Schlage Encode Keypad Not Lighting Up? – (Easy Fix)

Is the Schlage Encode keypad not lighting up? That is very quick to fix!

Schlage keypads make our houses safer and smarter, but you can’t use them when the keypad doesn’t light up.

If your Schlage Encode is not lighting up, check the batteries as the first step, and next, verify the wrong settings. Alternatively, the issue has to do with network settings, dirt, or the firmware.

Below are listed all the official, non-intrusive methods you can apply to fix your keypad!

Schlage Encode Keypad Not Lighting Up – Find 8 Fixes!

Solution #1: Check The Batteries

If you’re facing difficulties working with your Schlage Encode lock, it could be related to the battery installed in the device.

The battery may be improperly placed, damaged, low on power, or even completely dead.

Let’s troubleshoot this issue starting with the app:

1. Open the Schlage app;
2. Navigate to your devices;
3. Find the Schlage Encode lock that’s causing issues;
4. Verify its battery level and status.

If the battery level is shown as very low, it’s time to either replace the battery or recharge it if it’s rechargeable.

If the battery status appears normal, proceed to check its physical condition.

Verifying The Battery

Here are the steps to manage the battery’s physical situation:

1. Remove the battery cover;
2. Take out the battery holder;
3. Examine the batteries to ensure they are correctly placed;
4. Remove the batteries and inspect their physical condition.

Batteries can sometimes appear damaged, burned, dented, or crumpled. If you notice any such damage, it’s advisable to replace them.

Whether you replace the batteries or not, make sure to reinsert them in the correct position.

Note: Some keypads may not be compatible with rechargeable batteries. To confirm the appropriate battery type for your Schlage Encode, refer to the user guide provided with the lock.

Solution #2: Check If Vacation Mode Is Active

If you find that you’re unable to make physical changes to your Schlage Encode lock, it’s possible that the vacation mode has been enabled.

Whether it was activated by mistake, forgotten, or due to a glitch, deactivating vacation mode is a straightforward process.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to the lock’s keypad;
2. Enter your current programming code;
3. Wait for a green light to blink and listen for a beep.

After disabling vacation mode, you should be able to make changes to your Schlage Encode lock as needed.

Solution #3: Clean The Device

Whenever you find the Schlage Encode keypad not working, one cause could be the dirt accumulating on it.

Since your lock stays installed in the door, it gets a lot of dust over time, as well as other debris.

So cleaning it weekly is a measure that prolongs its life expectancy.

Here is how you should do it:

1. Turn the lock off;
2. Remove the batteries;
3. Grab a soft cloth and wipe all dust away;
4. If you want to clean with liquid, use isopropyl alcohol with a soft cloth;
5. Some hard-to-reach parts must be cleaned with a cotton swab;
6. The anti-static brush is also a great tool for cleaning.

Once the lock is entirely clean, you can place the batteries back and turn the device on. Check how it behaves after the cleaning!

Solution #4: Verify The Physical Installation

Is your Schlage lock not illuminating as expected? If your Schlage lock isn’t lighting up correctly, the issue might stem from an improper physical installation of your lock.

In such a scenario, you’ll need to disassemble the lock to address the problem.

Follow these guidelines to assess the situation:

• Check if the door frame is level and not causing the lock to get stuck.
• Inspect the lock’s components for any signs of damage.
• Ensure the lock can securely remain in place.
• Examine the condition of the battery case.
• Verify if any wires are out of place and put them back into place if possible.

Moreover, if you don’t remember how the installation goes, check your user guide again.

So if you need to uninstall and install again, you will do it correctly.

Tip: If any components appear to be in an unusual state, and your lock is still under warranty, it's advisable to reach out to the manufacturer for assistance.

Solution #5: Inspect If There Is A Lock Override

Perhaps the Schlage Encode is not lighting up because the lock override is active.

The lock override is a useful feature that prevents any codes from opening the door, especially when you’re away from home and want to deter unauthorized access attempts.

Here’s how to fix the problem:

1. Remove the battery cover;
2. Carefully take out the batteries;
3. Locate the override slot and switch it from “normal” to “lockout” (you can use a flathead screwdriver to turn the switch);
4. Reconnect the batteries and replace the cover.

After reassembling the device, check if the keypad lights up normally.

Tip: Sometimes the lock override mode might be activated accidentally, or the lock could glitch and enter this mode without your knowledge. The steps above will help you resolve this issue.

Solution #6: Check The Network

When your Schlage Encode Keypad does not light up you might also suspect the issue is network-related.

After all, nowadays our smart devices depend heavily on the internet. So if any settings are incorrect, the issue will spread.

Here are guidelines that will help you solve the problem:

• When connecting the keypad and the phone, ensure that the phone is connected to a 2.4GHz network;
• If you have installed new smart devices in your house recently and they are in between the router and keypad, they might cause interference. Turn them off for a while and see if anything changes.
• The router’s signal must have become weaker due to interference or more objects positioned between it and the keypad. So place it closer to the keypad and see if it makes a difference.
• Reboot the router and the keypad to refresh the connection.

Note: If your keypad is connected to smart hubs such as Alexa, restarting them is also a great idea. The issue could involve third-party hubs that alter the keypad’s functioning inadvertently.

Solution #7: Update The Firmware

When experiencing miscommunication issues between your Schlage Encode smart lock and the app, or if the keypad isn’t functioning correctly, it could be due to outdated firmware.

Since the Encode remains connected to Wi-Fi, its protocols need periodic updates to accommodate new configurations.

If an update fails to download automatically, follow these steps:

1. Open the Schlage app;
2. Find your Schlage Encode lock in the app;
3. Access its settings;
4. Look for the option “Check for firmware update.”

When an update is available, download it and check if the issues are resolved.

Tip: If you don't see any available updates, try restarting both the lock and the router. This may trigger a new connection and allow the lock to find and install any pending updates.

Solution #8: Reset The Smart Lock

If your smart lock’s keypad isn’t lighting up as expected, performing a hard reset can help resolve the issue by restoring the device to its factory settings.

Keep in mind that this process will erase all programmed codes and disconnect the lock from your phone.

Here’s how to perform a hard reset:

1. Remove the battery cover to access the reset button;
2. Locate the black circular reset button;
3. Press and hold down the reset button;
4. The LED indicator should start flashing red;
5. Continue holding the button for about 5 seconds;
6. Release the button when the red LED flashing stops;
7. The device will initiate an automatic reset process;
8. The reset is complete when the LED indicator turns blue.

After completing the reset, check if you can now navigate the smart lock and access all of its features and settings.

Quick Recap

The Schlage Encode keypad not lighting up is a bad sign that won’t allow you to use your smart lock as intended.

However, most of the time the situation is fixable within a few minutes as long as you have the patience to troubleshoot correctly. 

More doubts about the Schlage Encode’s work can be assessed throughout our blog!