SmartCode 915 Touchscreen Contemporary Venetian Bronze Single Cylinder Electronic Deadbolt Featuring SmartKey Security

after 2 years of normal sun exposure, the screen is covered with cracks making the numbers unreadable - not what I would expect from a deadbolt lock

The KWIKSET SMARTCODE 915 TOUCHSCREEN CONTEMPORARY IRON BLACK SINGLE CYLINDER ELECTRONIC DEADBOLT FEATURING SMARTKEY SECURITY is a pretty unique item. The smart key allows you to use one of your existing keys to open the lock or you can just use the combination pad to open it. It is a little more than a novice do-it-yourselfer can do because if you're not replacing an existing bolt you will have to drill those holes. The actual install may be a little tricky in that respect. It does have a cool white LED illumination so that feature is nice. One feature you might want to check out is the Automatic Door Locking after 30 seconds so you don't get locked out. The package says it's easily installed in existing holes, if it's a new install you may have to drill Bolt holes for the dead bolt.

I like Kwikset lock, and have installed them in other homes. The idea of not having to carry a key if you are stepping out, is great; if you happen to forget your key. I issued different codes to my kids that they picked so they can remember them. I changed the kwikset deadlock that was on my front door with this one and it was not that hard. I was afraid I would have to call a locksmith, but I followed the step by step instructions and it was done. I like the finish.

In an effort to expand my use of the latest technology, I decided to try a digital deadbolt. No more fumbling for keys etc when the rain is coming. This was easy to install, 40 minutes, which included a phone call to Kwikset about the coding of the lock. Once the issue was resolved, the install finish was quick and easy. Push one button to lock upon leaving, and push your code to enter. That easy.

I obtained the Kwikset Smartcode 915 Touchscreen electronic deadbolt over a year ago, and I finally had it installed professionally on a new entry door (through the Home Depot). The door installer didn't seem to have any problems installing this deadbolt on our new entry door, but it may be different for you depending on whether you are replacing an older deadbolt. We've only used this deadbolt for a week or so, and so far it's been working well. At this point, we're just using the electronic touchscreen and have not used the smart key. The Smartcode function allows you to program up to 30 user codes for use with the touchscreen. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow with regard to inputting user codes, as well as how to change or delete user codes. Once you've programmed one or more user codes, it's very easy to use the electronic touchscreen to lock and unlock your door using the user codes. One ingenious thing is that this deadbolt also has an additional fingerprint security layer. Once you lock the deadbolt, to unlock it, the touchscreen will first show two random numbers which you have to push before it allows you to put in your designated user code. This prevents unauthorized users (people trying to break into your premises) from identifying your user code through your fingerprints. The touchscreen itself only lights up when you lightly put the palm of your hand over it. Otherwise it remains unlit. Also, after you lock the deadbolt with the small lock symbol, this symbol shows for just about 2 seconds letting you know your door is locked, before the touchscreen goes dark again. The touchscreen runs on 4 AA batteries. The part of the deadbolt that sits on the inside of your door flashes a small green light about every 6 seconds when your door is unlocked and a small orange light every 6 seconds or so when it's locked. It's probably wise to obtain a well-known brand of batteries and ones that are guaranteed to last for many months. I don't know if it's possible to be locked out if your premises if the batteries run out. I suppose there's some kind of low battery warning (maybe a small flashing red light?), to give you ample time to replace the batteries. Also, in the event the batteries die, you'd probably be able to unlock the deadbolt the old-fashioned way, with the smart key, of which there are two included. It remains to be seen how long this deadbolt will last. I also don't know yet if the touchscreen's function can be affected by rain, snow, humidity, etc. Mine is installed on an entry door under a covered porch, so hopefully that'll keep it better protected.

I was not able to install this because I believe someone assembled it incorrectly at the factory. As you can see in the pictures, the little holes I have circled are where the metal rod for the lock pass through to connect both sides of the lock. The hole on the left of the picture was installed upside down. The curved side should be on top and the square side should be on the bottom. There doesn't seem to be a way to change that. It won't turn a full 180°. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong, but I have another Kwikset deadbolt almost identical to this on another door so I took it apart to see how it was arranged and it was oriented properly. Another problem I have with this lock is that the latch will only fit in the side of the door if it has the rectangular chisel cutout and not just a round hole. You either need to chisel it out or you have to BUY another latch to fit the round hole. For a deadbolt in this price range I think that's ridiculous. I've bought dirt cheap deadbolts that have both options, If you don't have the rectangular cutout then you have the option of removing that part of the latch to fit the round hole. This lock should be no exception. AND- it doesn't even come with the batteries! I have 4 other touchpad deadbolts and all of them came with batteries. Having said all that, based on the other lock I have which is almost identical, this would be a very good lock. I love my other one.

The one I had purchased was defective and I’m very disappointed. I really wanted it to work but it doesn’t and I wasn’t able to get a refund or a replacement when I first got it.

Keypad works sometimes

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

It is excellent except it doesn’t have auto lock after a certain time lapse