Schlage Home Front Deadbolt Review | Mr. Locksmith: Terry from Mr. Locksmith takes a hands-on look at the new Schlage Electronic Deadbolt—now arriving in North America. In this fast, detailed review, he unboxes, installs, programs, and rekeys the lock, showcasing standout features like auto-lock. Terry tests the lock’s motorized bolt, mechanical override, and app functions, then dives inside the SC1 cylinder to demonstrate how easily it can be re-keyed using standard pinning depths. With solid construction, reinforced cabling, a door position sensor, and intuitive programming, the Schlage Electronic Deadbolt delivers far more quality than most budget smart locks online.If you’re considering a reliable, feature-packed electronic deadbolt for your home or rental property, this review covers everything you need to know. More smart lock reviews, Electronic Locks and rekeying tutorials coming soon from Mr. Locksmith. (Source: Terry Whin-Yates)

Source: Mr. Locksmith Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith

Schlage Home Front Deadbolt Review

Mr. Locksmith 604-330-9915

Mr. Locksmith Automotive (604) 259-7617

Hi, I’m Terry from Mr. Locksmith, and today I’m taking a close look at a new electronic deadbolt that has started showing up in big-box hardware stores. The Schlage / HomeFront Electronic Deadbolt (often sold under various Allegion sub-brands) is priced surprisingly well, and after installing a few for customers, I’ve been impressed so far.

In this post, I’ll unbox it, install it on a sample door, show you how to convert it to drive-in style, walk through programming, and demonstrate how to re-key the SC1 cylinder. I’ll also share the quirks, pros, and things you need to watch out for.

he Phillips Electronic Deadbolt has officially arrived in North America, and homeowners are already calling it one of the best-value smart locks of the year. In this review, Terry from Mr. Locksmith puts the lock to the test—unboxing it, installing it, programming it, and rekeying the SC1 cylinder to see how it performs in real-world conditions.

Whether you’re upgrading your home security, replacing an aging deadbolt, or searching for an easy-to-use electronic lock with fingerprint access and Bluetooth control, this in-depth review breaks down everything you need to know. From build quality and features to rekeying compatibility and installation tips, this guide covers why the new Phillips Electronic Deadbolt is quickly becoming a top pick for smart-home users and locksmiths alike.

Schlage Home Front Deadbolt Mr Locksmith

Unboxing the Schlage HomeFront Electronic Deadbolt

Right out of the box, the lock feels solid and well-built. Here’s what’s included:

Keypad exterior assembly
5-pin SC1 cylinder (standard keyway)
Two SC1 keys
Mounting hardware & bolts
Adjustable backset latch (2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″)
Drive-in conversion kit
Interior mounting plate
Instructions
Weather-resistant gasket

Pet peeve: the lock does not include the required four AA batteries. For the price, they should be included.

Converting the Latch From Mortise Plate to Drive-In

Switching the latch to a drive-in style is quick and easy:

Take a screwdriver and twist the two small tabs on the faceplate.
The front plate pops off.
Slide on the drive-in collar.
Adjust the backset by twisting until it clicks into 2-3/4″.

Note: The bolt must be extended before adjusting the backset.

Installing the Electronic Schlage Home Front Deadbolt

The lock requires:

A 2-1/8″ main bore
A 1″ edge hole for the latch

Steps:

Install the bolt and verify the backset.
Attach the exterior keypad and feed the reinforced cable under the tailpiece.
Install the interior mounting plate—follow the “UP” and “against door” labels.
Hand-start the bolts to avoid cross-threading.
Attach the inside assembly, connect the cable (red to red), and seat everything into the cable guide track.

Pro Tip:
Use a screwdriver—not a drill—if you’re new to installing locks. Cross-threading these bolts can ruin the unit.

Adding Batteries & First Power-Up

This model takes four AA alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable or lithium batteries.
Once powered, the lock automatically:

Detects left or right handing
Runs a self-check
Unlocks and calibrates

Default code: 1-2-3-4-5-6

This is both the programming code and an unlock code until you change it.

Programming the Schlage Lock (Important Tips!)

This lock is extremely slow when processing commands.

If you rush it, you will confuse the programming or lock yourself out.

Changing the Programming Code

Remove the battery cover (door open).
Hold SET for 1 second until it beeps.
Enter the default programming code.
Press LOCK.
Enter 1-0 then press LOCK.
Enter your new 4–6 digit programming code.
Press LOCK again.
WAIT until the red light turns green.

Adding a User Code

Press SET.
Enter your programming code.
Press LOCK.
Enter 2-0.
Press LOCK.
Enter the new user code.
Press LOCK.
WAIT—seriously, let it think.

You can add up to 10 user codes, plus temporary and vacation mode options.

How to Reset to Factory Defaults

If programming goes sideways:

Remove one battery.
Reinsert it while holding SET.
Hold until the long beep is finished.
The lock resets to factory settings.

This has saved me—and many customers—many times.

How to Re-Key the Cylinder (SC1 / 5-Pin)

This lock uses a standard, re-keyable SC1 cylinder, which is rare for many budget electronic deadbolts.

Steps:

Remove battery cover and batteries.
Disconnect cable and mounting screws.
Remove interior assembly and pull cylinder from the front.
Depress the retainer pin and remove the tailpiece assembly.
Remove the top spring, end cap pin, washer, and tailpiece.
Insert key, turn 45°, and use a follower to remove the plug.
Dump old pins.
Re-pin using LAB pins based on the key code. (Example: 66245)
Reassemble, ensuring the retainer pin seats properly.
Check operation before reinstalling.

Note: This lock had standard top pins only—no mushrooms or security drivers.

Final Thoughts – Is the Schlage HomeFront Electronic Deadbolt Worth Buying?

What I Like

Good build quality (Taiwan-made)
Easy installation
True SC1 mechanical key override
Auto-lock feature (10–99 seconds)
10 user codes + temporary codes
Affordable price point
Better quality than most budget Amazon smart locks

What I Don’t Like

No included batteries
Slow programming response
Must be patient—seriously
Not Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (basic electronic deadbolt only)

Would I Recommend It?

So far—yes.
My customers have been happy, I’ve installed several, and the lock has been reliable.

I’ll be installing one on my own front door for long-term testing and will post updates at the 1-month and 3-month marks.

More Mr. Locksmith Content Coming Soon

I’m currently reviewing 10+ electronic locks from Amazon and big-box stores—many of them are terrible. Some we refuse to install entirely.

Upcoming videos:

Best Electronic Deadbolts 2025
Worst Smart Locks (and why we won’t install them)
High-security deadbolt vs. smart lock comparisons
Non-destructive opening methods
Locksmith training tips for beginners

Subscribe to the YouTube channel and visit Mr. Locksmith for online locksmith training—beginner to advanced, including covert and non-destructive entry. Source: Terry Whin-Yates Mr. Locksmith Linkedin