Imagine leaving your physical key fob at home and still effortlessly unlocking your apartment door with just a tap of your iPhone. This is the reality with resident keys in Apple Wallet, transforming your smartphone into a powerful digital key fob. This guide will walk you through the process of adding a resident key fob to your iPhone, ensuring you have keyless entry at your fingertips.
To get started and add this convenient feature to your iPhone or Apple Watch, make sure you meet these prerequisites:
- Software Update: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS and your Apple Watch has the most recent watchOS. Keeping your software up-to-date guarantees compatibility and the best performance.
- Apple ID and iCloud: You’ll need an Apple ID logged into iCloud with two-factor authentication enabled. This security measure is crucial for protecting your digital key and personal information.
It’s important to note that the resident key feature is currently supported only by participating apartment buildings and condominiums. If you’re unsure if your property is participating, you may need a user account provided by your property management to add your key. Contact your apartment or condo management for any questions about participation or your account details.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Your Resident Key Fob to iPhone
Adding your resident key to your iPhone is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps:
- Locate Property Invitation: Your property company will provide instructions, typically through an app, email, text message, or other communication, to initiate the key adding process. Find this communication and follow their specific steps to begin.
- Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”: Within the property company’s communication, you should find an option or button that says “Add to Apple Wallet.” Tap this to start the integration with your iPhone’s Wallet app.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Your iPhone will guide you through the remaining steps to securely add your resident key. Carefully follow these on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
For residents managing multiple units within the same building, it’s worth inquiring with your property management if a single key can be issued for all your units, simplifying access further.
Upon successful addition, Express Mode is automatically activated for your resident key. This incredibly convenient feature allows you to unlock doors simply by holding your iPhone near the lock, without needing to wake or unlock your device, making access seamless and fast.
Should you ever need to revoke access, you can easily remove your resident key from the Wallet app at any time.
Expanding Access: Adding Your Key Fob to Apple Watch
Once you’ve added your resident key to your iPhone, it automatically becomes available on your paired Apple Watch. Alternatively, you can manually add it through these steps:
- Open Apple Watch App: On your iPhone, launch the Apple Watch app.
- Navigate to Wallet & Apple Pay: Tap on the “Wallet & Apple Pay” option within the Apple Watch app settings.
- Add Your Key: Look for the “Add” button (represented by a plus symbol) next to your resident key and tap it. This will ensure your key fob functionality is active on your Apple Watch as well.
Re-adding a Previously Added Resident Key Fob
Upgrading to a new iPhone? Some resident keys that were previously in your Wallet can be easily restored. Here’s how to re-add them:
- Open Wallet App: On your new iPhone, open the Wallet app.
- Tap the “Add” Button: Look for and tap the “Add” button, typically located at the top right or bottom of the Wallet interface.
- Select “Previous Cards”: Choose the “Previous Cards” option from the Add menu.
- Choose Your Resident Key: Find your resident key from the list of previous cards and tap on it. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the re-addition process.
Using Your iPhone or Apple Watch as a Key Fob
Using your digital key fob is just as simple as using a physical one, if not more convenient:
- Approach the Lock: Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch close to the door lock reader.
- Automatic Unlock: If your key is recognized and access is granted, the door will unlock. You’ll receive a visual confirmation on your device with a checkmark and the word “Done.”
If you have chosen to disable Express Mode, you can still use your resident key through the Wallet app:
- Open Wallet:
- Face ID iPhone: Double-click the side button to activate Apple Wallet.
- Touch ID iPhone: Rest your finger on the Touch ID sensor to open Wallet.
- Apple Watch: Double-click the side button on your Apple Watch.
- Select Your Key:
- iPhone: Your default card will appear first. Tap on it to reveal your other cards and passes. Scroll to and tap on your resident key. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode if prompted.
- Apple Watch: Scroll down within the Wallet app to locate your resident key.
- Tap to Unlock: Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the lock to activate it.
- Confirmation: Upon successful unlock, you’ll see a checkmark and “Done” on your device.
Power Reserve for Key Fob Access
Even when your iPhone battery is critically low, certain iPhone models allow you to use your resident key for a period even after the battery is depleted. This power reserve feature provides an extra layer of security and convenience, ensuring you’re not locked out even with a dead battery.
Troubleshooting Your Digital Key Fob
Encountering issues with your resident key? Here are a few points to consider:
- Key Deactivation by Property Management: Your property company has the ability to deactivate your digital key. If your key stops working, contact them to ensure it is still active. If deactivated, you will also have the option to remove it from your Wallet.
- Lost or Stolen Device: In the unfortunate event your iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, immediately mark your device as lost using Find My. This crucial step will automatically suspend all cards and passes in your Wallet, including your resident key, protecting your security.
Expanding Your Digital Home: Setting up a Home Key for HomeKit Locks
Beyond resident keys for apartments, Apple Wallet also supports home keys for compatible smart locks via HomeKit. Through the Home app, you can integrate a smart lock and set up a home key. This allows you to unlock your front door and even grant secure access to guests, all from your iPhone or Apple Watch, further streamlining your keyless living experience.
Published Date: (Original article does not have publish date, keep it empty)
