Customer Reviews

Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Entry Lever Lock Starter Kit System, Satin Nickel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I love this lockset - really. I've had it for over a year. When I bought it I too didn't realize that Schlage wanted to sell their internet service. I was very disturbed by this and didn't buy into it. Instead I bought a "Vera" controller from Micasaverde.com to control it. Vera connects to my internet connection and controls ALL my Z-wave based systems (this Schlage lock included) with NO SERVICE CHARGE! You buy/install the Vera system, mate it with the lock (don't need Schlage's internet controller) and off you go. You can lock/unlock remotely. You can change access codes remotely. You can get notifications of the lock being accessed, door opened, etc.. I entered 6 codes to cover my family needs, friends and a variety of service people.

I am buying another lock for another property and already have another Vera (which also controls lights, thermostats, IP cameras, etc.).

If you want this lock and want a great way to get into DYI home automation buy it and pair it with Vera.

By the way - I am not affiliated with Schlage or Micasaverde.com in any way.

I'd rate the lock 5 star except I disliked the Schlage marketing/non-marketing of their service and pairing it with other Z wave controllers does take time.

I was very happy about the arrival of my Schlage LiNK door lock. It was easy to install, taking only about a half hour to replace an existing lock on my front door. It is also easy to use once setup. The setup process is a little complicated, requiring carrying the wireless connector to within a few feet of each device to be included in each individual's home system and pushing several buttons in a timed period. There are no included combination programming instructions included although the instructions state that such programming is possible. After the more than $300 dollar purchase, to find that the entire wireless operation won't work unless you subscribe to the $12.99 per month web service was very upsetting, especially since I only have one lock. The same lock, without the wireless capability can be had for about half the price. If I had to do it again, Although I love the lock, I would not have purchased it had I known the service was required and cost so much.

I love this lock. I haven't signed up for the wireless access yet (it's $13/mo) but program it manually. You can easily change the master program code to something you can remember.

One note- If you have a standard door with 2 holes already drilled (say a handle lock & a deadbolt) this all in one lock probably won't cover both holes and you'll need to get a metal cover plate or use the Schlage deadbolt version which doesn't lock automatically behind you. So make sure to read the measurements carefully if you're putting it into an existing lock hole.

While I understand some of the negative comments out here, I'd like to offer my perspective. I own a condo in another state which I have to rent out in order to make ends meet. Now, I could have the uncertainty of sending keys to my guests, hoping they don't reproduce them while they're staying in the condo, but that was unsettling for me. I needed a way to provide them access during the timeperiod for which they paid, and then deny them access after they checkout. Too, I have a cleaning service come in, inbetween rentals.

This lock is perfect for my needs. I can add/delete user code remotely, from my cell phone or from my PC. If the code doesn't work, I can send a remote unlock. If the cleaning company doesn't work out, I can remove their code without the worry that they'll re-enter after I've fired them. I can remotely turn on the light for times when the condo is sitting empty. And, although I haven't purchased it yet, in the future I will get the thermostat so that I can monitor/adjust it remotely, too.

Its a win-win for me.

True, I have to pay $20 for Internet service plus the $13 for the monthly service, but I am hoping I can recoup some of those fees from guests who want to opt for WiFi while they're renting from me.

Finally, the service will allow me to add other houses. So, for the $13/month (less if you pay annually), I can manage a lock on my permanent residence, too.

It is a solution I likely would not have opted for had I not had the other property, but am glad it was available for my requirements.

I actually purchased the keypad + deadbolt unit from Lowes because they had a good special going on ($249 with 3 months of Link for free!) and had no problems getting it installed. The instructions for the physically installation were just fine, but the instructions for setting everything else up were useless. I say useless because the directions were to a URL that was something like "[...]" - which doesn't exist. The online documentation that I did find was very confusing and seemed like they were trying to use one instruction sheet for half the product line instead of having easy to read PDF files for each product. What was AWESOME were the YouTube videos. They very quickly explained what the manual failed to explain, and I was off and running.

Negative:
* Documentation is awful.

Positive:
* iPhone app is awesome! You can check the battery status, status of Lights, Security, and your Z-Wave enabled thermostat. You can also view the Schlage webcam if you have one (not sure about third party ones) and can set a one time use code or unlock the door.
* YouTube setup videos made up for the lousy documentation. Seriously. Schlage should just embed them in their support site because they were that helpful.
* Device is easy to use and is made even easier by the Schlage Link website.

