SCHLAGE Connect Century Z-Wave Smart Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This schlage connect smart deadbolt lock review focuses on the Century model in Satin Nickel. It is a Z-Wave Plus smart lock designed for keyless entry and remote management. The two defining specs are its Z-Wave connectivity and its ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. You get a touchscreen keypad for code entry and a physical key backup. The lock pairs with hubs like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm. It uses four AA batteries for power. The metal construction aims to provide strength for residential use. This deadbolt fits standard door thicknesses and backsets.
What stands out
- Z-Wave Plus connectivity for secure smart home integration
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating for residential and light commercial security
- Supports up to 30 unique access codes with a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Built-in alarm and S2 Security encryption
- Backlit keypad for use in low-light conditions
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this lock if you already use a Z-Wave hub like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm. It suits homeowners who want keyless entry without adding a separate app. The Grade 1 rating makes it ideal for those prioritizing durable, high-security hardware. You will appreciate the three-year electronics warranty and limited lifetime mechanical coverage. The Snap ‘n Stay design helps during installation, making it a practical choice for standard doors.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if you do not have a Z-Wave hub, as it cannot connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth directly. You must buy a hub separately to use remote features. If you need more than 30 unique codes, this capacity may limit you. The lock requires four AA batteries, so you must remember to replace them. It also lacks a built-in camera or video feature, so it only handles locking and unlocking.
Verdict: The Schlage Connect Century is a robust, Grade 1 smart deadbolt for Z-Wave users. It offers secure, keyless entry without needing a proprietary app.
Key specs explained for Schlage
Connectivity: Z-Wave Plus
Z-Wave Plus is a wireless protocol that lets the lock talk to a hub like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm. You can lock or unlock the door remotely from anywhere using your phone. This requires a separate hub. It differs from Wi-Fi locks that connect directly to your router. Choose this if you already use a Z-Wave system for other smart home devices.
Access Methods: Touchscreen, keypad, key
You enter a code on the backlit touchscreen for keyless entry. The lock also includes a backup physical key. This gives you two ways to enter. The touchscreen resists fingerprints for a cleaner look. You do not need to carry a physical key for daily use. Compare this to locks that require a separate fob or card for entry.
User Code Capacity: 30
You can create up to 30 unique access codes. This allows you to give distinct codes to family members, cleaners, or delivery drivers. You can track who enters and when. This is higher than basic locks that allow only one or two codes. It helps you manage access without changing the main code frequently.
Security Rating: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1/AAA
This rating is the highest level for residential and light commercial use. It means the lock has passed strict tests for strength, durability, and security. It offers trusted protection against forced entry. Lower grades like Grade 3 are for lighter duty. Look for this rating when comparing locks for main entry doors.
Design and Build Overview
The listing describes the exterior as high-quality metal construction. This material choice suggests durability for residential use. The finish is Satin Nickel. This color option resists fingerprints on the touchscreen. The lock body measures three inches in width and five inches in height. It weighs three pounds. The Century trim size fits standard doors. You need a door thickness between one and three-eighths inches and one and three-quarters inches. The backset must be two and three-eighths inches or two and three-quarters inches. Installation uses a screwdriver. The Snap ‘n Stay design keeps the lock on the door while you work. This layout allows for two-handed installation without holding the unit.
Controls include a backlit touchscreen keypad. The backlight helps you enter codes in low light. You can create up to thirty unique access codes. The touchscreen is fingerprint resistant. This feature maintains a clean look between uses. A backup physical key is included. This provides entry if the electronics fail. The unit is battery powered by four AA batteries. These are included in the box. A low-battery indicator appears on the screen. This gives you advance notice before power runs out. According to the listing, the build quality supports ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification. This rating indicates trusted security for light commercial applications as well. The design prioritizes practical keyless entry over aesthetic complexity.
Setup and Daily Operation Details
Installation requires only a standard screwdriver. You do not need to hardwire the unit. The Snap and Stay design helps keep the lock on the door while you work, allowing you to use both hands. It fits standard doors with thicknesses between one and three-eighths inches and one and three-quarters inches. The backset must be either two and three-eighths inches or two and three-quarters inches. Once mounted, you pair it with a Z-Wave hub. Samsung SmartThings and Ring Alarm are listed as compatible systems. You must purchase the hub separately. This connection enables remote locking and unlocking from anywhere. Daily entry relies on the backlit touchscreen. You can create up to thirty unique access codes. The screen resists fingerprints. The backlight aids use in low light. Power comes from four AA batteries. These are included. You can expect up to one year of battery life with typical use. A low-battery indicator appears on the screen to warn you in advance. The lock also includes a backup physical key. For security, it uses S2 encryption and Z-Wave Plus technology. The built-in alarm adds an extra layer of protection. You have a limited lifetime warranty for mechanical parts and finish, plus three years for electronics.
