Schlage Smart Lock Not Working in Cold Weather [How to Fix]

In this post, we’ll walk you through some handy steps to troubleshoot your Schlage Lock that isn’t working due to cold weather. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s dive in.

Schlage Keypad

First off, if your Schlage Lock is not working in cold weather, here are some reasons behind this:

  • The batteries in the lock are low.
  • The lock is malfunctioning.
  • A component in the lock moved out of place.

Now let’s look at what you can do to resolve this problem.

Below are some tips to troubleshoot your Schlage Lock that is malfunctioning in cold weather:

Change the Batteries

If your Schlage Lock is malfunctioning in cold weather, start your troubleshooting by replacing the batteries.

The lock drains battery quickly during the cold weather—mostly when it’s exposed to wind chills. And once the battery power is running low, some features in the lock may stop working.

So, if your Schlage Lock is malfunctioning (not locking/unlocking), you can resolve the issue by changing the batteries.

If you’re not sure how to change the batteries in your Schlage Lock, follow the steps below:

  • Go to the interior assembly of the lock. Then remove the battery Cover (if you find any screws holding the battery cover to the lock, remove the screws first).
  • Next, remove the old batteries from the battery compartment. Then insert the new batteries into the compartment. Ensure you use only alkaline batteries.
  • Now, replace the battery cover.

Your Schlage Smart Lock may start working after you’ve changed the batteries. But if it doesn’t, continue to the next step.

Use a Physical Key and Lube

If your Schlage Lock is malfunctioning (won’t lock or unlock with codes) in cold weather, try using a physical key to lock/unlock the door.

Your Schlage Lock comes with a keyhole; get the key and try to lock/unlock it. But before you do that, try spraying some dry lubricant into the keyhole—this also helps to fix the locking/unlocking issue in cold weather.

If you’re able to lock/unlock the deadbolt with a physical key, try to unlock with a code to see if it works.

If the problem persists, continue to the next step.

Disassemble Your Lock and Fix the Spring

Cold weather tends to put pressure on your Schlage smart lock. As a result, the spring that controls the lock mechanism might move out of place. This might cause the lock to malfunction.

You can tell whether this is the issue by turning the knob. If you can turn the spring but can’t lock the door, the plastic piece is out of place.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to remove the lock from your door and fix the spring.

Here’s how to do that:

  • On the interior assembly, remove the screws on the lock.
  • Detach the battery from the battery connector.
  • Next, remove the screws at the center of the lock.
  • Pull out the lock on both sides of the door.
  • Take the detached lock to a workbench.
  • Remove any screws you see on the lock.
  • Detach the knob from the lock.
  • Now, you need to see how the lock operates to diagnose the issue. To do this, you’ll need to connect the exterior and interior of your locks using the battery connector wire.
  • Then remove the screws below the keypad to see the front panel of your lock.
  • You’ll see a plastic piece shaped like a Reverse C. This piece moves to the top when you input your entry code or turn your knob. But because the spring below the plastic piece has moved out of place, the piece won’t move to the top of the lock.
  • Disconnect the plastic piece to see the spring. You’ll need to put a hand on the lock and drag out the piece carefully.
  • You’ll see that the spring has moved out of place.
  • Put the spring back up straight.
  • Now, place the plastic piece back in place.
  • To check if the lock works properly, input your User Code. The piece should move all the way up.
  • Now, disconnect the interior and exterior parts of your lock. Then reassemble the lock and place it back on the door.

Video tutorial:

Your Schlage Smart Lock should work fine now. But if the lock isn’t working, continue to the next step.

Factory Reset Your Lock

If the problem persists, your Schlage Lock might be faulty. And performing a reset on the lock can help resolve the problem.

But before you reset your Schlage Lock, note that this action will remove all your custom settings, including User Codes and Programming Code. So, you’ll get your default Programming Code to hand as you’ll need it to reprogram the lock after the reset.

You can find the default Programming Code on the back of the user manual that came with your lock or on the back of the lock’s interior assembly (printed on a white label).

That said, here’s how to factory reset your Schlage keypad lock:

  • Remove the battery cover (you may need to remove some screws depending on the model of your lock).
  • Disconnect/remove the battery.
  • Next, press the Schlage button on the keypad. Then release the button immediately.
  • Within 10 seconds, re-insert your battery. Then press and hold the Schlage button until you hear a beep, followed by a green light on the Schlage button.

Now your Schlage Lock is reset, and it should be working fine now. But if not, try contacting Schlage Customer Support for help.

Wrapping Up

If your Schlage Smart Lock is not working in cold weather, change batteries to fix the problem. If that doesn’t help, try disassembling your lock to fix the spring.

You can also perform a factory reset on the lock to fix the problem.

But if all these tips fail to work, contact Schlage Support.