In the realm of home security, nothing beats the convenience and reliability of Schlage electronic locks. These state-of-the-art devices allow you to safeguard your property with the touch of a button or the swipe of a card. But what happens when you need to change the code on your Schlage lock? Whether you’ve lost your keys, have new housemates, or simply want to enhance your security measures, changing the code is a breeze. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps involved in reprogramming your Schlage lock, ensuring that your home remains a haven of peace and security.
Before embarking on this task, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver, and the Schlage programming tool that came with your lock. If you’ve misplaced the programming tool, fear not. You can easily order a replacement online or from your local hardware store. With your tools at the ready, you’re now equipped to navigate the straightforward process of changing your Schlage code.
Gather Necessary Materials
To successfully change the code of your Schlage lock, gather the essential materials and tools listed below:
1. Schlage Lock
Make sure you have the Schlage lock you intend to change the code for within easy reach. The model and type of lock will determine the specific steps and tools required for the code change.
2. Schlage Programming Tool (SPT)
This small, handheld device is used to program and change the codes on Schlage locks. Most Schlage locks come with an SPT, but if you don’t have one, you can purchase one separately. It is important to use the correct SPT for your specific lock model.
3. Screwdriver
You will need a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove the battery cover and access the programming port on the lock.
4. New Code
Before starting the process, decide on the new code you want to program into your lock. It is recommended to use a code that is easy to remember but not easily guessed by others.
Additional Materials:
| Optional |
|---|
| Batteries |
| Key (for emergency access) |
Locate the Programming Button
The programming button is typically located on the interior of the lock, behind the battery compartment. To access it, you may need to remove the lock from the door and unscrew the faceplate. Once you have located the programming button, you should be able to easily identify it by its small size and the word “Program” or “Prog” printed next to it.
If you are unable to locate the programming button on the interior of the lock, it may be located on the exterior keypad. Consult your lock’s user manual for specific instructions on how to access the programming button.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Find the Programming Button?
If you are having trouble finding the programming button, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lock is not in programming mode | Put the lock in programming mode by pressing the Schlage button for 3 seconds. |
| Battery is low | Replace the batteries with new ones. |
| Lock is frozen | Thaw the lock by applying a hair dryer to it for a few minutes. |
| Lock is defective | Contact Schlage customer support for assistance. |
Enter the Old Code
Locate the programming button on the lock’s interior. It is typically a small, circular button recessed into the housing.
Enter the current user code. This is the code you have been using to unlock the door.
Press the programming button once. The lock will beep once to confirm that the old code has been accepted.
Press the “A” Button
Locate the “A” button on the keypad, which is typically located in the upper left corner. The “A” button is often used to program and reset the lock.
Enter the Current Master Code
Enter the current master code into the keypad. The master code is a unique six-digit code that you programmed when you first set up the lock. If you have forgotten the master code, you will need to reset the lock.
Press the “B” Button Twice
Once you have entered the current master code, press the “B” button twice in succession. This will put the lock into programming mode.
Enter the New User Code
Enter the new six-digit user code that you want to assign. You can assign up to 19 different user codes to a single lock.
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| A | Programming and resetting the lock |
| B | Entering programming mode and deleting user codes |
| C | Temporary locking and unlocking the door |
| # | Changing the lock’s settings |
Enter the New Code
Now that you have prepared your lock and entered the programming mode, it’s time to enter the new code. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on your Schlage lock model, but here’s a general guide:
- Know the number of digits in your new code: Schlage locks typically support codes with 4 to 8 digits. Determine the number of digits you want for your new code.
- Enter the first digit: Press the desired number button on the keypad once. The lock will beep and the LED light will flash once to indicate that the first digit has been registered.
- Continue entering digits: Repeat step 2 for each subsequent digit in your code. The lock will beep and the LED light will flash once for each registered digit.
- Press the A button: Once you have entered all the digits in your new code, press the A button on the keypad. This will confirm your new code and store it in the lock’s memory.
- Enter a backup code (optional): Some Schlage models allow you to set a backup code in case you forget your main code. To do this, press the B button on the keypad after entering your new code. The backup code should be different from your main code.
After completing these steps, your new code will be successfully stored in the lock. Be sure to test the new code to ensure that it works before exiting programming mode.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for entering a new code:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enter the first digit |
| 2 | Continue entering digits |
| 3 | Press the A button |
| 4 | Enter a backup code (optional) |
Press the “B” Button
Locate the “B” button on the keypad. It is typically located in the lower-right corner or near the bottom of the keypad.
Press and hold the “B” button for 2-3 seconds. The keypad will beep twice to indicate that it is in programming mode.
Enter the current “master” code. This is the code that you use to unlock the door. If you have not changed the factory-default master code, it is usually “123456”.
