Can I Use Rechargeable Batteries in Schlage Lock?

If you’re on this page, my guess is you’re having issues with your Schlage Lock batteries and are wondering if you can switch to rechargeable batteries. If that guess was correct, then keep reading as this post contains valuable information for you. Let’s head right into it!

The quick answer as to whether you can use rechargeable batteries in your Schlage Lock is no. All Schlage keypad/smart locks are powered by non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Schlage doesn’t recommend using lithium batteries in any of its smart lock models.

In the following paragraphs, we look at various Schlage locks models and the type/number of batteries they use.

What Battery Does Schlage Locks Use?

As mentioned, all Schlage smart locks use alkaline batteries. However, they do not all use the same number of batteries or sizes, so if you’re curious to know the exact type of battery that each Schlage Smart Lock model uses, see the table below.

Why Does My Schlage Encode Lock Drain Battery?

You may have noticed that your Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt drains batteries quickly—compared to other Schlage Smart Lock models you’ve had, and that’s normal. Here is why:

Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and keeping it connected to your home Wi-Fi network for remote access uses more battery power than other Schlage locks without built-in Wi-Fi.

However, the batteries in your Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt should last anywhere between 2 to 3 months before needing replacement. If not, then chances are you’re overworking the lock through the Wi-Fi connection, which then uses more battery power than normal.

To fix this, ensure your Wi-Fi network is stable. Frequent reconnection overworks the lock and thus uses more battery power. Also, if your Wi-Fi signal strength is weak, consider moving your router closer to the lock or use a Wi-Fi repeater to boost your Wi-Fi network coverage. This way, your lock will connect easily and maintain the connection without using too much battery power.

You should also ensure you have the right batteries. As mentioned, only use high-quality alkaline batteries in your Schlage lock—Duracell and Energizer are excellent brands to consider.

Why Are Lithium Batteries Not Recommended?

While lithium batteries may have a longer life, they tend to drain fast when they are weak—unlike alkaline batteries. What this means is, lithium batteries may not give you enough time to change them when they’re weak—the batteries may drain completely overnight, causing undesirable operation.

So Schlage (and many other Smart Lock companies) does not recommend using lithium batteries. For best performance, get high-quality AA alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable) for your Schlage keypad Lock and other models.

How Can I Change the Batteries in My Schlage Keypad Lock?

Changing batteries in your Schlage keypad lock is usually a seamless process—though the process may differ for different Schlage Lock models. But the first thing is to get the right replacement batteries. If you already have the batteries, follow the steps below to replace the batteries in your Schlage keypad lock:

1. Remove the battery cover on your lock (usually located on the interior assembly).
2. Disconnect the battery connector and then remove the old batteries.
3. Put in the new batteries—ensure you place the batteries based on the right polarity (+ –).
4. Connect the battery connector back and replace the battery cover.

How Do I Know If My Schlage Lock Batteries Are Low?

For most Schlage keypad locks, frequent red flashes on the lock show the batteries are low and require replacement. So if you’re seeing persistent red flashes on your Schlage Keypad Lock, quickly replace the batteries to avoid being locked out.

More so, if your Schlage Lock works with the Schlage Home app, you may see a message on the screen that your batteries are low. Note that this will only work if your lock is paired with the Schlage Home app for remote access.

What Happens When Schlage Lock Runs Out of Battery?

When a Schlage lock runs out of battery, it stops functioning electronically. That is, you can’t operate it via the keypad or mobile app until the batteries are replaced. However, most Schlage Smart locks feature a keyhole, so you can lock/unlock it with the physical key when it stops functioning electronically.

Wrapping Up

By now, you already know that rechargeable batteries are not recommended for Schlage Keypad Locks. So ensure you only use the right batteries (alkaline batteries) for continuous reliable operation.

More so, ensure you don’t mix old batteries with new ones when replacing the batteries.

Read Next:

How to Troubleshoot Schlage Lock that Won’t Unlock

How to Change the 4 Digit Code on a Schlage Keypad Lock