Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Electronic deadbolt locks replace or operate a conventional deadbolt with powered credentials such as a keypad code, smartphone app, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a smart-home platform. The right lock is not simply the one with the most features: it must fit the door, carry a credible ANSI/BHMA classification, provide a recovery method when batteries are low, and work with the home’s chosen platform.
For a typical residential replacement, start by measuring door thickness, backset, bore and strike alignment. Then select the exact connectivity module and credential mix you need. For example, Schlage Encode Plus BE499 has built-in Wi-Fi, a physical key, four AA batteries and a published typical battery life of up to six months; Yale Assure Lock 2 variants trade among Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keypad, key, fingerprint and Apple Home Key features, with battery estimates that vary by module.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Free Tools
What is an electronic deadbolt lock?
An electronic deadbolt is a powered deadbolt that accepts an electronic credential instead of, or in addition to, a metal key. A motor moves the bolt after a valid keypad code, app command, Bluetooth credential or smart-home instruction. Most units still use a familiar deadbolt bore and strike, but the exterior keypad or touchscreen and the interior motor replace the standard thumb-turn hardware.
There are three practical arrangements:
- Complete replacement: The interior and exterior assemblies replace the existing deadbolt. This is the usual format for keypad and touchscreen models.
- Keyed electronic deadbolt: A physical cylinder remains available alongside electronic credentials. This gives a mechanical fallback if batteries or electronics fail.
- Keyless or module-based versions: Some product families can be ordered with different connectivity or credential modules. Treat each module as a separate specification rather than assuming every trim has the same features.
Electronic access does not change the door’s basic job: the bolt must extend fully into a correctly aligned strike. A sophisticated app cannot compensate for a warped door, a loose hinge or a bolt that rubs the frame.
Popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
How should you compare electronic deadbolts?
Compare the lock on six separate axes: physical fit, published security classification, credential choices, connectivity, battery recovery and installation demands. A Wi-Fi radio is a convenience feature, not a security grade, and a keypad does not automatically make one deadbolt stronger than another.
| Representative model | Published fit and hardware facts | Credentials and connectivity | Battery information | Published classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus BE499 | Fits 1-3/8- to 1-3/4-inch doors and 2-3/8- or 2-3/4-inch backsets; screwdriver installation; one physical backup key. Schlage product specifications | Keypad, Schlage Home app and built-in Wi-Fi; no separate Wi-Fi bridge for basic remote management. | Four AA batteries; up to six months of typical use; low-battery warnings on the touchscreen and in the app. | ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA residential performance in Schlage documentation. |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Replacement deadbolt family; installation requires careful alignment, according to published reviews. | Variant-dependent support for keypad, key, fingerprint reader, Apple Home Key, Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings and Matter. Confirm the exact module. | Four AA batteries; approximately three months for Wi-Fi variants or nine months for Bluetooth variants, as reported by Tom’s Guide. | BHMA Grade 2 as listed by Tom’s Guide. |
The table is a starting point, not a substitute for the exact model number. Product families can have different radios, key cylinders and emergency-entry methods.
Will an electronic deadbolt fit your existing door?
Usually, a standard residential door can accept a replacement deadbolt, but compatibility must be measured rather than assumed. Before ordering, record the following:
- Door thickness: Measure the slab, not the trim. The Encode Plus specification covers 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches; another model may use a different range.
- Backset: Measure from the door edge to the center of the bore. Common positions are 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches, both listed for the Encode Plus.
- Bore and edge holes: Confirm the diameter and position of the large face bore and the smaller edge bore against the installation template.
- Latch type: Check that the supplied latch can replace the existing one and that its tailpiece engages the interior motor correctly.
- Strike and frame: With the door open, the bolt should move smoothly. With it closed, the bolt should enter the strike without being forced sideways.
- Clearance: Make sure the exterior keypad does not hit storm-door hardware, and that the interior assembly clears the glass, trim and door handle.
