Unlocking your apartment door is now as seamless as using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Imagine leaving behind the traditional key fob and embracing the convenience of a digital apartment key right on your Apple device. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using an apartment key fob app on your iPhone, transforming how you access your living space.
For residents in modern apartments and condominiums, the integration of technology into everyday living is rapidly evolving. One such innovation is the apartment resident key in Apple Wallet, offering a streamlined and secure way to enter your building and unit. This feature eliminates the hassle of physical key fobs, which can be easily lost or forgotten.
Before you get started with adding a resident key to your Apple Wallet, ensure you meet these prerequisites:
- Software Update: Your iPhone and Apple Watch should be running the latest versions of iOS and watchOS respectively.
- Apple ID with Two-Factor Authentication: You need an active Apple ID logged into iCloud with two-factor authentication enabled for enhanced security.
It’s important to note that this feature is currently available only at participating apartment and condominium properties. If you’re unsure whether your property supports resident keys, contacting your property management is the best first step. You might also need a user account provided by your property to enable this digital key feature.
Adding Your Apartment Resident Key to iPhone and Apple Watch
The process of adding your resident key is generally straightforward and initiated by your property management.
Steps to Add Resident Key via Property Communication
- Initiate via Property App or Communication: Look for an invitation or instructions from your apartment or condo company. This could be through their dedicated app, an email, a text message, or another form of communication they utilize.
- Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”: Within the communication, locate and tap the “Add to Apple Wallet” option.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: Your iPhone will then guide you through the final steps to securely add your resident key to your Wallet app.
Adding a resident key to Apple Wallet using the ‘+’ button.
For individuals managing multiple units within the same property, it’s advisable to inquire with your property management about the possibility of consolidating access into a single resident key for all your units.
Upon successful addition, Express Mode is automatically activated. This convenient feature allows you to simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the door lock to gain entry without needing to unlock your device or open the Wallet app.
Manually Adding to Apple Watch
Typically, adding a resident key to your iPhone automatically adds it to your paired Apple Watch. However, if needed, you can manually add it:
- Open Apple Watch App on iPhone: Launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone that is paired with your watch.
- Navigate to Wallet & Apple Pay: Tap on the “Wallet & Apple Pay” section within the Apple Watch app.
- Add Key: Tap the “Add” button, usually represented by a plus symbol, next to your resident key to manually add it to your Apple Watch.
Re-adding a Previously Added Resident Key
Switching to a new iPhone? Re-adding a previously used resident key is simple:
- Open Wallet App on New iPhone: On your new iPhone, open the Wallet app.
- Tap the “Add” Button: Look for and tap the “Add” button within the Wallet app interface.
- Select “Previous Cards”: Choose the “Previous Cards” option.
- Select Resident Key and Follow Instructions: Find your resident key from the list of previous cards, tap on it, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the re-addition process.
Using Your iPhone Apartment Key Fob
Accessing your apartment with your digital key is designed to be quick and intuitive.
- Hold Device Near the Lock: Bring the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch close to the door lock reader.
- Automatic Unlock: If authorized, the door will unlock instantly. A checkmark and the word “Done” will briefly appear on your device screen, confirming successful entry.
Using Express Mode on iPhone to unlock a door.
For users who have disabled Express Mode, using your resident key involves a couple of extra steps:
- Open Wallet App:
- 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: If a default card is displayed, tap it to view other cards and passes. Select your resident key, and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Apple Watch: Scroll through your passes to locate and select your resident key.
- Hold Device to Lock: After selecting your key, hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the lock to unlock the door.
Power Reserve and Troubleshooting
Using Resident Key with Low Battery
Depending on your iPhone model, the Power Reserve feature might allow you to use your resident key even after your iPhone battery is critically low. Refer to Apple’s documentation for specific model capabilities regarding Power Reserve and Express Mode for digital keys.
Help and Support
- Key Deactivation by Property Management: Your property company has the ability to deactivate your resident key. If deactivated, the key will become unusable and can be removed from your Wallet app.
- Lost or Stolen Device: In the event your device is lost or stolen, immediately mark it as lost using Apple’s Find My service. This action automatically suspends all cards and passes in your Wallet, including your apartment resident key, preventing unauthorized access.
Home Keys vs. Resident Keys
It’s important to differentiate between apartment resident keys and home keys. While resident keys are specifically for apartment and condo access, Apple also offers home keys for HomeKit-enabled smart locks. Home keys, set up through the Home app, allow you to control compatible smart locks, typically for individual homes, and even share access with guests.
Embrace the future of access control with the apartment key fob app on your iPhone. It’s a secure, convenient, and modern solution for accessing your living space, right at your fingertips.
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