Notes:
* Deadbolt is NOT MOTORIZED!! Folks often think that it's a motorized device that will unlock the door for you. This isn't the case. A human being still has to be in front of the lock to turn the deadbolt to open it. Some think this is a negative, but I think it's actually a security feature.
* It does include some pre-programmed user codes. I removed them and added my own through the web interface.
* It includes a set of keys so you can use it to override the deadbolt.
* In order to get the Z-Wave stuff to learn about the device, you have to register everything online first. When you're getting the Z-Wave bridge to learn about the deadbolt, you actually have to hold the bridge right up next to the deadbolt. Same goes for the lighting controller.
* The lighting controller can only be used with an incandescent light source. No CFLs. Not sure about LED units, though.
* You can set it to send you a text message or email (or both) upon certain actions. We have ours set to send us a text message when the kid gets home.
* The Kid was also notorious for running out to play and leaving the house unlocked because he didn't want to bring his key. This is no longer an issue because all he has to do is press a button and turn a knob to lock the door. No key for him to worry about, and no key for him to lose. (Sneaky kids will probably learn that the alerts aren't sent if the door is unlocked. I'd like to see Schlage add an option to alert us if the door is left unlocked for a certain amount of time.)

Overall, we have been very happy with the purchase. Aside from the initial setup woes, we've had no problems with it whatsoever.

It is not clear from the Schlage and/or Amazon information provided that a user MUST subscribe to the Schlage Link service @ $14.00/month for this product to work as advertised. It will work as a stand alone electronic lock, but will not interface with any other z-wave network unless you use the Schlage Bridge and net based server system. If you want all the bells and whistles that is fine. I didn't, and found it necessary to return the starter kit, and purchase an "add on" lock which works just fine as an electronic lock.

I just had the bronze color set up and its great. I don't get why its 12.99 a month, but it does work cool with lightest, cell phone etc. and I had NO PROBLEMS. Its really kind of freaking me out ... but I'm super happy with the product.

I bought this because I thought it would be extremely convenient to unlock my house from my car, via my cell phone, when I got home. As advertised, the schlage Link does this. The only thing they don't tell you is that the lock automatically re-locks about 5 seconds later. So unless you are standing right next to the lock, there is no point in unlocking it with your cell phone. I even called customer service, who was as helpful as they could be, and they confirmed this.

Aside from the cell phone unlock, this was extremely easy to set up and the light dimmer works great from your cell phone or computer. Just note that for the dimmer to work properly you have to use an incandescent bulb.

If you want a lever-style knob that works from a cell-phone and stays unlocked until you lock it, go with the Kwikset z-wave. It works flawlessly.

Keep in mind the date this was written as this industry is changing fast.

Understandably most reviewers are frustrated about the service fee - not the lock. As of this date Schlage has drastically reduced this service fee to a little over $8 a month.

The SchlageLink is perfect for people who own second homes, vacation rentals or just travel a bunch for work. I manage several cabin rental properties and the SchlageLink system has become an invaluable tool. When I book a client, I am able to schedule a security code to only work during their stay. The system also notifies me via email & text message when that security code has been used to access the property (arrival).

The Schlage Bridge included in this kit is also able to control lights, camera's and even thermostats. I have the Trane thermostats installed too and am amazed at level of control available remotely. Through the schlage web interface I can control every aspect of the of heating and cooling and even create a 7 day schedule. It will also send me an alert if the temps in the cabins drop 5 degrees below their set temp (no more frozen pipes!). It's great - I can warm up the cabins an hour before the guests arrive. I will suggest you stick to the supported modules if you want a true plug and play experience.

I looked long and hard at the Mi Casa verde before I pulled the trigger on the Schlagelink kit. Like the others, I don't care for a monthly service fee. However, even though I have a degree in IT, I just don't have the time to sort out all the technical details that seem to come with the Mi Casa device. I needed something that worked, reliable and easy to use. That's what I got.

Installing the actual lock was a snap. Two screws and you're done. Configuring the bridge was pretty easy too. All I did was watch the youtube videos and go. I spent more time trying to get my wireless WDS working than I did installing the Schlage Bridge.

I recently installed the following Schlage Z-Wave products: 3 variable light modules, 1 on/off GE switch, 2 thermostats and 1 deadbolt lock. The physical installations, "bridge" setup and "enrollments worked perfectly. I also installed the Schlage Link software on my iPhone and iPad. Those programs installed perfectly the first time and functioned correctly. I did email Schlage technical support regarding two installation questions and received a call back or email the very same day. The issues I was having issues were remotely changing the access codes on the door lock. They sometimes did or did not work. The solution was to relocate the "bridge" closer to the middle of the house vs. the farthest point from the door lock installation. Now everything works well. I would strongly recommend Schlage Z-Wave products. I feel Schlage-Link products represent a good value as well as a quality product with great support. My favorite products are the thermostats and door lock. I can now adjust the temperature of my home remotely. On a super hot day I can adjust the A/C before I get home. I also can send an unlock code from my iPhone to let someone in the house. I get a text message indicating if the door is locked or unlocked and the identification of the person that opened the door. In addition, I don't need to carry a set of door keys with me. So why did I rate this product a 4+ and not a 5?.....because I feel the range of the Schlage-Link bridge could be a little better. Yes, individual Z-Link modules are suppose to extend the range of the bridge, but my experience suggested this was not a flawless solution. Overall 4+