Misalignment is the most common reason a motorized deadbolt strains, stalls or reports a false jam. If the lock works with the door open but not when closed, adjust the strike or hinges before blaming the electronics. Persistent binding, an out-of-square frame or a nonstandard multipoint door is a sensible reason to call a locksmith or finish carpenter.
Which electronic credentials are useful?
Choose credentials around the people and routines that use the door, not around a feature list.
Also popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
- Keypad codes: Useful for family, contractors and children who do not carry a phone. Use separate codes where the lock and app support them, and remove codes that are no longer needed.
- Physical key: The simplest recovery method when batteries are exhausted or a network is unavailable. The Encode Plus includes one backup key; a keyless configuration may not.
- Smartphone app: Enables remote management on models with an internet connection and can provide event or low-battery notifications. Remote features depend on the lock’s radio and the manufacturer’s service.
- Bluetooth: Often provides local phone control and, in the Yale figures cited above, longer battery life than Wi-Fi. It does not by itself provide remote access from outside the home.
- Fingerprint reader or Apple Home Key: Available only on particular Yale Assure Lock 2 configurations. Verify the selected trim before purchase.
- Smart-home integration: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter and proprietary hubs are not interchangeable. Confirm the exact module, required hub and platform support for your home.
For a household that wants remote unlocking without another bridge, Encode Plus’s built-in Wi-Fi is a straightforward arrangement. A home focused on battery life may prefer a Bluetooth configuration, provided it accepts the desired local-control method.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How secure are electronic deadbolts?
Security has two parts: the physical deadbolt and the electronic access system. Compare the published ANSI/BHMA classification for the exact model, then evaluate how codes, phones and emergency entry will be managed.
Schlage documentation lists Encode Plus with ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA residential performance and commercial-grade specifications. Tom’s Guide lists Yale Assure Lock 2 as BHMA Grade 2. These labels are not interchangeable, and a grade for one trim does not prove the same grade for every product in a family. Read the manufacturer’s technical bulletin or listing for the exact SKU.
Good operating practice matters as much as the label. Keep the firmware and app current, use unique account credentials, avoid predictable keypad codes, remove former users promptly and review access notifications when available. Do not place the emergency key outside in an obvious hiding spot. If a property requires a fire or insurance rating, request the exact documentation; never infer a fire rating from a smart-home certification.
What happens when the batteries die?
An electronic deadbolt normally remains locked when its batteries are depleted, but the recovery method differs by model. Plan that method before installation and test it while the door is open.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Also popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Schlage states that Encode Plus uses four included AA batteries, offers up to six months of battery life with typical use, and displays low-battery warnings on the touchscreen and in the Schlage Home app. It also includes one physical backup key. Those are manufacturer figures, not a guarantee: frequent motor operation, cold weather, poor alignment and weak cells can shorten the interval.
Tom’s Guide reports approximately three months for a Wi-Fi Yale Assure Lock 2 configuration and nine months for a Bluetooth configuration. Because Assure Lock 2 is a family of modules, verify whether the selected version has a key cylinder, an external emergency-power contact or another specified recovery method.
Use this battery plan:
- Enable every low-battery notification in the lock and its app.
- Keep the specified replacement AA cells in a known location; replace all cells together.
- Test the mechanical key or emergency-power procedure with the door open, then repeat after installation.
- Inspect the bolt for binding. A motor that works harder than necessary can consume batteries quickly.
- Replace batteries when the warning appears rather than waiting for a complete shutdown.
How do you install an electronic deadbolt?
Most replacements need a screwdriver, the lock’s template and a few minutes of careful adjustment. A professional is worthwhile for unusual door construction or a strike that will not align.
- Prepare the opening: Unlock the door, open it and remove the existing deadbolt. Photograph the old orientation if the latch has an adjustable backset.
- Verify dimensions: Recheck thickness, backset, bore, edge-hole size and interior clearance against the selected lock’s instructions.
