6 Red Flashes
Schlage Smart Lock
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
6 red flashes on a Schlage Encode (with door sense feature) means the door sense reading doesn't match the lock state — for example, the door reports as open but the bolt is locked.
This usually means the door sense magnet has moved out of alignment.
Check the magnet position on the door frame (should be opposite the lock's sensor when door is closed).
Reposition if needed.
Affected Models
- Schlage Encode
- Schlage Encode Plus
Common Causes
- Door sense magnet displaced from correct position
- Magnet adhesive failed and magnet has moved
- Lock body shifted (loose mounting)
- Door warped causing different alignment
- Door sense not enabled in app but lock thinks it should be
How to Fix It
-
Locate the door sense magnet.
On Schlage Encode with door sense, a small magnet is mounted on the door frame.
Should be opposite the lock body when the door is closed.
Look for a small magnet (often white plastic with adhesive) on the frame — height should match the lock. -
Verify alignment.
Close the door.
The magnet should be directly opposite the lock body, within 5mm or so.
If the magnet has slipped down or sideways, that's your 6-flash cause.
Reposition with fresh adhesive (3M VHB tape works well). -
Check lock body for shift.
Sometimes the lock itself shifts due to loose mounting screws.
If the lock has moved, the relative position of magnet and sensor changes.
Tighten the lock's mounting screws.
If the lock body is genuinely loose, deeper mounting issues need addressing. -
Recalibrate door sense in the app.
Open the Schlage Home app.
Settings → Door Sense → Calibrate.
Follow prompts: open door, close door, etc.
The app teaches the lock the new positions.
Should clear 6 flashes once calibration completes. -
Disable door sense if not needed.
If you don't use door sense features (auto-lock based on door closure), disable it in the app.
Settings → Door Sense → Off.
The lock works fine without door sense — you just lose the auto-lock-on-close feature.
Some users find door sense unreliable and prefer to disable it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does door sense matter?
Door sense lets the lock auto-lock when the door is closed.
Without it, auto-lock runs on a timer — risky because you might leave the door open and the lock 'thinks' it's closed.
With door sense, auto-lock waits for the door to actually close before engaging — much safer.
Is the magnet a fire hazard?
No — the magnet is a passive component with no electronics.
It's safe in fires (won't ignite, won't lose magnetism at typical fire temperatures).
The lock itself has electronics that could be affected, but the magnet alone is not a hazard.