RemoteLock
Frequently Asked Questions

RemoteLock is a software provider based in Denver, CO. The company provides cloud-based, access control software that empowers those in multi-family, vacation rental, commercial, and related industries to remotely manage and control access to any space from anywhere in the world. 

Access control is the ability to control and manage entries to properties via doors and smart locks. To gain the most efficiency and function, smart locks can be paired with a software (called “access control software”) that is specifically designed to allow users to create and revoke access privileges for anyone entering their properties remotely from a dashboard on a smartphone or laptop. 

Access control software like that from RemoteLock is cloud-based, meaning it uses the internet (or “the cloud”) to transmit data. By logging into your RemoteLock account, you can execute many of the software’s functions–create or revoke access permissions, add or delete users, check power levels on smart locks–right from your laptop or smartphone, from wherever there’s internet access.

A smart lock is an electromechanical lock that allows you to open your door without a physical key. (Some people refer to this as “keyless entry.”) A smart lock connects to the internet via a wireless protocol like Wi-Fi or Z-Wave and receives instructions to lock or unlock from an authorized device. Because of its “connected” nature, a smart lock can be controlled remotely via software on a smartphone or laptop. 

Like traditional, mechanical locks, smart locks are comprised of two main parts: the lock and key. This key is not a traditional key, but rather a PIN code, key card or fob, or even a smartphone itself (see “What is an access credential?”) that is specifically configured to wirelessly perform the authentication needed to automatically unlock a door. 

Yes. Most smart locks today still lock and unlock without internet connection. They rely on “edge” computing. The edge of a network is where the smart lock actually sits. So, rather than sending a request for access to the cloud each time it’s engaged, a smart lock saves the latest list of valid credentials locally–right on the hardware chip. So, access is given immediately with no delay, even if the network becomes unstable or goes offline. While you won’t be able to grant or revoke access remotely or perform other functions that rely on connectivity like running access audits, you or your users can still lock and unlock the door.  

Before smart locks came on the market, there were algorithmic PIN locks, another option for network-free access control. Here’s how these locks work: A user creates an access schedule on a software platform like RemoteLock. Then, the software creates a PIN code specific to the lock and the desired schedule. When the PIN is entered into the lock, the lock verifies the code via its built-in algorithm to allow access. Because the PIN code itself is encrypted with all the access permissions needed, these locks never need to connect via the cloud to validate the access credential. Locks like ReadyPIN-enabled smart locks are ideal for locations with no or limited access to reliable Wi-Fi.

Many smart locks come with physical keys as a secondary access method, which may be useful if the batteries are depleted.

Depending on the lock brand, connectivity and type of batteries, smart lock batteries can last for months or even years. Today, many smart locks run on lithium batteries, which can last one to two years, whereas alkaline batteries may need replacing every few months.

While you may initially be inclined to choose a smart lock based on its aesthetics, there are several factors to consider in order to make the best decision. First, your property type factors significantly into your choice of smart lock, wired access system and the software to control it all. For example, a vacation rental property owner with a handful of properties has very different needs versus a multifamily operator overseeing several buildings with hundreds of residential units. User experience, security, connection technology and grades of locks are also factors that play into your choice.  Sounds like a lot, right? Luckily, we’ve compiled helpful guides to help you. Better yet, the RemoteLock solution works with any door, and our staff of access control experts is standing by to help you find your ideal solution.

This door system is hardwired into your property’s power supply by a professional installer, and requires its own panel and wiring to operate. A wired access control system is a very secure and reliable solution for heavy-traffic doors that would quickly wear out batteries. NOTE: With a solution like RemoteLock, you can manage any door–those with smart locks and wired access systems, too–from a single platform. 

Universal access control is defined as a software platform that manages smart locks from all the leading brands, as well as wired access control systems. The flexible design of an open API allows our customers to manage different hardware brands and integrate with many different software on a single system and across property portfolios. With universal access control from RemoteLock, our customers enjoy a single, centralized way to manage EVERY door, no matter the type, easily and remotely. 

RemoteLock is designed around universal access control (see “What is universal access control?), giving customers the flexibility to use different smart locks, as well as wired access control systems, on one easy-to-use dashboard. Our software is also infinitely scalable, allowing customers to expand the system from 10 doors to thousands.

Smart locks paired with access control software don’t rely on physical keys. These traditional keys can be easily copied, passed on to others, or lost and fall into the hands of a bad actor. Furthermore, there is zero visibility with traditional keys and mechanical locks. With a system like RemoteLock, you see who has entered your property and when. You can also set up alerts for failed access attempts. Best of all, you can easily revoke access in just a few clicks from your dashboard versus the old way of tracking down a physical key.

At RemoteLock, we are responsible for reliable, secure access for 40 million customers in over 65 countries around the world, and we take this responsibility seriously. Besides the inherent security advantages of eliminating physical keys, our software uses the same data-encryption protocol that’s used with online banking.

Sometimes referred to as “keyless entry,” an access credential is a virtual key. There are several types of access credentials, including PIN codes, RFID cards and key fobs, or smartphone access. If you’re considering a keyless entry system, you’ll likely use smart locks, software to control those locks, and one or a combination of these access credentials. Your choice of credentials depends primarily on the user experience you desire, but there are other factors (like brand of hardware) that may narrow your choice of credential. 

A self-expiring access code refers to a PIN code that is generated for a smart lock. In order to control who has access to specific spaces and when, access control software allows you to set exact times for when the PIN is valid. For example, you might generate a PIN code for a plumber to work at your property, but specify the time it’s valid from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., when the PIN automatically expires and won’t unlock the lock. 

To ensure a streamlined solution for our customers, RemoteLock integrates with a variety of software partners, including popular booking platforms and property management software. 

RemoteLock’s support website is searchable and has installation guides, getting started information and more. If you need additional technical support, contact us by phone or email. We’re happy to help!

Phone: 877-254-5625

Available Monday-Friday 7am-7pm and Saturday 9am-5pm Mountain Time.

Email: support@remotelock.com

Emailing us will create a support ticket and a representative will be assigned to the case.