Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Smart Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
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This kwikset smartcode 916 z wave smart review covers the Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt. It is a keyless entry lock that combines a touchscreen interface with Z-Wave connectivity. The device features a motorized deadbolt and an illuminated keypad. You can program up to 30 unique user codes for family or guests. It connects to Z-Wave hubs for remote access. The lock also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It installs in minutes on standard door thicknesses. Four AA batteries provide power for over a year. The design is contemporary with a Venetian Bronze finish.
What stands out
- Z-Wave connectivity for smart home integration
- Illuminated touchscreen for keyless entry
- Supports 30 unique user codes
- 30-second auto-locking feature
- Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
Who it fits
Good fit for
This lock suits users who already have a Z-Wave hub and want to integrate their door into a broader smart home system. It is ideal for households that need multiple access codes for family, friends, or service providers. The auto-locking feature helps those who frequently forget to lock the door. DIY installers will appreciate the simple screwdriver installation. If you prefer tactile keypad entry over traditional keys, this model fits your setup.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you do not have a Z-Wave hub, as this lock requires one for smart features. It does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth directly. Buyers who prefer a traditional key-only entry might find the touchscreen unnecessary. Those who want a longer battery life than 12 months should consider other options. If your door thickness is outside the 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch range, this lock will not fit.
Verdict: The Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt is a solid choice for Z-Wave users who need multiple user codes and auto-locking. It integrates well into existing smart home ecosystems.
Key specs explained for this lock
Connectivity: Z-Wave
This protocol requires a dedicated hub to function within your smart home ecosystem. You can control the lock remotely via your security system or app. This differs from Wi-Fi models that connect directly to your router. If you already use Z-Wave devices, this lock integrates seamlessly. You should verify your hub supports this standard before purchasing.
Access Method: Touchscreen
You enter a code on the illuminated keypad to unlock the door. This eliminates the need to carry keys or fob. The screen lights up for night visibility. You can program up to 30 unique codes for family or guests. This method is practical for hands-free entry when carrying groceries or luggage.
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
You can use voice commands to lock or unlock the door. This requires linking the lock to your respective assistant through a compatible hub. It allows for hands-free operation when your hands are full. You can also create routines, such as locking the door when you say goodnight. This feature enhances convenience for daily use.
Battery Life: 12 months or longer
The lock runs on four AA batteries for approximately one year. This reduces the frequency of battery changes compared to models requiring more power. You should monitor battery levels through your hub or app. Low battery alerts ensure you replace them before the lock stops working. This longevity helps maintain consistent security without frequent maintenance.
Design and Build Quality
The Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt features a contemporary style with a Venetian Bronze finish. According to the listing, the exterior dimensions measure 10.7 inches in height, 5.19 inches in width, and 4.9 inches in length. The unit weighs 3.39 pounds. This substantial weight suggests a solid build that resists casual tampering. The finish is designed to resist corrosion and fingerprints, which helps maintain its appearance in high-traffic entryways. You can choose from other sizes and colors, including Satin Nickel or Matte Black, if your door hardware does not match this specific aesthetic.
The lock uses a touchscreen interface for access. This layout allows you to enter codes without handling a physical key. The keypad is illuminated, which aids visibility in low-light conditions during evening hours. The motorized deadbolt operates quietly and quickly. This mechanism reduces the mechanical wear associated with manual turning. The design fits standard doors between 1-3/8 inches and 1-3/4 inches thick. This compatibility covers most residential entry doors without requiring structural modifications.
Installation requires only a screwdriver, which keeps the setup process straightforward. The internal components are protected by a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty. The electronics carry a one-year warranty. This coverage indicates confidence in the durability of the internal motor and circuitry. The overall design prioritizes ease of use and long-term reliability for everyday home entry.
Setup And Everyday Use
Installation requires only a screwdriver and fits doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. The process takes minutes. You power the unit with four AA batteries, which the listing states last twelve months or longer. The lock connects to your smart home via Z-Wave. This means you need a Z-Wave hub. You cannot connect it directly to Wi-Fi. Once paired, you can control the lock remotely through your security system or compatible apps. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands. Setup includes programming up to thirty unique custom user codes. You assign these codes for family, friends, or service providers. Each code provides specific access rights. Daily use relies on the illuminated touchscreen. You enter your code to unlock the door. The motorized deadbolt operates quietly and quickly. You can also lock the door with a single touch when leaving. The lock offers a thirty-second auto-lock feature. You can configure this to engage after entry or exit. This helps keep your hands free during busy moments. The touchscreen backlights for visibility in low light. You retain physical key access as a backup. The handle and lock body are available in multiple finishes. You choose from contemporary or traditional styles. The device is designed for straightforward everyday operation without complex pairing steps beyond the initial hub connection.
