Schlage Lock Blinking Red? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Schlage locks are a great security product for both residential and commercial use, but they have the occasional hiccup that results in red blinking. Learning what causes this is the first step in finding a solution
There are two red blink codes for a Schlage lock- steady blinks or red blinking followed by green, with sound. If your Schlage lock exhibits constant blinking, it’s because the battery is almost dead, and the keypad won’t work. If your lock is blinking red, then green with high/low beeps, the batteries need to be changed soon.
Follow along to discover why your Schlage lock is blinking red, what each blink code means, and how to fix your keypad!
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Why Is My Schlage Lock Blinking Red?
A Schlage lock is an excellent home or business investment; however, sometimes, it begins to blink red. How should you proceed?
A red blinking Schlage Lock means one thing- an issue with your batteries. However, how the light blinks will tell you exactly what’s wrong.
We’ll dive into the details regarding blink patterns and what each one means below!
Why Is My Schlage Lock Blinking Red After I Type in the Code?
Any type of error code causes the user to wonder, “What did I do wrong?” In the case of red light blinking after entering a Schlage lock code- the answer is nothing.
How the story goes is when you type in your user code, the Schlage lock will blink red while releasing high and low noises. Then, it will blink green a few times after a slight pause, and the keypad will open the door. This sequence indicates that your lock batteries are low and need to be changed soon.
If you don’t take care of this soon, your lock will no longer work. Then, you will be forced to use a key. Goodbye, keyless entry; it was fun while it lasted.
Why Does My Schlage Lock Have a Steady Red Blink?
There’s also another scenario that could occur. That is when your Schlage lock has a steady red blink, without you typing in a code or touching it at all.
When this happens, you’re in the danger zone. A steady blinking red light indicates that the battery is critically low and should be replaced as soon as possible.
You have now reached the point where the keypad is no longer functioning, and you must use a key to get inside. This is generally where we blame the customer. You should have listened to the warning signs!
Fret not! There is a very simple solution. We’ll walk you through how to change the batteries below so you can be on your merry (and keyless) way!
How Do You Change the Batteries in a Schlage Lock?
To complete this task, all you need is a screwdriver and your new battery.
Most Schlage locks take one 9-volt alkaline battery. To replace it:
Step 1: Remove the two mounting screws on the inside portion of the lock.
Step 2: Take the cover off and set it aside.
Step 3: Detach the old battery, and replace it with a new one.
Step 4: Tuck the wiring into place and put the cover back on using the two screws you initially removed.
Once you are finished, the red blinking should cease, and you will be able to use your keypad for entry/exit once again. If the blinking persists- something went wrong.
Why Is My Schlage Lock Still Blinking After a Battery Change?
If your Schlage lock is still blinking red even after you’ve swapped out the batteries, there are a few reasons.
- The batteries were inserted incorrectly.
- The wrong batteries were used.
Reason #1: The Batteries Were Inserted Incorrectly
Inserting batteries incorrectly happens more often than you might think.
While most Schlage locks require one 9-volt alkaline, some take 4 AA batteries, and others use 2 AAA batteries. Regardless of which one you’re replacing, they must be inserted correctly.
If you’re using a single 9-volt alkaline battery, make sure the wires are hooked up to the positive side. For AA or AAA batteries, make sure the positive side (the copper-colored side for Duracell batteries) faces AWAY from the spring.
Therefore, the negative side will be touching the spring.
Reason #2: The Wrong Batteries Were Used
Using the correct batteries is just as essential as putting them in the right way.
The best batteries to use for a Schlage lock are alkaline, non-rechargeable batteries. You can opt for any brand; however, you may not get your money’s worth if you use a different type (for example, lithium).
No one wants to have to keep changing out the batteries more often than necessary.
When It’s Time to Call Customer Service
If your batteries are in place, you’re using the right ones, and they’re new, but you STILL have a blinking red Schlage lock, time to call in the big dogs.
And by big dogs, I mean Schlage customer support. Sometimes, no matter what you do, the system has a glitch that can’t be solved at home.
Customer support can help diagnose the problem and reinitialize your Schlage lock if needed. The company stands by their quality and offers a limited lifetime warranty for each product.
Schlage Lock Warranty Offerings
See if your device qualifies according to the following table:
According to an official statement from Schlage, here is what’s not covered:
- Back charges or labor costs including, but not limited to, the removal and reinstallation of the product (this includes normal maintenance)
- Shipping and freight expenses required to return the product to Schlage headquarters
- Failures, defects, or damage (including, but not limited to, any security-related breach or failure or loss of data) caused by the customer, any third party or third party products, service, or system connected or used in conjunction with the Product
- Any incidental, consequential, indirect, special, and/or punitive damages, whether based on contract, warranty, tort (including, but not limited to, strict liability or negligence)
- Patent infringement, or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such damages
- Normal wear and tear
Related Questions
Where is the best place to buy a Schlage lock?
The best place to buy a Schlage lock really depends on where you live and what you’re looking for.Famous retailers like Lowes and Home Depot both carry Schlage locks. Right now, if you’re looking for the Schlage Keypad Camelot Lock in Satin Nickel (Model #BE365 CAM 619), Home Depot offers it for about $10 cheaper.You can even get it shipped directly to your house for a few cents less than Home Depot from Amazon. The online Schlage store is always an option too, where you may be able to take advantage of a new customer discount code.As I said, the best option varies based on what you’re looking for, which store is closer to your home, and whether or not you want to see/test the lock before buying.
How do I change the entry code on my Schlage lock?
To personalize the entry code on your Schlage lock:
- Select the ‘Schlage’ button.
- Enter the programming code (located on the Schlage lock label).
- Press the number ‘8.’
- Select the desired length of the user code (it can be 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 digits long) and choose that number.
- Press the user code length number again to confirm your selection.
- The ‘Schlage’ button will flash green and beep twice once your selection is confirmed.
- Select the ‘Schlage’ button and the number ‘1.’
- Enter your new user code.
- Enter the new user code again. The ‘Schlage’ button will flash green once the process is complete!
Yes! Schlage offers interior door knobs in a variety of materials and finishes. Whether you want an inside door handle for your keypad or need something to complete a closet or bedroom, they have plenty of options to meet your needs.
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The Bottom Line
Schlage locks are designed to notify you of problems, so it’s important that you understand what causes each warning code before taking action!
There are two types of Schlage lock red blinks: A steady red light or a flashing red, then green light after inputting a code. The first is indicative of low batteries that will need replacing soon.
The second sequence is caused by dangerously low battery power, which will require immediate replacement as your keypad is no longer functional.
If there is still power left on the batteries, then most likely, an error has occurred due to improper installation or using the wrong type of batteries.
When you’ve tried everything and still can’t stop your Schlage lock from blinking red, contact customer support. You should also check your warranty plan to see if your device is covered!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
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