Introduction
Imagine this. Your guest touches down after a red-eye flight, collects their luggage, and heads straight to your place. Instead of fumbling with keys or waiting for someone to meet them, they tap in a code and walk right in. No late-night phone calls. No lost keys. Just a warm, stress-free start to their stay.
That’s the power of a smart lock for an Airbnb host. It’s a simple upgrade that saves time, protects your property, and makes your guests feel cared for.
In this guide we’ll walk through everything: how to choose a smart lock that suits your door, how to install it without needing an engineering degree, and how to connect it to your Airbnb listing so each guest automatically gets their own unique access code. We’ll also talk about maintenance, privacy rules, and a few clever tricks to make hosting easier.
Choosing the Right Smart Lock
What to Look For
Think of a smart lock as a digital doorman that never sleeps. The best ones for hosts share a few key traits:
- Keypad entry – Guests type in a code; no need to download an app or juggle keys.
- WiFi or hub connection – Lets you create or cancel codes from anywhere in the world.
- Auto-generated guest codes – Codes that begin and expire with each stay.
- Reliable battery life – At least a few months between changes and clear low-battery alerts.
- Door compatibility – Works with your existing deadbolt or cylinder without major carpentry.
Best Smart Locks for Airbnb
Here are popular options that seasoned hosts often recommend:
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Keypad with WiFi – Sleek design, direct Airbnb integration in supported regions, and a range of finishes to match your door.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with keypad – Keeps your existing deadbolt but adds smart features; just add the optional keypad for code entry.
- Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – All-in-one keypad lock with built-in WiFi and a solid reputation for reliability.
Handy Features for Hosts
Look for features that make hosting less stressful:
- Temporary or one-time guest codes
- Remote lock/unlock from your phone
- Activity alerts when someone enters
- Auto-lock after a set time
- Strong encryption and an emergency key backup
Staying Secure
Strong encryption matters, but simple habits count too. Change batteries before they run low, never reuse codes, and keep a physical key hidden in a secure spot in case of a power outage or technical glitch.
WiFi vs Bluetooth
You’ll see two main types:
- WiFi locks connect to your router so you can manage them from anywhere. They’re the easiest to integrate with Airbnb but use a bit more battery power.
- Bluetooth locks connect only when your phone or a hub is nearby. Battery life is usually longer, but you’ll need a hub for remote access.
If you travel or host remotely, WiFi is the safer bet. If you live on-site and want longer battery life, a Bluetooth lock with a hub can work well.
Installing Your Smart Lock
Check Your Door First
Most North American homes have a standard deadbolt setup, while many European doors use a Euro cylinder. Check the product specs to match your door’s thickness and backset size. A quick tape-measure check before you buy can save you a lot of frustration later.
Tools You’ll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Fresh alkaline batteries
- Optional drill or chisel if the strike plate needs adjustment
- Your phone with the manufacturer’s app installed
Step-by-Step Installation
- Take photos of your current lock for reference.
- Remove the old deadbolt, inside and out.
- Install the new latch, making sure the slanted edge faces the door frame.
- Attach the exterior keypad, feeding the cable through the hole.
- Mount the interior unit and connect the cable carefully.
- Insert the batteries and follow the app’s setup guide.
- Test the lock with the door open. If it strains or sounds loud, adjust the strike plate.
- Store a backup key in a safe place in case of emergencies.
Pro tip: If the bolt feels sticky or noisy, a tiny adjustment of the strike plate usually fixes it.
Connecting Smart Locks to Airbnb
How to Link It Up
Airbnb’s Connected lock feature creates unique codes for every booking.
- Check compatibility – Make sure your lock model and location support the feature.
- Update firmware – Install any updates in the lock’s app to avoid glitches.
- Connect to WiFi – Most locks prefer a 2.4 GHz network.
- In the Airbnb app, go to your Listing, tap Connected lock, and follow the prompts.
- Set check-in and check-out times so codes activate and expire automatically.
- Do a test booking to confirm codes are sent correctly.
Automating Check-In
Once the lock is linked, turn on these settings:
- Auto-generated codes for every reservation
- Scheduled messages with the code and clear instructions
- Alerts when the door is first unlocked or if the battery runs low
- Automatic code expiration at checkout time
Linking with a Property Management System
If you use a PMS such as Hospitable, RemoteLock, or Uplisting, you can sync bookings from Airbnb and other sites. The system will generate and expire codes automatically across all your channels—a big help if you list on more than one platform.
Managing Guest Access
Temporary Codes
Create one unique code per reservation and never reuse old codes. This keeps your property safe and guests confident.
Smooth Check-Ins and Check-Outs
Send the code when the booking is confirmed, remind guests a couple of days before arrival, and thank them after check-out. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
Remote Control
If a guest struggles at the door, you can unlock it once from your app and talk them through the process. Include a photo or short video of the keypad in your check-in instructions for extra clarity.
Lost Codes
If someone misplaces the code:
- Resend it through the Airbnb message thread.
- Or generate a new code and delete the old one.
- Always confirm the guest’s name and phone details before sharing any code.
Keeping Your Smart Lock in Shape
Batteries
Most smart locks run on AA or CR123 batteries. WiFi locks may need a change every three to six months depending on usage. Keep a spare pack labeled and ready.
Quick Fixes
- Door won’t lock? Check the strike plate and weatherstripping.
- App can’t find the lock? Restart the lock and reboot the router.
- Keypad not responding? Replace batteries and check the internal cable.
Software Updates
Check for updates once a month to improve security and fix bugs. Avoid updating right before a guest’s arrival in case the process takes longer than expected.
Cleaning and Care
Wipe the keypad with a soft cloth—avoid harsh cleaners. Tighten mounting screws every season. In salty or humid areas, a light dry lubricant on the bolt keeps it working smoothly.
Tips for a Great Guest Experience
- Send a clear arrival message with the code, a keypad photo, and parking info.
- Include a one-line tip like “Enter code and press ✔.”
- Have a backup plan such as a lockbox with a one-time code in case of rare technical failures.
Safety and Privacy
- Never reuse codes.
- Turn on auto-lock so the door secures itself.
- Follow Airbnb’s device policy: indoor cameras are banned. Outdoor cameras or doorbells are allowed only if you disclose them and follow local laws.
Smart Lock Alternatives
- Lockbox – Simple and cheap. Just remember to change the code after every stay.
- Smart doorbell – Lets you greet guests and know when they arrive. Use only disclosed, outdoor devices.
Two Quick Stories
- Sara’s Lakeside Cottage – Sara installed a Yale Assure 2 with WiFi and connected it to Airbnb. Each booking now gets an automatic code. Even late-night arrivals check in smoothly, and Sara spends less time fielding calls.
- Omar’s City Duplex – Omar travels for work. With an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and keypad linked to his PMS, his cleaner has a code that works only on cleaning days. Guest codes expire automatically, and Omar can focus on his job instead of juggling keys.
Conclusion
Smart locks remove friction and give your guests a warm, easy welcome from the moment they arrive. Choose a good keypad model, connect it to Airbnb or your PMS, and set up automated messages. Keep batteries fresh, update the software, and your door will stay as dependable as a trusty doorman.
Ready to make check-ins effortless? Pick a smart lock that fits your door, follow these steps, and give every guest a smooth start to their stay.