Installing Your Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen (Z-Wave Plus)

What's in the Box

The Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen package includes the exterior assembly with capacitive touchscreen, interior assembly with thumb turn, mounting hardware, strike plate, two physical backup keys, and four AA batteries. A quick-start guide and programming instructions are included. Since this is a Z-Wave Plus model, you'll need a compatible Z-Wave hub such as SmartThings, Hubitat, Vera, or a similar controller to unlock the full smart home capabilities.

Prerequisites

Your door needs a standard deadbolt preparation with a 2-1/8" cross bore and 1" edge bore, with a door thickness between 1-3/8" and 1-3/4". Have a Phillips screwdriver ready. Unlike WiFi-based Kwikset locks, the SmartCode 916 communicates via Z-Wave Plus, so you'll need a Z-Wave hub already set up on your network. Position your hub within Z-Wave range of the door, typically within 40 feet indoors, though Z-Wave's mesh networking can extend range through other Z-Wave devices.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Remove your existing deadbolt, including all hardware and the strike plate from the door frame.
2. Install the latch bolt assembly into the edge bore with the "UP" indicator facing upward. Fasten the latch faceplate flush with the door edge.
3. Thread the exterior assembly's cable through the cross bore from the outside. Make sure the touchscreen keypad sits level against the door.
4. On the interior side, connect the wiring harness from the exterior assembly to the interior mounting plate connector. Take care not to pinch the cable between components.
5. Secure the mounting plate with the two long bolts, tightening them evenly. If the deadbolt binds when turning the thumb turn, slightly loosen the screws and realign.
6. Snap the interior assembly onto the mounting plate until it clicks firmly into place.
7. Install the new strike plate on the door frame. Test that the deadbolt throws smoothly into the strike pocket.
8. Insert four AA batteries and close the battery cover. The touchscreen will flash to confirm power.
9. Test the lock using the thumb turn, a backup key, and the default access code from your quick-start card before proceeding with Z-Wave pairing.

Z-Wave Pairing and App Setup

To add the SmartCode 916 to your Z-Wave network, put your hub into inclusion mode first. Then, on the lock's interior assembly, press the "A" button once. The lock will enter pairing mode and the touchscreen will flash while searching for your hub. Once paired, the lock will appear as a new device in your hub's interface. Assign it a name and room. Through your hub's app, you can create user codes, set auto-lock timers, and view lock activity history. The SmartCode 916 supports up to 30 user codes.

Smart Home Integration Tips

With Z-Wave Plus, the SmartCode 916 integrates into broader smart home automations. Pair it with a SmartThings hub to create routines such as locking all doors at bedtime or unlocking when you arrive home based on your phone's geolocation. The lock works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant when connected through a compatible hub. Z-Wave Plus offers improved range and battery life compared to older Z-Wave versions. For the strongest mesh network, place other Z-Wave devices like light switches between your hub and the lock to act as signal repeaters.

Quick Troubleshooting

If Z-Wave pairing fails, ensure your hub is within range and in inclusion mode before pressing the lock's "A" button. Try excluding the lock first (put hub in exclusion mode, press "A" on lock) before re-including. If the touchscreen becomes unresponsive, remove all batteries for 30 seconds and reinsert. For a complete factory reset, remove a battery, hold the program button, reinsert the battery, and continue holding for 30 seconds. This erases all codes and Z-Wave association, so you'll need to pair again with your hub.