Schlage Auto Lock Not Working? (Solved)
As you probably know, the auto-locking function in a Schlage keypad lock helps to ensure that the door is always locked. That is, with the auto-lock function in effect, the lock will automatically lock whenever the door closes (after a few seconds).
However, this function may sometimes not work. If this is the case with your Schlage Lock, keep reading as I’ll walk you through the steps to fix the problem. Let’s dive in.
If auto-lock is not working in your Schlage Lock, here are some reasons this might be happening:
- Your lock doesn’t come with the auto-lock feature.
- Your lock has the auto-lock feature but is not enabled.
- Auto-lock is not working because of a glitch in the lock.
- Incorrect installation.
- Low batteries.
With that in mind, let’s look at what you can do to fix this.
Schlage Auto-Lock Not Working: How to Troubleshoot
1. Confirm that Your Lock has the Auto-Locking Function
If your Schlage lock won’t automatically lock, the first thing to do is check whether your lock comes with the feature.
Yes, not all Schlage locks come with this feature, and your lock won’t automatically lock if it doesn’t have the function. Check your user manual to see if your Schlage Lock model features auto-lock.
If you don’t have the user manual, try googling your Schlage Lock model to see if it has the auto-locking feature. You can also check this post that lists Schlage keypad locks with the auto-lock feature.
2. Enable Auto-Lock
By default, auto-lock is disabled in all Schlage locks that come with the feature. If you’re sure that your lock has the auto-lock feature but not working, chances are it’s not enabled yet. Try enabling auto-lock on the lock to see if it works.
Here’s how to enable auto-lock on your Schlage Lock:
- On the keypad, press the Schlage button.
- Enter your current Programming Code and press 9. The lock will blink and beep once, indicating that auto-lock is activated.
Now, close the door and wait for some time, then check to see if it’s locked. If so, it means auto-lock is now in effect, so the issue is fixed.
But if not, continue to the next
3. Reset Your Lock
If the other options couldn’t fix the auto-lock issues, restore factory settings on your lock.
Issues like this may happen if there are unseen glitches in your lock, and restoring factory settings on the lock usually helps to fix such problems.
But keep in mind that restoring default settings on your lock will erase all your custom programming, including stored User Codes. So ensure you find the default Programming Code before performing a factory reset. You’ll need the default Programming Code to reprogram your lock. Check the front of your user manual or inside the keypad assembly to find the default Programming Code—usually printed on a white sticker.
With that being said, here’s how to quickly perform a factory reset on a Schlage Lock:
- Take off the battery cover and disconnect the battery.
- Press and release the Schlage button.
- Reconnect the battery. Next, press and hold the Schlage button until the lock blinks green and beeps once. Ensure you complete this step within 10 seconds (refer to your user manual to see if this method doesn’t work for you).
Now your lock is reset, and that should fix the issue. Try closing the door and wait for a few seconds to see if it will automatically lock. If not, continue to the next step.
4. Replace the Batteries
Generally speaking, low batteries can reduce the performance of your lock. So try replacing the batteries in your lock to see if that will fix the issue.
Note that rechargeable/lithium batteries are not recommended. Get high-quality alkaline batteries for your lock. And ensure the batteries are installed in the right direction—following the correct battery polarity (+/-).
5. Uninstall and Reinstall
If you’ve tried all the steps above, yet auto-lock won’t work in your Schlage Lock, then it’s safe to assume that your lock isn’t installed correctly.
Try rotating the inside Thumb Turn to see if the latch retracts fully. If it doesn’t retract fully or sometimes gets stuck, chances are your lock isn’t installed correctly. In this case, you need to remove the lock from the door and reinstall it. See how to install Schlage keypad locks correctly here.
If you’re not sure how to uninstall and reinstall the lock, get an expert to help you.
If the problem persists, contact Schlage Customer Support for further help.
Related Questions
How do I disable Schlage auto-lock?
If you want to disable the auto-locking function on your Schlage Lock, here’s how to do that:
Press the Schlage button. Next, enter your Programming Code and press key 9. This will disable the auto-locking function in your lock.
Does Schlage BE365 auto-lock?
No, Schlage BE365 doesn’t have the auto-lock feature, so it doesn’t automatically lock.
Does Schlage Connect auto-lock?
Yes, Schlage Connect can automatically lock, as it comes equipped with the auto-lock function.
Does Schlage FE595 auto lock?
Schlage FE595 doesn’t have the auto-lock feature, but it comes with a flex lock that works like auto-lock.
What is the difference between auto-lock and flex lock?
Auto-lock and flex lock have the same functions, but the only difference is in the activation methods.
While you can activate auto-lock by pressing a few buttons on the keypad, you only need to rotate the interior Thumb Turn to the horizontal position to enable flex lock. And putting the Thumb Turn in the vertical position will put the lock in unlocked mode, meaning the flex lock is disabled.