# Unlocking in Salto Homelok > Learn how to unlock doors using the Salto Homelok app and other unlocking methods available in the Homelok access control system. ## Overview {#overview} In Salto Homelok, you can unlock doors in several ways, depending on how your property manager has configured your access: - **Mobile app** - The most common method, using Bluetooth to unlock doors wirelessly, or a remote operation over the internet if your property manager has enabled it for you - **NFC (Android only)** - Tap and hold your phone near compatible door readers for quick access without opening the app - **Keypads** - Enter a passcode on doors equipped with keypads - **Physical keys** - Use keycards or fobs if your property manager has assigned them to you This guide focuses primarily on unlocking doors using the Homelok mobile app. The **My keys** section of the app automatically adapts based on your access permissions and nearby doors. ![My keys example in the Homelok app](images/my-keys-example.png "The 'My keys' section of the Homelok app varies depending on the access and keys that have been assigned to you") {.border} ## Understanding the 'My keys' screen {#understanding-my-keys} When you open the Homelok app, the **My keys** screen will display differently depending on your situation: ### When searching for doors {#searching-for-doors} When the app is open and searching for nearby doors via Bluetooth, you'll see one of the following layouts: - If you have access to one door, the app displays a card with the door's name and available operations. - If you have access to 2 to 5 doors, the app displays all the doors in a scrollable list. - If you have access to more than 5 doors, the app provides a search option and separates doors into **Nearby** and **Remote** sections. The **Nearby** section displays doors as they come within Bluetooth range. The **Remote** section lists doors that you have permission to operate remotely, regardless of their Bluetooth range. In the single-door and 2-to-5-door layouts, a door that only supports local operation can display **Out of range** when the app can't detect it over Bluetooth. Move closer to the door and wait for the app to detect it. **Tip:** Tap the refresh button at the top of the screen to manually restart the Bluetooth scanning process and check for new keys or access permissions that may have been assigned to you. ### Lock and unlock buttons {#lock-unlock-buttons} Depending on the door's capabilities, you may see: - **Unlock button only**: A full-width button for doors that only support unlocking - **Lock and unlock buttons**: A split button allowing you to either lock or unlock the door (for doors with lock capability) ![Key list in the Homelok app](images/key-list.png "Some doors may have both lock and unlock buttons if they support both actions") {.border} For supported doors - for example, motorized locks - the status automatically updates based on the door's current state (**Locked** or **Unlocked**). When you tap **Lock**, the app may ask you to confirm the action. The app then displays **Locking…**, followed by **Access granted and door locked** or an error message. ### When you have no access {#no-access} If you don't have an active digital key, you'll see: - A placeholder icon - **No keys yet** if your property manager hasn't assigned a key to you - **No access yet** if your key doesn't have access to any doors - Instructions to contact your property manager ![No access message in the Homelok app](images/no-access.png "If you don't have any active digital keys, the app will prompt you to contact your property manager") {.border} ## Unlocking with the Homelok app {#unlocking-with-the-homelok-app} To unlock a door using the Homelok app: 1. **Open the app** and ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. 2. **Allow the app to search** for nearby doors. This happens automatically when you open the **My keys** screen. 3. **Ensure the door is in range**. When the app detects the door over Bluetooth, it displays the door in the **Nearby** section or marks it as **Nearby**. 4. **Select your door** and tap **Unlock**. 5. **Move closer if needed**. If the message **Try moving closer to the door** appears, move your phone closer to the lock. ![Unlocking process in the Homelok app](images/access-granted.png "The unlocking process in the Homelok app provides real-time feedback on connection status and access permissions") {.border} ### What you'll see during unlocking {#unlocking-feedback} When you tap unlock, the app provides visual feedback: 1. **Hold your phone close to the device** - The app is connecting to the door's Bluetooth lock. 2. **Try moving closer to the door** - The app hasn't connected to the lock, so move your phone closer. 3. **Checking your access**, **Unlocking…**, or **Locking…** - The app is verifying your permissions and performing the operation. 4. **Success or failure message** - The app confirms the result, for example, **Access granted**, **Access granted and door unlocked**, or **Unlocking failed. Please try again.** ## Unlocking doors remotely {#unlocking-remotely} If your property manager has enabled remote operation for you and a specific door, you can unlock or lock that door even when you're not within Bluetooth range, as long as the door is online. The app selects the appropriate technology automatically. When you're nearby, it unlocks over Bluetooth or NFC. When you're further away, it falls back to a remote operation over the internet. Before performing a remote operation, the app asks you to confirm it. ![Remote unlock confirmation](images/remote-unlock-confirmation.png "Confirm the action before the app performs a remote unlock") {.border} If you expect to be able to unlock a door remotely but don't see this option, contact your property manager - remote operation permissions are granted per user and per door. See also the section on assigning keys to users in the [property manager guide](/homelok/user-guide/property-manager/users/assign-keys) for