The keypad will beep once to confirm that the master code has been accepted.
Enter the new user code that you want to create or change. The new code can be any combination of 4-8 digits.
Press the “#” button to save the new code. The keypad will beep twice to confirm that the new code has been saved.
Repeat steps 5-7 for any additional user codes that you want to create or change.
Once you have finished programming all of the desired user codes, press the “B” button again to exit programming mode.
The new user codes will now be active and can be used to unlock the door.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems while changing a Schlage code, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that you are entering the correct master code.
- Make sure that you are pressing the “#” button after entering the new user code.
- Try resetting the keypad by removing the batteries and then reinserting them.
- If you are still having problems, contact Schlage customer service for assistance.
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Invalid master code | Enter the correct master code. |
| 2 | Invalid user code | Enter a valid user code (4-8 digits). |
| 3 | Programming mode timed out | Press the “B” button again to re-enter programming mode. |
| 4 | Keypad malfunction | Reset the keypad by removing the batteries and then reinserting them. |
Test the New Code
1. **Enter the programming mode again.** To enter programming mode, locate the “Prog” button on the back of the lock. Press and hold the button until the LED light flashes green.
2. **Enter the user code you want to test.** Use the number pad to enter the four-digit code you want to test.
3. **Press the “Enter” button.** The LED will flash green to indicate that the code was successfully entered.
4. **Try unlocking the door with the new code.** Enter the new code you just entered on the number pad and press the “Unlock” button. The lock should open if the code is correct.
5. **If the lock does not open, repeat steps 2-4.** If the lock does not open when you enter the new code, repeat steps 2-4 to re-enter the code.
6. **Exit programming mode.** To exit programming mode, press and hold the “Prog” button again until the LED light turns red.
7. **Reset the lock (optional).** If you have forgotten your new code or are having other issues with the lock, you may need to reset the lock. To do this, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the battery cover. |
| 2 | Remove the battery. |
| 3 | Wait 30 seconds. |
| 4 | Reinstall the battery. |
| 5 | Replace the battery cover. |
The lock will now be reset to its factory settings.
Remove the Battery for Security
Before you begin changing the code on your Schlage lock, it’s important to remove the battery for added security. This will prevent anyone from accidentally activating the lock while you’re working on it.
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the lock.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the battery compartment in place.
- Pull out the battery compartment and disconnect the battery.
- Wait a few seconds before reconnecting the battery.
- Replace the battery compartment and screws.
| Battery Type | Location |
|---|---|
| 9V Battery | Inside the battery compartment on the back of the lock |
Confirm Successful Code Change
Once you’ve entered the new code, you’ll need to confirm that it’s been successfully changed. To do this, simply enter the new code into the keypad again. If the door unlocks, then you know the code has been changed successfully.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to confirm the successful code change:
1. Enter the new code into the keypad.
2. If the door unlocks, the code has been successfully changed.
3. If the door does not unlock, repeat steps 1 and 2 to ensure the code was entered correctly.
4. If the door still does not unlock, there may be an issue with the lock itself. Contact a locksmith for assistance.
How To Change A Schlage Code
1. Gather your materials. You will need a Schlage keypad lock, a screwdriver, and the new code you want to program.
2. Remove the faceplate of the lock. Use the screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold the faceplate in place. Carefully pull the faceplate off the lock.
3. Locate the programming button. The programming button is usually located on the inside of the lock, near the top. It is a small, black button that is labeled “Prog”.
4. Press and hold the programming button. While holding down the programming button, enter the new code you want to program. The code must be between 4 and 8 digits long.
5. Release the programming button. The new code is now programmed into the lock.
6. Test the new code. Enter the new code into the keypad to make sure it works.
People Also Ask About How To Change A Schlage Code
How do I reset my Schlage lock to factory settings?
To reset your Schlage lock to factory settings, follow these steps:
- Remove the faceplate of the lock.
- Locate the reset button. The reset button is usually located on the inside of the lock, near the bottom.
- Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- The lock will now be reset to factory settings.
How do I change the battery in my Schlage lock?
To change the battery in your Schlage lock, follow these steps:
- Remove the faceplate of the lock.
- Locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the inside of the lock, near the bottom.
- Remove the old battery and insert the new battery.
- Replace the faceplate of the lock.
How do I troubleshoot my Schlage lock?
If you are having trouble with your Schlage lock, there are a few things you can try:
- Check the batteries. Make sure that the batteries are fresh and that they are making good contact with the terminals.
- Check the keypad. Make sure that the keypad is clean and that the buttons are working properly.
- Check the lock mechanism. Make sure that the lock mechanism is not jammed or obstructed.
- Reset the lock. If all else fails, you can try resetting the lock to factory settings.