Before You Buy This Smart Lock
You need a Z-Wave hub to use this lock remotely. Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm work well. Without a hub, you only get local keypad access. Check your door thickness. It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. The backset must be 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Battery life lasts up to one year. You still need to replace four AA batteries. The touchscreen resists fingerprints, but you should wipe it occasionally. Low battery warnings appear on the screen. This lock sits alongside video doorbells in your smart home. It pairs well with Ring Alarm for full security. If you want video, add a doorbell. If you want remote access, ensure your hub supports Z-Wave Plus. The Grade 1 rating means it handles light commercial use too. Keep the backup key safe. Install it with just a screwdriver. No hardwiring is needed. It is a solid choice for standard doors.
Check before you buy
- Verify your smart home hub supports Z-Wave Plus.
- Measure your door thickness and backset size.
- Check if you need remote access via phone.
- Ensure you have four AA batteries on hand.
The product at a glance
Schlage Connect Century Z-Wave Smart Deadbolt
Best for: Z-Wave hub users needing keyless entry
- Access Methods
- Touchscreen keypad, key
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave Plus
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm
- User Code Capacity
- Up to 30 codes
- Color
- Satin Nickel
- Dimensions
- 1 × 3 × 5 inches
View on Amazon: Schlage Connect Century Z-Wave Smart Deadbolt Affiliate link
The Schlage Connect Century Z-Wave deadbolt uses Z-Wave Plus connectivity to pair with hubs like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm. It supports up to 30 unique access codes via a backlit touchscreen and includes a physical key backup. Built to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards, it offers robust metal construction and runs on four AA batteries for up to one year of typical use. This lock suits users seeking reliable keyless entry with established smart home integration.
Pros
- Z-Wave Plus connectivity for hub integration
- Supports 30 unique user access codes
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating
- Backlit touchscreen keypad for low light
- Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
Cons
- Requires separate smart home hub
- Limited to 30 user codes
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi built-in
Good fit if
- You already use a Z-Wave hub like Ring Alarm
- You want Grade 1 certified security
- You prefer keyless entry with code access
Skip if
- You want standalone Wi-Fi connectivity
- You need more than 30 user codes
- You prefer a lock without a hub
Verdict: Schlage Connect Century Z-Wave Deadbolt fits users who already have a Z-Wave hub and want Grade 1 certified security with keyless entry.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Schlage Connect Century Z-Wave Smart Deadbolt |
|---|---|
| Access Methods | Touchscreen keypad, key |
| Connectivity | Z-Wave Plus |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm |
| User Code Capacity | Up to 30 codes |
| Access Method | Keypad, Touchscreen |
| Color | Satin Nickel |
| Dimensions | 1 × 3 × 5 inches |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Size | Century |
| Model | BE469ZPCEN619 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Schlage Connect Century need a hub to work?
Yes, it requires a Z-Wave hub for remote features. The lock uses Z-Wave Plus technology to connect to compatible hubs like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm. Without this hub, you can only use the keypad for local entry. Remote locking and unlocking from your phone are not possible without the hub.
Is this deadbolt secure enough for my front door?
It carries the ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. This is the highest security grade for residential hardware, indicating strong resistance to forced entry. The lock is built with high-quality metal construction. This material choice supports its durability and security claims for typical residential use.
What finish options are available for this model?
The listing shows the Satin Nickel finish. This color option helps resist fingerprints on the touchscreen interface. The exterior is made of metal. This construction supports the durability needed for daily use on an entryway door.
Will this lock fit my existing door?
It fits standard doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. The backset must be either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. You can install it with just a standard screwdriver. The Snap and Stay design keeps the lock on the door during installation.
How heavy is the Schlage Connect Century lock?
The unit weighs three pounds. It measures three inches in width and five inches in height. The length is one inch. These dimensions help you plan for space around your door frame and ensure the hardware fits your specific door requirements.
Can I control the lock from my phone?
You can control it remotely if you have a Z-Wave hub. The Z-Wave Plus protocol allows your phone to communicate with the lock through the hub. You can lock or unlock the door from anywhere. This feature requires a separate hub purchase.
