
When you transform your community by upgrading from a 9th-century metal lock (yes, they are that old) to a 21st-century solution, it opens the door to a whole spectrum of opportunities. Not all locks are created equal. Such is the case for Bluetooth-enabled Schlage smart locks.
Schlage smart locks are our most recommended locks for unit doors and many common areas. They are Bluetooth enabled, which allows residents to use their phone to lock or unlock their door when they are within Bluetooth range. They are also activated by key fobs.
However, Schlage locks have grown and changed over the years. Haven’t we all? There are two versions that are in wide circulation: 1.0s and 2.0s.
What’s the difference?
The early model of the Schlage BE lock is the 1.0. Think of it as a trusted friend with less glitz and glamor than newer versions. The 2.0 locks are fresh and sharp. They’ve got the most updated technology to give you the full Homebase experience. While the 1.0 locks take 10-30 seconds to unlock, the 2.0 locks can unlock in as little as 1 second.
How do I know which one I have?
If you are the lucky owner of a Schlage smart lock, you may be wondering which club you belong to. Here’s a trick: log into the Engage app. Your lock’s serial number will include the identification E1 or E2. If you see E1, you’ve got a 1.0. If you see E2, congratulations! You are the owner of a glamorous 2.0.
While we prefer the high-speed version, both types of locks offer dozens of futuristic features. The trick is knowing how to care for them.

The OG benefits
While lightning speed isn’t guaranteed with the 1.0, staff efficiency and an enhanced resident experience is.
- No need to walk to all the doors. Simply scan the fob on a key scanner to give residents their new programmed access.
- Residents receive a notification every time staff unlock their unit, holding staff accountable and putting residents at ease.
- In complicated situations, Homebase can provide your community with a real-time activity log audit to disclose who unlocked the door and when. This gives your team an additional set of eyes.
- Staff, residents, and visitors can use the Homebase app as backup to navigate the community.
- No need to rekey or replace locks. Staff can revoke access virtually and sync doors using the Homebase app.
- Enable digital amenities like in-unit grocery delivery through Walmart InHome.
The 1.0 locks get the job done, and they’ve got valuable features. They just require a little patience.
Maximizing your 1.0 experience
So you’ve got a 1.0. Don’t fret. It may not unlock in a single second, but it will serve you well and give you some extra features that only smart technology can provide.
Schlage BE 1.0 locks work best when fobs are the primary unlock method. You can count on the Homebase App in backup situations when fobs aren’t handy, but this may take longer. Using the app frequently on 1.0 locks can necessitate periodic resets. The 1.0 locks are getting older and all that work makes them tired.
Just as the unlock speeds are a bit slower for 1.0 locks, so is updating key access or performing lock maintenance. These procedures should be performed every few months within Bluetooth range of the door. Performing these updates regularly makes this process more efficient in the future.

Living the 2.0 life
You did it. You upgraded. You are living the Schlage BE 2.0 fantasy—the full Homebase experience. One of the reasons 2.0 locks are first class is that they support a Bluetooth credential (BLE). The BLE credential decreases unlock time to as little as 1 second.
With this option, fobs are just a backup. Your phone or smartwatch is all you need to access the community.
Everything is quicker with 2.0s. Even updating key access and performing lock maintenance. Updating the lock regularly will ensure that these times remain low.
Choosing a lock
Torn between a 1.0 and a 2.0 for a new build? Good news. Schlage BE 1.0s are no longer produced. The newer 2.0s offer a more elevated user experience and help residents get the most out of Homebase. When upgrading isn’t an option, 1.0s still offer useful features. Especially paired with the Homebase app.
It’s time to rid your community of the ghosts of the past and step into the future of access. Want to learn more about your locks or gain insight on fresh possibilities? Homebase’s Customer Success and Sales teams are here to help. Book your demo now and learn how Homebase can improve resident experience and increase ROI in new builds and retrofits.