Integrating Schlage Encode Plus with Home Assistant via HomeKit Actions and Automations

The Schlage Encode Plus is a powerful smart lock that integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit. However, Home Assistant lacks native support for this lock. Fortunately, by leveraging HomeKit Actions, the Home Assistant HomeKit bridge, and automations, we can achieve a reliable bidirectional sync—while keeping Apple Home Key functionality and Thread battery life benefits intact.

Why This Approach?

This method was originally detailed in the Home Assistant Community https://community.home-assistant.io/t/schlage-encode-plus-in-apple-home-w-homekey-and-home-assistant/684159/24.

By using this approach, you can:

1. Retain Apple Home Key for fast and secure lock access.
2. Continue using Thread, ensuring low-power, high-speed communication. With Thread, battery life exceeds one year compared to less than three months over WiFi.
3. Avoid the Schlage Wi-Fi integration, which significantly reduces battery life.

The only limitation of this method is that Home Assistant cannot display battery status or detect if the lock is jammed.

How It Works

We will create three input_boolean entities in Home Assistant:

• input_boolean.schlage_state: Represents the current state of the lock.
• input_boolean.schlage_lock: A momentary switch that triggers the lock action.
• input_boolean.schlage_unlock: A momentary switch that triggers the unlock action.

Then, we will define a template lock in Home Assistant, expose the input_boolean entities to HomeKit, and use automations to synchronize lock state changes in both directions.

Step 1: Create Input Booleans

Instead of modifying configuration.yaml, we will create these input booleans via the Helpers UI:

1. Open Home Assistant and navigate to Settings > Devices & Services > Helpers.
2. Click Create Helper and select Toggle.
3. Name it Schlage State, assign an appropriate icon (e.g., mdi:lock), and click Create.
4. Repeat this process to create two additional toggles:
   • Schlage Lock (mdi:lock)
   • Schlage Unlock (mdi:lock-open)

Hiding Input Booleans from the UI

To prevent unnecessary clutter in your dashboard:

1. Go to Settings > Devices & Services > Entities.
2. Locate the three input_boolean entities.
3. Click each one and enable “Hide from UI”.
4. Click Save.

These entities will remain available for automations but will not appear on the dashboard.

Step 2: Expose Input Booleans to HomeKit

To enable HomeKit to interact with these booleans, expose them through the HomeKit Bridge:

1. Open Settings > Devices & Services.
2. Locate HomeKit Bridge and click Configure.
3. Click Include Entities, then add:
   • input_boolean.schlage_state
   • input_boolean.schlage_lock
   • input_boolean.schlage_unlock
4. Click Submit and restart Home Assistant if prompted.

If Home Assistant is not yet paired with HomeKit, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 3: Create the Lock Template

Now, define a lock entity using a template in configuration.yaml:

lock:
  - platform: template
    name: "Front Door Lock"
    value_template: "{{ is_state('input_boolean.schlage_state', 'on') }}"  # Sync lock state
    lock:
      # Reset the momentary switch if its stuck
      - choose:
          - conditions:
              - condition: state
                entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_lock
                state: 'on'
            sequence:
              - service: input_boolean.turn_off
                target:
                  entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_lock
              - delay: "00:00:01"
      # Start the momentary switch to unlock
      - service: input_boolean.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_lock
      - delay: "00:00:01"
      # Stop the momentary switch to unlock
      - service: input_boolean.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_lock
    unlock:
      # Reset the momentary switch if its stuck
      - choose:
          - conditions:
              - condition: state
                entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_unlock
                state: 'on'
            sequence:
              - service: input_boolean.turn_off
                target:
                  entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_unlock
              - delay: "00:00:01"
      # Start the momentary switch to lock
      - service: input_boolean.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_unlock
      - delay: "00:00:01"
      # Stop the momentary switch to lock
      - service: input_boolean.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.schlage_unlock

This template lock:

• Appears as locked when input_boolean.schlage_state is on.
• Locks when input_boolean.schlage_lock is triggered.
• Unlocks when input_boolean.schlage_unlock is triggered.

Restart Home Assistant to apply the changes.

Step 4: Configure HomeKit Automations

In the Apple Home app, create four automations:

1. When the lock is locked, turn input_boolean.schlage_state on.
2. When the lock is unlocked, turn input_boolean.schlage_state off.
3. When input_boolean.schlage_lock turns on, lock the door.
4. When input_boolean.schlage_unlock turns on, unlock the door.

These automations ensure Home Assistant stays synchronized with the actual lock state. The input boolean will show up as a switch in your HomeKit home.

Conclusion

With this setup, your Schlage Encode Plus smart lock is now fully integrated with Home Assistant. The lock state remains synchronized, and you can control it just like a native entity.

You can also repeat this process with different input_boolean names for multiple locks if needed. Enjoy seamless integration of your Schlage Encode Plus with Home Assistant!