more information on remote operations. ## Unlocking with NFC (Android only) {#unlocking-with-nfc} If you have an Android device with NFC capability, you can unlock doors without opening the Homelok app: 1. **Ensure your phone is unlocked** (screen on and past the lock screen) 2. **Hold your phone near the door reader** (within 5 to 10 centimeters) 3. **Wait for the door to unlock** - The NFC system will automatically attempt to unlock if you have the necessary permissions **Requirements for NFC unlocking:** - An Android device with NFC hardware - NFC enabled in your device settings - The Homelok app installed (the app doesn't need to be open) - Your phone must be unlocked - Active digital key with access permissions for that door {{% info-panel %}} NFC unlocking works only with compatible door readers that support NFC technology. Not all doors in your property may have this capability. If NFC unlocking doesn't work, use the [standard Bluetooth unlocking method through the app](/homelok/user-guide/keyholder/unlocking#unlocking-with-the-homelok-app). {{% /info-panel %}} ## Requirements for app-based unlocking {#requirements} For the app to unlock doors, you need: - **Bluetooth enabled** on your smartphone - **Location services enabled** (required by your device for Bluetooth scanning) - **Location permission granted** to the Homelok app - **Active internet connection** to sync your access permissions (required periodically, not for every unlock), and to perform any remote operation - **Physical proximity** to the door (within Bluetooth range), unless you're using a remote operation on an online door If any requirement is missing, the app will display a message prompting you to enable it. {{% info-panel %}} The app doesn't need an internet connection to unlock a door over Bluetooth, but it periodically needs one to sync your access permissions. {{% /info-panel %}} ## Unlocking with keypads {#unlocking-with-keypads} Some properties may have keypads where you can enter a code to unlock the door. To use a keypad, enter the [passcode provided by your property manager](/homelok/user-guide/property-manager/users/assign-keys#passcodes). ## Troubleshooting unlocking issues {#troubleshooting-unlocking-issues} See the dedicated section on [troubleshooting common issues in the Homelok app](/homelok/user-guide/keyholder/troubleshooting) for tips on how to resolve problems you may encounter, including: - Bluetooth connection issues - "Move closer" messages appearing - Doors not appearing in the app - Permission-related problems - NFC not working (Android users) ## Quick reference: Door access scenarios {#quick-reference} The table below summarizes the different scenarios you may encounter when using the Homelok app to unlock doors: | Scenario | What you see | What it means | Action required | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Single door** | One door card with the available operation buttons | You have access to one door | Tap the required operation | | **2-5 doors** | Scrollable list of doors | You have access to 2 to 5 doors | Find the door and tap **Unlock** or **Lock** | | **More than 5 doors** | Search option and **Nearby** and **Remote** sections | You have access to more than 5 doors | Select a section or use search to find the door | | **Nearby door** | Door shown in the **Nearby** section or marked **Nearby** | The app has detected the door over Bluetooth | Tap **Unlock** or **Lock** | | **Door marked "Out of range"** | **Out of range** status | The app can't detect this locally operated door over Bluetooth | Move closer to the door | | **"Hold your phone close to the device"** | Progress message | The app is connecting to the door | Hold your phone close to the lock | | **"Try moving closer to the door"** | Warning message | The app hasn't connected to the lock | Move your phone closer to the lock | | **"Checking your access"** | Progress message | The app is verifying your permissions | Wait for the result | | **"Unlocking…" or "Locking…"** | Progress message | The app is performing the selected operation | Wait for the result | | **"Access granted"** | Success message | The lock granted access | Open the door | | **"Access granted and door unlocked" or "Access granted and door locked"** | Success message | The lock completed the selected operation | Continue through the door or leave it locked | | **Lock and unlock buttons** | Two buttons | Lock supports both locking and unlocking (motorized lock) | Tap desired action | | **Unlock button only** | Full-width unlock button | Door supports unlocking only | Tap to unlock | | **"No keys yet"** | Placeholder with message | No digital key is assigned | Contact your property manager or check for keys | | **"No access yet"** | Placeholder with message | Your digital key doesn't have access to any doors | Contact your property manager or check access | | **"Remote unlock door" confirmation** | Confirmation prompt before unlocking | The app will unlock the door remotely instead of using Bluetooth | Confirm the operation, or cancel it and move closer to use Bluetooth | ### Summary of unlocking methods {#unlocking-methods} | Method | Device | Requirements | When to use | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Bluetooth (app)** | iOS & Android | App open, Bluetooth enabled, within range | Standard method when near the door | | **Remote operation (app)** | iOS & Android | Door online, remote permission enabled by property manager, internet connection | Unlocking a door you're not near | | **NFC tap** | Android only | Phone unlocked, NFC enabled, compatible reader | Quick access without opening app | | **Keypad** | Any device | Passcode from property manager | When phone unavailable or backup needed | | **Physical key** | Not applicable | Keycard or fob assigned | Alternative to digital access | **Tip:** Use the refresh button at the top of the **My keys** screen if you don't see expected doors or newly assigned access permissions.