.4 GHz required; smart locks do not join 5 GHz networks, so a combined-band router may need the 2.4 GHz band split out or made visible
• 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)

Price it as a flat annual or monthly monitoring fee. At 50 to 100 customers that fee becomes a recurring line worth more per year than the install revenue it came from.

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:

1. Ask what changed. Dead battery, forgotten code, phone lost or dead, app not connecting, or the lock stopped responding entirely. The answer picks the fix and often avoids a truck roll.
2. Physical key override first. Most deadbolt-replacement smart locks keep a keyed cylinder. If the customer has the key on them or in a lockbox, the job is over.
3. Emergency power. Schlage-style units take a 9V battery held against the exterior contacts; some newer designs take a USB power bank at an external port. That wakes the lock long enough to enter a code. Every customer should be shown this at install and should not be learning it on the doorstep.
4. Backup code. The keypad code works locally even when Wi-Fi, the hub, or the app is down. If the customer only ever used the phone, this is the moment they find out why you insisted on setting a code.
5. Another authorized user. Spouse, roommate, or family member with app access can unlock remotely if the lock is still online.
6. Manual override from inside, if anyone is home or if a secondary entrance is accessible.
7. If all of that fails, it is a standard lockout call. Pick or bypass the mechanical cylinder if there is one; otherwise it is a drill-and-replace of the cylinder, and the electronics usually survive. Verify identity and authority to enter the same as any other lockout, no exceptions because the customer sounds convincing.

Tell every customer at install: keep one physical key off-site (neighbor, car, lockbox), set a keypad code even if you plan to use the phone, and replace batteries on the first low-battery warning rather than the last.

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)