- Install the latch: Slide in the supplied latch with the correct bevel direction. Tighten screws evenly; overtightening can distort the latch.
- Fit the exterior assembly: Feed the cable or tailpiece through the bore while keeping the keypad level. Do not pinch the cable against the door.
- Attach the interior assembly: Engage the tailpiece, connect the cable and secure the mounting plate. The thumb-turn should rotate freely before batteries are inserted.
- Install batteries and calibrate: Follow the exact setup sequence so the lock learns the locked and unlocked positions.
- Set credentials and connectivity: Create an administrator account, add codes or users, and pair the correct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or smart-home module.
- Test before closing the door: Operate the keypad, app, physical key and thumb-turn several times with the door open. Check low-battery behavior if the instructions provide a test mode.
- Test under load: Close the door gently and confirm the bolt enters the strike without pushing or lifting the door. Adjust the strike before normal use.
TechRadar’s published Assure Lock 2 roundup notes that meticulous alignment is important and that Wi-Fi setup can be tricky. Treat network pairing as a separate step from mechanical installation; a lock should still have its documented local or mechanical recovery path if setup is interrupted.
How do Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Matter affect the choice?
Connectivity determines what the lock can do when you are nearby, away from home or using another smart-home controller. Built-in Wi-Fi can eliminate a bridge for remote management but generally increases radio activity and may reduce battery life. Bluetooth favors local control and can be more economical, while Matter support depends on the exact module and a compatible controller or border-router arrangement.
Also popular on Amazon
- Toolwiz 17-inch magnetic sweeper maintaining a load capacity of up to 8.8 pounds provides a perfect solution to the problem of clearing small ferrous metal objects, such as nails, tacks, bolts, and metal shavings from workshops or garage floors.
- Convenient and portable：17” is good for home, small workshop, or small yard as it is space-saving and more reachable for narrow areas. Perfect for collecting nails or small parts in the car, under the table, and in other nooks or crannies.
- Upgraded Handle Design: The handle features a sturdy, non-telescopic design to completely prevent slipping during use. By simply adding or removing the extension poles, the height can be adjusted to 3 different lengths: 18.9" (48 cm), 32.5" (82.5 cm), and 42.5" (108 cm) from ground to top. This customizable height helps prevent back bending and muscle strain, making your cleaning tasks effortless
- Flexible wheels: Upgrade wheel screws to avoid being too tight to spin or too loose. More comfortable 3-inch rubber wheels roll smoothly on carpet, grass, concrete, and hardwood floors. Just push and pull this rolling magnet-sweeper to pick up metal nails easily.
- Lightweight materials: The magnetic nail sweeper's compact and lightweight design makes the sweeping can be done anywhere you want, Push or pull it under the furniture, passing through the workshop floor, driveway, mud, grass, and gravel.
Do not buy a lock based only on a family name. Check whether the listing includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave or Matter; whether a hub is required; which app creates users; and whether the desired Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings functions are supported by that configuration. The Yale Assure Lock 2 comparison specifically describes platform support across variants, so the module selected at checkout matters.
What maintenance prevents lockouts and failures?
- Keep the strike and bolt path clean; do not force the bolt against a misaligned frame.
- Check mounting screws seasonally, especially on doors that swell or shift with weather.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant for the mechanical cylinder and latch; avoid flooding electronic parts with spray.
- Review user codes and app access after tenants, cleaners or contractors no longer need entry.
- Install app and firmware updates from the manufacturer, then verify that existing credentials still work.
- Record the exact model and module number with the installation instructions and emergency procedure.
If the lock beeps but does not move, first open the door and try the bolt. Smooth operation with the door open points to strike alignment. No operation with the door open suggests depleted batteries, a disconnected cable, an incorrect calibration or an electronic fault; follow the model’s reset and recovery instructions before replacing hardware.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you budget for an electronic deadbolt project?
