Stop Changing AA Batteries: Charge Your Schlage Encode Smart Lock Wirelessly!
- Lunar Locks
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Well, they've gone and done it. You can now literally charge your smart lock through thin air. Nikola Tesla would be so pleased to have a smart lock that didn't require battery replacement every 3-8 months.
If you own a smart lock equipped with Wi-Fi, you've probably been a little disappointed with it's battery life. But let’s be honest - those low-battery alerts are a pain. Changing four AA batteries every few months is a small task, but it always seems to come at the worst time. What if you could power your lock without ever swapping batteries again?
That’s where Wi-Charge comes in. This innovative solution uses infrared light to keep your smart lock powered indefinitely. No more battery changes, no more surprises.
It is already available for the Alfred brand DB2S and ML2 deadbolts, but in February 2026 they officially started shipping the retrofit kit for Schlage Encode or Encode Plus locks!
How the Wi-Charge Wireless Power Kit Works
The Wi-Charge system is simple but clever. It consists of two main parts that work together to deliver power wirelessly:
The R1 Optical Transmitter: This is a sleek, circular device that plugs into any standard wall outlet near your door. It beams a safe, invisible infrared (IR) light toward your lock.
The Receiver Module: This replaces your lock’s existing battery tray. It contains a 2,500 mAh rechargeable battery and a receiver that converts the IR light back into electricity to power your lock.
This setup means your lock is continuously charged "over the air" without any wires or battery swaps.
Key Features You’ll Appreciate
Range: The transmitter can deliver power from 3 to 33 feet away, so it works well in most home or office entryways. That's 1 - 10 Meters!
Smart Tracking: The transmitter automatically steers its beam to "lock on" to the receiver, so you don’t have to aim it perfectly.
Safety First: The IR beam is non-ionizing and safe for eyes and skin. If a person or pet crosses the beam, power delivery pauses instantly and resumes once the path is clear.
Backup Power: The internal rechargeable battery acts as a buffer. If the power goes out or the beam is blocked, your lock keeps working just as long as it would on fresh AA batteries.
Why This Matters for Your Smart Lock
For many, changing AA batteries is just a minor annoyance. But if you use your Schlage Encode heavily, or manage rental properties, this kit solves some real problems:
Wi-Fi Battery Drain: The Encode’s built-in Wi-Fi is convenient but power-hungry. If you have a busy household or use remote features often, your batteries might die faster than the six-month estimate.
Rental Properties: For Airbnb hosts or landlords, a dead smart lock means locked-out guests and emergency service calls. The Wi-Charge kit removes that risk by keeping your lock powered 24/7.
Cold Climates: Batteries lose performance in freezing temperatures. A continuously charged system is far more reliable in cold weather.
The Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It?
The Wi-Charge Wireless Power Kit costs $149 USD upfront. That’s a significant investment compared to a $15 pack of AA batteries, but realistically - we are adding a ground-breaking adaptation of this technology into an already ~$300 deadbolt. To understand the real value, let’s look at the 5-year cost comparison for a high-traffic Schlage Encode lock:
(All cost comparisons performed in USD to match the manufacturer's launch price. Battery replacement based on 6 month life)
Power Method | Upfront Cost | Annual Cost (Est.) | 5-Year Total |
Premium Alkaline AA's | $0 | ~$32 (8 AAs/year) | $160 |
Rechargeable 1.5v AA's | $60 - $80 | $60 - $80 | $60 - $80 |
Wi-Charge Wireless Kit | $149 | $0 | $149 |
Which Option Fits You Best?
Budget Pick: Rechargeable AAs ($60 - $80)
If saving money is your top priority, rechargeable AAs are a way to go. Please remember: you still have to swap and charge them every few months. Schlage also officially recommends against rechargeable batteries because their voltage drops fast near the end of each charge cycle, which can cause unexpected lock failures. Also be sure that your batteries state 1.5v, because there are many rechargeable batteries that are AA in size, but only run 1.2v! That means your 4x full batteries put out 4.8v instead of the expected 6v - so you can expect low battery warnings almost instantly.
Reliable Standard: Premium Alkaline (~$160 over 5 years)
Using premium alkaline batteries is the most expensive option but offers the most accurate battery-level reporting. The downside? Over 10 years, you could spend over $300 on batteries alone - more than the cost of the lock.
Luxury Pick: Wi-Charge Kit ($149)
The Wi-Charge system is actually cheaper than alkaline over five years. More importantly, it offers true convenience. No more alerts, no dead batteries when you’re away, and no risk of battery leaks damaging your lock.
The main catch is you need a clear line of sight from an outlet to your door, and the upfront cost is higher. But if you want your smart home to feel truly automated, this is a game changer.
Who Should Consider the Wi-Charge Wireless Power Kit?
This kit is perfect if you:
Manage rental properties and want to avoid emergency lockouts.
Have a busy household with frequent lock usage.
Live in a cold climate where battery performance suffers.
Simply hate the hassle of changing batteries and want peace of mind.
For anyone who values convenience and reliability, the Wi-Charge kit is a smart investment.
Making Your Schlage Smart Lock Charge Wirelessly Is Truly Smart
The Wi-Charge Wireless Power Kit transforms your Schlage Encode from a device that needs constant attention into a set-it-and-forget-it smart lock. It aligns perfectly with the goal of having a secure, reliable home or business without the constant maintenance headaches. It is a big breakthrough technology that we will see in many products quite soon no doubt!
If you’re ready to stop worrying about batteries and start enjoying true smart lock freedom, the Wi-Charge Wireless Power Kit is worth serious consideration. It’s a modern solution for modern security needs. By upgrading your lock with this wireless power solution, you’re investing in long-term security and convenience. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your daily life.
To learn more or to get your hands on the Wi-Charge Encode kit, check out the official site here.