Check Your Hub And Door First
Before you add the Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt to your setup, verify your smart home infrastructure. This lock relies on Z-Wave connectivity, which means you must own a compatible Z-Wave hub. It does not connect directly to Wi-Fi. Without that hub, remote access features remain unavailable. You should also confirm that your hub supports the specific Z-Wave protocol version required for stable communication. Check your door thickness to ensure it falls between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches. The installation is straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver. Keep spare AA batteries on hand for annual replacement. This model suits users who already have a Z-Wave ecosystem. If you rely on Wi-Fi locks, this option may not integrate smoothly. Consider how it fits with your existing security devices. Proper planning ensures seamless operation and avoids connectivity issues down the line.
Check before you buy
- Verify you have a Z-Wave hub for remote access
- Confirm door thickness is between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches
- Ensure your hub supports the required Z-Wave protocol
- Keep spare AA batteries ready for annual replacement
The product at a glance
Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt
Best for: Z-Wave hub owners needing 30 user codes
- Access Method
- Touchscreen
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa, Google Assistant
- Color
- Venetian Bronze
- Style
- Contemporary
- Special Features
- SmartKey Security, SmartKey Rekey Security
View on Amazon: Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt Affiliate link
This Kwikset SmartCode 916 is a Z-Wave smart lock with a touchscreen interface. It supports up to 30 unique user codes and auto-locks after 30 seconds. The device connects to Alexa and Google Assistant but requires a Z-Wave hub. It fits doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. You get Venetian Bronze finish with a contemporary style. It runs on four AA batteries for up to 12 months.
Pros
- Z-Wave connectivity for smart home integration
- Supports up to 30 unique user codes
- 30-second automatic locking feature
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Requires a separate Z-Wave hub to function
- Only one year warranty on electronics
- No mention of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct connectivity
Good fit if
- You already use a Z-Wave smart home system
- You want to manage up to 30 user codes
- You prefer a touchscreen entry method
Skip if
- You do not have a Z-Wave hub
- You need built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- You want a full lifetime electronics warranty
Verdict: Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen suits users with existing Z-Wave hubs who need precise code management. It is not for those seeking standalone wireless connectivity without a hub.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kwikset 916 Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt |
|---|---|
| Access Method | Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Z-Wave |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Color | Venetian Bronze |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Special Features | SmartKey Security, SmartKey Rekey Security |
| Dimensions | 4.9 × 5.19 × 10.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.39 pounds |
| Size | Contemporary |
| Model | 99160-042 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kwikset 916 work without a smart home hub?
No, this lock requires a Z-Wave hub to function. It does not connect directly to your Wi-Fi router. You need a compatible hub to enable remote access and automation features. Without that hub, the device operates only as a standard keyless entry lock with local touchscreen control.
How many user codes can I program into this deadbolt?
You can program up to 30 unique user codes. This limit allows you to manage access for family members, housekeepers, or delivery services. Each code can be assigned specific permissions, giving you precise control over who enters your home and when they are allowed access.
What size doors fit this Kwikset SmartCode 916?
The lock fits standard doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. Its contemporary design and Venetian Bronze finish suit most exterior styles. The physical dimensions are 10.7 inches in height, 5.19 inches in width, and 4.9 inches in length, ensuring compatibility with standard door preparations.
How long do the batteries last in this lock?
The listing states that four AA batteries last twelve months or longer. This duration assumes normal usage patterns. You should monitor battery levels through your Z-Wave hub to ensure the motorized deadbolt remains powered. Low battery warnings help you replace cells before the lock loses functionality.
Can I control this lock remotely from my phone?
Yes, you can control it remotely if you have a Z-Wave hub. The hub connects to your internet, allowing you to lock or unlock the door via your security app. Direct Wi-Fi connectivity is not supported, so your hub is essential for any remote management features.
Does this model include a physical key backup?
Yes, the access method includes both a touchscreen and a key. While the illuminated keypad allows keyless entry, you retain a traditional key for emergencies. This dual access method ensures you can enter your home even if the electronic components fail or the batteries are depleted.