The purchase price is only one part of the decision, and no current official retail prices are published. Allow for the lock and its required batteries, possible hub or Matter controller, replacement strike hardware and professional installation if the door is unusual or misaligned. Recheck the exact retailer listing and manufacturer’s page immediately before buying because prices, stock, firmware and app features change.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor a straightforward standard door, a screwdriver installation may be practical. A locksmith or finish carpenter adds value when the door is sagging, the frame is out of square, the existing bore is nonstandard or the lock must meet a documented property or fire requirement.
Which electronic deadbolt is the better starting point?
Choose Schlage Encode Plus BE499 when built-in Wi-Fi, a physical key, Schlage Home app management and the published Grade AAA residential classification fit your requirements. Its stated dimensions and six-month typical battery figure make the compatibility check straightforward, but alignment still determines whether the motor can work reliably.
Also popular on Amazon
- APPLY TO MOST DRILLS : 6 pieces screw extractors work with any drill and all the screw size or bolt (3-12mm), These extractor tools are used to reverse the damaged screw counterclockwise until it is released
- The DIY Tools for Men-Men won't know they need screw extractor set until they have one! This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and Unique tool gifts for men women. The must have stocking stuffers for men, gifts for dad, husband, father, him, guy teens, adult, Boyfriend, son on Birthdays, Christmas, Fathers Day or anniversary. Perfect Holiday Gifts Guide
- HIGH QUALITY - This damaged screw remover tool kit is made from High-Speed Steel H.S.S 4341# , which have high hardness of 63hrc, it's durable and easily to remove any damaged screws.
- EASY TO USE: Just two simple steps to get the job done - drill a hole with a cutting size using the right size screw extractor and easily remove the screw or bolt using the removal tool Hardness 63-65HRC: Titanium hardened steel material, more durable than most screw extractors on the market, better hardness and durability than others, buy with confidence and complete peace of mind
- Cool Gadgets for Men Dad Christmas Birthday Gifts for Men and Women - Men won't know they need screw extractor sets until they have one! Every screw has the potential to rust and break, which can create a situation where it cannot be removed. Owning it, there will be no anxiety about rusty screws. This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and unique tool gifts for men women. A must have stocking stuffer for men on birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or anniversaries, a gifts for dads, husbands, fathers, him, adults, boyfriends, sons. The best and most practical and surprising Christmas gifts
Choose a Yale Assure Lock 2 configuration when you specifically need one of its available combinations of keypad, key, fingerprint reader, Apple Home Key or smart-home platforms. Confirm the module before ordering: the reported battery estimate ranges from about three months on Wi-Fi to nine months on Bluetooth, and the family carries a published BHMA Grade 2 listing.
In either case, the safest selection process is: measure first, identify the exact SKU and radio, verify the published grade, confirm emergency entry, then plan installation and battery maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate Wi-Fi bridge for Schlage Encode Plus?
No. Encode Plus has built-in Wi-Fi for its basic remote-management use case, so a separate bridge is not required for that function. You still need the Schlage Home app and a correctly configured home network.
Is a Bluetooth smart deadbolt usable without internet?
Bluetooth can provide local phone control when you are near the lock, but remote access and cloud notifications generally require the connectivity path specified by that model. Check the exact module’s instructions before assuming an offline feature works.
Can I install an electronic deadbolt on a door that already sticks?
Correct the sticking first. A motorized bolt needs the same smooth travel as a manual bolt, and frame pressure can cause jams, excessive battery use or failed calibration.
Are electronic deadbolts suitable for fire-rated doors?
Only if the exact lock and door assembly have the required documentation. Electronic, smart-home or ANSI/BHMA claims do not by themselves establish a fire rating; ask the manufacturer or building professional for the applicable listing.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What should I do if the app cannot connect during installation?
Keep the door open, finish the mechanical installation and test the keypad, thumb-turn and physical key first. Then verify that the selected module matches the app and network requirements; do not close the door until a documented local or mechanical recovery method works.
