The basic steps to reprogram a Schlage lock code
Most Schlage locks let you change the code yourself without calling a locksmith. The exact steps depend on which model you own — keypad locks, deadbolts with keypads, and smart locks all work differently. The most common type is a keypad deadbolt, and that process takes about five minutes once you know the sequence.
You will need your current master code (or the factory default if you have never changed it). If you have lost the code entirely, you will need to reset the lock to factory settings, which requires removing the lock from the door. Most Schlage locks sold for residential use come with a default code printed in the manual or on a card inside the box.
Key Takeaways
- Keypad deadbolts require you to enter your master code, press a specific button, then enter the new code twice to confirm the change.
- The factory default code for most Schlage residential locks is 0-0-0-0, but check your manual because some models use different defaults.
- If you forget your master code, you must remove the lock from the door and press the reset button on the interior side to restore factory settings.
- Smart locks and keypad entry locks have different reprogramming sequences, so locate your model number before you start.
- New codes must be four to six digits long on most models, and you cannot use a code that is all the same number.
How to change the code on a Schlage keypad deadbolt
If your lock has a keypad on the outside and a keyhole or button on the inside, follow this sequence. First, unlock the door using your current master code. Enter the master code, then press the Schlage button (the one with the Schlage logo) once. The lock will beep and the light will flash.
Now enter your new four- to six-digit code on the keypad. Press the Schlage button again. Enter the same code a second time to confirm it. The lock will beep twice and the light will flash twice if the code was accepted. If you hear a single beep and one flash, the code was rejected — this usually means you used all the same digit (like 1-1-1-1) or the code was too short.
Test the new code from outside the door before you leave. Unlock the door with the new code, then lock it again and try the code once more. If it works, you are done. If the lock does not respond, go back inside and repeat the process with a different code.
Resetting a Schlage lock when you do not know the master code
If you have forgotten the master code and cannot get inside, you will need to remove the lock from the door. This requires a screwdriver and takes about ten minutes. Remove the interior side of the lock (the part you see from inside the house) by unscrewing the two bolts that hold it to the exterior side.
Once the interior assembly is off, look for a small red or black reset button on the back. Press and hold this button for ten seconds. The lock will beep and the light will flash, signaling that it has returned to factory settings. Reinstall the interior assembly and lock the door from the outside.
The lock is now set to the factory default code. For most Schlage residential deadbolts, this is 0-0-0-0. Check your manual or the product documentation to confirm the default for your specific model. Once you are inside, change the code to something you will remember using the steps above.
Changing the code on a Schlage smart lock or keypad entry lock
Smart locks like the Schlage Encode or Sense have a different process because they connect to your phone. Open the Schlage Home app on your phone, select the lock you want to change, and look for the "Manage Codes" or "Users" section. Tap the option to add or edit a code, then enter the new code and save it.
Keypad entry locks without smart features (sometimes called electronic keypad locks) use a different button sequence than deadbolts. Consult your manual for the exact model number, then look up the reprogramming steps for that specific lock. Many require you to press a different button or hold it for a longer time before entering the new code.
What to do if the lock will not accept your new code
The most common reason a code is rejected is that it uses the same digit four or more times in a row. Schlage locks block codes like 1-1-1-1 or 5-5-5-5 for security reasons. Try a code with at least two different numbers, like 1-2-3-4 or 5-5-6-7.
The second reason is that the code is too short or too long. Most Schlage locks accept codes between four and six digits. If you are entering a five-digit code and it keeps getting rejected, try a four-digit code instead. If the lock still will not accept it, remove the lock and reset it to factory settings, then try again.
If the lock beeps but does not flash, the batteries may be low. Replace the batteries (usually four AA batteries on the interior side) and try again. A lock with weak batteries will sometimes reject codes even though the keypad still lights up.
Finding your Schlage lock model number and manual
The model number is usually printed on a sticker on the interior side of the lock or on the packaging. It starts with letters like FE, BE, or LE followed by numbers. Write down this model number — you will need it if you ever have to look up specific instructions or contact Schlage support.
Schlage publishes manuals for every model on their website. Go to schlage.com, search for your model number, and read the PDF. The manual will show you the exact button sequence for your lock and list the factory default code. If you cannot find your manual online, call Schlage customer service at 1-800-847-2522 and they can email it to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the code without knowing the old master code?
No. If you do not know the master code, you must remove the lock from the door and press the reset button on the interior side to restore factory settings. Once reset, you can use the factory default code (usually 0-0-0-0) to enter the lock and set a new code.
What is the factory default code for Schlage locks?
Most residential Schlage deadbolts use 0-0-0-0 as the factory default, but some models use different defaults. Check your manual or the product documentation that came with the lock. If you have lost the manual, search your model number on schlage.com or call their support line.
How many digits should my new code be?
Most Schlage locks accept codes between four and six digits. A four-digit code like 1-2-3-4 is the most common choice. Avoid codes where all digits are the same (like 2-2-2-2) because the lock will reject them for security reasons.
What if my lock has low batteries and will not accept a new code?
Replace the batteries first — usually four AA batteries on the interior side of the lock. Weak batteries can cause the lock to reject codes even though the keypad still lights up. After replacing the batteries, try entering the new code again.
Do I need to reprogram my Schlage smart lock differently?
Yes. Smart locks like the Schlage Encode use the Schlage Home app on your phone instead of a button sequence. Open the app, select the lock, find "Manage Codes" or "Users," and add or edit the code there. The process is different from keypad deadbolts.