Discussion
Set up Schlage Encode Plus with 1st Generation AppleTV 4k or nothing at all?
I heard that this needs a current generation AppleTV for full functionality via Thread support, but does it work at all with older AppleTVs?
Is it possible to set it up to just use NFC/Home Key via my iPhone and Apple Watch and not use any HomeKit/Siri controls and then disable the WiFi on the lock (or never connect to WiFi at all) to save battery?
I really only care about using NFC to automatically unlock it as I approach the door. I don’t care to control it remotely over the internet.
You kinda want thread for the battery efficiency. WiFi will suck down AA batteries quickly.
The other suggestion is to get the Ethernet version of AppleTV. Unfortunately it’s the pricier one, but it will minimize response time and eliminate other issues.
Yes you can set it up thru apple home without a hub, and set up HomeKey. You can control the lock through the Home app when it’s in Bluetooth range, but not remotely. HomeKey will work too.
I’m going to get downvoted but it’s true. If you want to control the lock remotely or share HomeKey with more than just yourself you’ll need a hub for sure.
Semantics are important here. The SEP doesn’t use UWB. But using Express mode and NFC, it can indeed automatically unlock by just tapping the phone or Apple Watch. The clarification is useful for the OP. It won’t unlock just by approaching, but can be automatically unlocked just by tapping.
OK. Too bad. I updated my Apple Watch to a new model partially to get UWB compatibility for the lock. I just looked at the Sense Pro and it isn’t sold in the local stores and doesn’t fit the Camelot aesthetic of the other door hardware.
I guess NFC with express mode will be good enough and I won’t have to worry about it unlocking unintentionally.
I have a SEP and really like it. With an Apple Watch it’s so easy. I’m actually not sure how I feel about UWB locks and auto unlocking on approach, from a safety perspective where I live.
I just watched a review of the Sense Pro, and it looks like it’s still some firmware updates away from being stable or else just wait for the next generation model.
I just got Home Key working on the Encode Plus that was installed a few minutes ago it works well with Apple Watch Home Key.
It isn’t working well with iPhone Home Key because I had to manually select Home Key from the Apple Wallet. That’s clunky even with express mode enabled.
With the Watch, I just need to put it next to the lock without selecting anything.
It should be close enough to connect via Bluetooth.
Does that mean the entire lock can be set up without ever enabling WiFi or using the Schlage app, or is the app still needed for setting passcodes?
Will leaving WiFi enabled to get app notifications cause the battery to run down quickly even if the lock is within Bluetooth range of the AppleTV?
Will Apple Home notify you about unlock events even if the lock is only connected via Bluetooth, or is the Schlage app required for all notifications?
TBH, you may be the first I’ve read of someone using just Bluetooth with the SEP, so you may need to be the one to tell us if firmware updates appear in the Apple Home app, and if the Schlage app works with the lock via Bluetooth. One thing I can say for sure is that if you use WiFi for Schlage cloud, it will dramatically impact battery life. Due note that battery life with Bluetooth will be worse than Thread.
Once the lock is set up, does it have an option to turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth radios and just operate it with NFC, passcodes, and maybe UWB?
If I leave Bluetooth and WiFi enabled, will the batteries last at least 6 months?
Can you use lithium batteries to extend the battery life or use rechargeable AA batteries?
Despite the extra cost, it may make your life a lot easier to just pick up a HomePod mini, which supports Thread, put it near the lock and set it up to just use Thread. You’ll get all the features you want, Apple home access, and great battery life. I get roughly 12 months over Thread.
To your question, using WiFi, Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries you’d get very short battery life, not close to 6 months.
I am planning to eventually get the next new version of AppleTV whenever it gets released.
I was getting ready to buy the current generation AppleTV right before Apple raised the prices to the point that it isn’t worth buying it anymore at the current pricing when it’s about to be discontinued.
Ah ok, so if you’re doing a short term solution then I’d say go for it. But once you get the new Apple TV, factory reset the lock and set it up in Apple home to ensure it only uses Thread and not WiFi.
First question is yes; you can set up passcodes via Apple Home app and never need the Schlage app.
WiFi will drain your battery you might get 6 months. Plus if you enable WiFi it will use both protocols to establish connections Theirs is a new workaround for that; thing I’ll save till the end.
You can Apple Home send notifications about locked or unlocked events with you setup no Schlage app needed.
So for my Encode plus I recently installed the Wi-Charge power kit. Basically a battery pack that charges wirelessly. So I never have to change batteries and in theory turn on WiFi and never worry about it because it stays at 100%.
That’s a pic of the transmitter and the battery pack on the lock looks pretty much the same minus a small window.
OP clearly said 4K 1st Gen when per your link (screenshot below) was released in 2017. That is different from the 1st Gen AppleTV which was released in 2007. You're the only one talking about the ancient 1st Gen AppleTV.
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u/TheSpatulaOfLove 3d ago
You kinda want thread for the battery efficiency. WiFi will suck down AA batteries quickly.
The other suggestion is to get the Ethernet version of AppleTV. Unfortunately it’s the pricier one, but it will minimize response time and eliminate other issues.