Apple Home Keys: Here is how to use them

Apple announced a new HomeKit feature called “home keys” in 2021, an iOS-friendly twist on managing the smart locks that protect your home. There was just one problem: at the time, no smart locks were compatible with home keys. That is changing now.

Manufacturing issues delayed the release of home key smart locks, but they are now beginning to appear in the wild. If you want a smart lock that works with iOS and lets you manage everything from the Home app, you’ll need to understand how home keys work. Here’s what you should do!

A home key generates a secure, encrypted passcode, which is saved in your Apple Wallet. This enables you to use a compatible smart lock, similar to how you use Apple Pay, to quickly unlock your door and automatically lock it when you’re done. The Home app retrieves the home key from Apple Wallet, validates it with the smart lock, and the smart lock unlocks… You don’t need to do anything more than swipe your iPhone or Apple Watch. You don’t have to juggle third-party apps because it all works through the Home app.

Find a lock that’s compatible with the Apple home key:

The first step is to obtain one of those smart locks that work with house keys. The good news is that 2022 will be a great year for these locks because they will finally be available on the market. The bad news is that only one smart lock with home key compatibility will be available in the coming months: the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt. If you like that model, you can place a preorder and relax. Otherwise, you may have to wait until the second half of the year, when more locks should be arriving.

Connect the smart lock to your network

Installing a compatible lock should be your first step. Schlage has a web-based walkthrough for its deadbolts that can be of great assistance here. The average front door should be able to support a deadbolt like this, though you will need to measure the thickness of the door and purchase a thick door kit if necessary. This is a simple DIY project as long as you are comfortable using a screwdriver and have someone to assist you with the trickier parts of the installation.

As you proceed, ensure that the lock can connect to your Wi-Fi network. If your door lock is having trouble connecting, you may need to relocate your router closer to the lock.

Add the smart lock to the Home app:

It’s time to grab your iPhone now that the smart lock is connected to your network. To begin, launch the Home app and tap the large plus sign on the home screen. Select Add Accessory.

The Home app will eventually prompt you to enter the eight-digit setup code to identify your smart lock. This will be printed on the Schlage lock or other lock labels. To expedite the process, the manual should include a QR code that can be scanned.

At this point, you should give the lock an identifiable name and then select a room for it to be associated with, such as “Entryway” or “Front Door.” The name will also be used to control it via Siri commands, so it’s a good idea to keep names simple.

Choose unlocking options:

After you’ve added your lock to Home, return to the Home app’s home screen and select your new lock from your connected smart devices. It’s possible that you’ll be introduced to unlocking options during your setup process as well, so make sure to complete your setup completely. You will have two unlocking options to choose from in your smart lock settings:

Express Mode: This is the proximity-based unlocking mode, in which you can swipe your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock to unlock it automatically, similar to how you swipe to use Apple Pay (but without any additional confirmations). This option saves time, but it is less secure because anyone with your iPhone/Watch can do it.

Face ID or Passcode Required: Here, you must hold your iPhone close to the lock, then confirm with Face ID or Touch ID for older iPhones. This method takes a few seconds longer and requires you to have your iPhone out and in your hand for it to work; however, it is more secure.

Enable automations

Now that you’ve decided how to open your smart lock, you must also decide how to lock it. In device settings and setup, you will also have the ability to choose Automation, which will control how the lock behaves when you are leaving your home. There are two common options:

Lock After Door Closes: When you close the door, this simple setting locks the smart lock. Easy and excellent for one or two people, but not so useful if multiple people are coming and going from the house over a long period of time.

Lock When Leaving Home: This feature locks the smart lock when your iPhone/Apple Watch is within a certain distance of the lock. It’s simple geofencing that may be a better choice for larger families.

Share your access as needed

Managing access and permissions is always an important part of smart lock setup. This is also possible with the Home app. When you first configure your home key options, everyone on your family plan/household list will receive the home key as well, allowing them to lock the door in the same way.

Things become a little more complicated for visitors. Go to your Home app, long-press your smart lock, and select Settings, Manage Access and Add Guest.

This creates a guest profile, which you can name, and then allows them to use your smart lock. Then, select Change Access Code, enter an access code for the Guest to use and then click Done. This creates a Guest profile for your phone but does not automatically send it to your contacts. To send the access code to a specific contact, long-press it and select Share. That person will then be able to open your smart lock using the code. Using the same menu, you can delete or change your Guest profile whenever you want.

“If you’ve tried these steps and still need some assistance, we’re just around the corner. Schedule an appointment at our website or call us directly at +1(713) 547-5782 and our certified experts will have your device up and running as soon as the next day.”