5 Best Ways to Set Up and Manage Multiple Users on Your Smart Lock: A Guide for Tech-Savvy Families, Airbnb Hosts, and Property Managers (US)

Whether you’re juggling a full house, hosting a steady stream of Airbnb guests, or managing several properties like a boss, smart locks are the key (pun intended) to hassle-free access. But let’s be real: once you start adding more people into the mix, things can get a little tricky. That’s why knowing how to manage multiple users on your smart lock is essential.

From giving your dog walker their own code to scheduling temporary access for weekend guests, today’s smart locks are built to handle it all. With just a few taps on your app, you can create unique user profiles, set time-based permissions, and even track who’s coming and going—without needing to hand out a single key.

Learning to manage multiple users on your smart lock doesn’t have to be complicated. Most systems offer step-by-step guidance right in the app, and once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s surprisingly fun (especially when you revoke your roommate’s access for not doing the dishes—just kidding… sort of).

So whether you’re a tech nerd or just someone who loves the idea of keyless convenience, mastering how to manage multiple users on your smart lock is a must. After all, keeping your home secure and your access list organized is the ultimate power move in the smart home era.

Steps to Set Up and Manage Multiple Users on Your Smart Lock

Getting Started: User Management Basics

Most smart locks today are managed via a dedicated smartphone app or web portal. These platforms let you:

• Add and remove users remotely
• Assign virtual keys or PIN codes
• Schedule when codes are active
• Monitor entry/exit logs in real time

Let’s break down how to add users, set up access, and keep your digital keys organized.

Adding Users: The Easy Way to Share Access

Step-by-step (using a typical smart lock app):

1. Open your smart lock app (e.g., August, Yale, Bold, SmartThings).
2. Select your lock from the device list.
3. Navigate to the user management section (often an icon of a person or a plus sign).
4. Tap “Add User” or “Invite Guest.”
5. Enter the user’s name and contact info (email or phone number).
6. Assign access rights:
   • Permanent: For family or trusted tenants
   • Temporary: For guests, cleaners, or deliveries
   • Scheduled: For dog walkers or service providers who need access only at certain times
7. Send the invite. The user receives an email or SMS with instructions to download the app or use their unique code.

Pro tip: Some locks allow you to set up access even if you’re halfway around the world. Perfect for those “Oops, I forgot to let the plumber in!” moments.

Creating and Scheduling Access Codes

Virtual keys and PIN codes are the backbone of smart lock user management. Here’s how to wield this power:

• Create unique codes for each user: This helps you track who’s coming and going.
• Set expiration dates: Ideal for Airbnb guests or one-time visitors.
• Schedule access windows: Only allow entry during specific hours or days—great for cleaners or maintenance staff.
• Change or revoke codes instantly: If a guest leaves early or a code is compromised, you can delete or update it remotely.

Example (using SmartThings Guest Access):

• Tap “Smart Lock Guest Access” in your app.
• Select your lock and tap “Invite Guest.”
• Enter the guest’s name and a 4-8 digit code.
• Set the schedule (e.g., only active from Friday 2 PM to Sunday 11 AM).
• Share the code via text or email.

Security tip: Avoid easy-to-guess codes (like 1234 or your birthday). Mix it up for better security.

Managing Virtual Keys and Access Rights

• Permanent users: Family, roommates, or long-term tenants. They get full-time access.
• Temporary users: Airbnb guests, contractors, or pet sitters. Their codes expire automatically.
• Scheduled users: Cleaners, dog walkers, or office staff. Access is limited to specific times or days.

You can adjust or revoke access instantly through your app. No more collecting keys or worrying about copies floating around.

Monitoring Entry Logs and Activity

Modern smart locks keep a detailed log of every unlock, lock, and code entry:

• Who entered and when: See which user or code was used for each event.
• Real-time notifications: Get alerts when someone unlocks the door—great for parents or property managers.
• Remote access: Check logs from your phone or web portal, whether you’re at home or on vacation.

Some systems even let you filter logs by user, date, or time—perfect for tracking cleaning schedules or verifying guest check-ins.

Integrating with Smart Home Systems

Many smart locks play nicely with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and smart home hubs:

• Automate routines: Unlock the door and have the lights turn on automatically.
• Centralized control: Manage access for multiple properties or units from a single dashboard.
• Voice commands: “Alexa, lock the front door!” (Just don’t shout it in front of your guests—they’ll think your house is haunted.)

Tips and Best Practices

• Regularly review your user list: Remove users who no longer need access.
• Test new codes before sharing: Ensure they work as expected.
• Educate users: Show guests or tenants how to use the lock and app.
• Backup access: Keep a physical key or backup code handy for emergencies.

Conclusion

Setting up your smart lock doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when it comes to sharing access. Whether you’re juggling kids’ schedules, hosting out-of-town guests, or running a rental, the ability to manage multiple users on your smart lock makes life a whole lot easier. With options like virtual keys, access scheduling, and real-time activity tracking, you stay in control without lifting more than a finger.

No more hiding spare keys or worrying about who came and went. When you can manage multiple users on your smart lock, you’re not just keeping your home secure—you’re making it smarter and more convenient. So go ahead, simplify your life and manage multiple users on your smart lock like a pro.