Some smart locks, such as the Schlage Sense, give you both options, while other locks only give you one option. From there, follow the prompts to choose whether to create an access code or electronic key. Open your smart lock's mobile app and look for a menu button that says Guests, People, Access Codes, Electronic Keys, or some variation of those terms. The process is similar across lock brands, though not identical. It requires more work on your part but gives you total control over who receives access and when that access is granted and revoked. If you're nervous about outsourcing access to your property, you can opt for the do-it-yourself method. But always make sure to read the information they give you." Typically, large companies with a long history with technology, like Airbnb, put a lot of effort into engineering a secure experience. "But that's not unique to this situation. "You should always be wary of giving a company this level of control over your property, as there's always a chance their system can be compromised," Richter says. If you're concerned about giving these services this kind of control, CR's program manager for privacy and security, Robert Richter, says you should be-or at least be thinking carefully about it. As for HomeAway, a spokesperson says the host can choose a delivery time, so long as it's at least three days prior to check-in. According to Airbnb, it varies by smart lock brand. With the direct integrations for Airbnb and HomeAway, guests will automatically receive their access codes or electronic keys ahead of their stay, though the timing varies. You'll be redirected to August's website and asked to log in with your credentials to authenticate the account. Once there, navigate to Hospitality, then Add-Ons, then Door Locks. For HomeAway, you would start from the HomeAway Owner Dashboard on HomeAway's website. With an August smart lock, you connect to Airbnb from the app by going to Account, then August Access, then August Works With. If you're using VirtualKey, you'll want to sign up and follow the prompts. If not, check the Airbnb Host Assist website or your HomeAway Owner Dashboard. We recommend starting with the lock provider's app to see whether there are prompts for Airbnb or HomeAway integrations in one of the menus. How to get your smart lock connected to a booking service will differ by service as well as lock brand. VirtualKey works with a few CR-tested smart locks: the Schlage Connect and Yale touch-screen deadbolts. HomeAway confirmed compatibility with multiple smart-lock brands, specifically August, LockState, and ResortLock.įor smart locks that aren't directly compatible with Airbnb or HomeAway, there's a service called VirtualKey that acts as a bridge between these booking services and certain smart locks. An Airbnb spokesperson did call out August smart locks and LockState smart locks as examples. The best way for you to find a compatible lock is to go to the Airbnb Host Assist portal. These bridges can range in price from about $60 to $100, depending on the brand, though some brands bundle bridge and lock in one package ( August Smart Lock Pro + Connect).Īnd if you're still a little fuzzy on smart locks, check out CR's smart-lock buying guide as well as our complete smart-lock ratings.įirst, you'll need a smart lock that works with your booking service.įor Airbnb, different locks are compatible in different regions and countries. Most standalone smart locks, such as the CR-rated August Smart Lock Pro, need an extra device called a WiFi bridge to connect directly to the internet. Instead, they connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth when you're nearby. It might seem surprising, but many smart locks don't come with a built-in ability to connect to the internet. Whichever smart lock you go with, make sure it includes all the hardware you need to connect it directly to the internet. You can go with the automated method available on select smart locks that work with Airbnb and HomeAway, or you can do it yourself. If you're interested in using a smart lock to give guests access to your rental, you have a choice to make. "Typically, we see that people overwhelmingly prefer the security and convenience of our fully automated solution," says Eric Moore, HomeAway's vice president of product management.
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