Schlage Sense lock not responding on Homekit

Update: I have had continuing issues with one of my deadbolts and recently had the chance to change out my original 4K @TV with one of the latest models, (white border around the remote’s menu button). This resolved my remote connectivity issues, there must be something different about the hardware in the two different 4K @TVs as I had surmised earlier in this thread.

Did you update to 12.1.1 on Apple TV or HomePod?

HomeKit enabled apps require a base such as an Apple TV or an iPad or HomePod.

IF iOS 12.1.1 actually resolve the issue with Schlage, Then you will need to update the device that is responsible for managing all your HomeKit enabled devices

I don't believe this was Schlage's fault as such.

I too have a few Bluetooth devices (Schlage, Eve) and I started running into the 'No response' scenario for the devices located close to the extreme end of the range of Bluetooth, relative to my Apple TV hub. This started happened immediately after upgrading the ATV to tvOS 12. Everything was working perfectly prior to the 'upgrade'.

Remote access requires the home hub (e.g. iPad or ATV) to be able to make a reliable Bluetooth connection with the lock/sensor/etc. devices.

I suspect that the Bluetooth range on the ATV was degraded significantly in tvOS 12. Hopefully tvOS 12.1.1 will restore the BT range to what it used to be with version 11.x.

Quick update - I called Schlage yesterday and they are all over it!!! Said it is a big issue for them, and, the update is in beta testing. I am going to hold and let them deploy the fix versus downgrade. Not a show stopper for me, just a huge annoyance.

Thanks, Schlage, for recognizing this and working on a fix.

DaveR

I don’t know of a way to extend the Bluetooth range. I found 2 solutions. 1) At my sons house I purchased a “Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter” because his Apple TV was too far from the lock. Works perfectly and doesn’t require setting up HomeKit. 2). I wanted a AppleTv 4K so after purchasing one I took my old Apple TV that was already setup as my HomeKit hub and plugged it into an electrical outlet 4 feet from the lock. I don’t have this Apple TV hub connected to a tv so it’s only connections we’re wifi and ac outlet. It’s sole use is for connectivity to Schlage. Works perfectly.

Still working well for me since the 12.1.1 OS update. Didn’t change the location.

At one week, the simple fix seems to be working reliably. So that might line up with the notion that BT power has been reduced ... The small, increased separation in distance/height -- 4" -- was enough to improve reception and restore the connection between the Schlage and the ATV.

I contacted Schlage and they said that it’s an apple issue and they’re working on a fix. Hopefully that’s true. Still frustrating in the interim.

Despite what Schlage might say, this is THEIR issue, not Apple’s. Apple cannot possible test EVERY SINGLE device out there from EVERY SINGLE manufacturer to make sure it’s compatible with new iOS changes—that’s on the manufacturer to make sure their products work with Apple’s OS.

From the number of you having issues with this specific lock, and the nature of it, I venture a guess that Schlage needs to release a firmware update for its hardware and/or an update for its iOS app. I guarantee unless Schlage has initiated something to work with Apple on a solution that Apple is not bothering with this minor inconvenience.

In short, Schlage lied. Apple can’t conform their platform to all the 3rd party accessories. Completely impractical and unrealistic.

Apple supplies it’s hardware compliance specs to developers, and it’s the accessory owners responsibility to comply with and update their apps/product firmware as needed with new releases. (BTW, this happened with iOS10 update as well, and took them 5 months to fix).

I recommend everyone on this page review their app in the apps store with 1 star, and list this issue as the cause. Reality is that Schlage won’t do anything until it starts affecting their bottom line, and the sense is still a very small profit item for them.

https://www.imore.com/how-create-your-own-HomeKit-enabled-accessories

You don’t need Bluetooth for HomeKit. Your devices need to be in WiFi range of your network.

See below...

Siri voice commands are automatically sent to your Apple TV at home through iCloud remote access, and the streaming box then relays the commands to your HomeKit accessories. Many HomeKit accessories also offer remote access through their connected iOS apps.

You must be signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV to use this feature.

Certain Homekit devices are "Bluetooth only", so they will only communicate with your hub (ATV or iPad) using Bluetooth.

The home hub is then very critical since it is responsible for propagating state information over WiFi to any other device.

If you are physically "far away" from such a device (e.g. Schlage lock), your phone talks to the home hub (ATV or iPad) over the cellular data or WiFi network, and the hub then issues the commands over BT to control the device.

I’m in the same boat as most folks here, but I just noticed something: When I’m home, but disable my iPhone WiFi and just use my cellular connection, I TEND to have a better response rate vs in the house and on “local” WiFi. Not sure if this lends further credence to the idea that something “changed” (broke) on iOS 12 on the Apple TV?

To be sure, I’ve not had a single issue with any of my other devices throughout HomeKit- Hue, Wemo, Lutron, EcoBee, etc - Just my Schlage Sense.

Same issue here. After updating my Apple TV my Schlage locks will only work when my phone is in Bluetooth range and I can no longer use them with the ATV as a hub