Picture this:

You walk up to the front door of your office—coffee in one hand, breakfast in the other—and instead of fumbling through your keys to find the right one, you simply tap your Apple Watch and the door opens for you.

It’s like magic.

Well, that's the magic of Apple Wallet keys.

That's right, you store more than just credit cards and concert tickets in your Apple Wallet these days. You can add virtually any digital key you have as well.

In this article, we'll cover why that's such a game changer, which types of keys you can store and which doors you can unlock, and the tools you need to get started.

Can you add keys to Apple Wallet?

Yes, you can add keys to your Apple Wallet, making managing access for your building easier.

Whether you own or operate a commercial building, office space, stadium, multifamily home, or hotel, adding keys to Apple Wallet can simplify access control.

Once your keys are added, your iPhone or Apple Watch becomes your key, allowing you to unlock doors with a tap. This simplifies key management and enhances security with encrypted storage and biometric authentication features.

Why Apple Wallet keys are the future (and the present)

Apple Wallet keys offer a modern solution for managing access to your buildings. They provide unmatched convenience, enhanced security, and seamless integration with your existing systems.

Here's why adopting Apple Wallet keys is smart for property owners and operators.

Convenience and ease of use

Apple Wallet keys streamline the access control process for building operators and users.

With digital keys stored on an iPhone or Apple Watch, you eliminate the need for physical keys and cards. This means fewer lost keys and reduced administrative overhead. You can easily issue or revoke access remotely, making it ideal for managing temporary access for contractors or new tenants.

Plus, with Apple Wallet’s Express Mode features you can even configure your digital keys to work without needing to unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch.

What’s most important of all here is this:

Users will appreciate the simplicity of using their devices to unlock doors with a single tap, which will make their daily routines more efficient and hassle-free.

Summarized:

• Fewer lost keys, reducing administrative overhead
• Easy remote issuing and revoking of access
• Simplifies users' daily routines with tap-to-unlock

Enhanced security features

Apple Wallet keys offer advanced security features to protect your properties.

Digital keys in Apple Wallet are encrypted and stored securely, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, ensures that only authorized users can access the digital keys. This added layer of security minimizes the risk of breaches compared to traditional keys, which can be lost or duplicated.

By adopting Apple Wallet keys, you enhance the security of your building while providing a seamless access experience for users.

Summarized:

• Encrypted storage of digital keys
• Biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID)
• Reduced risk of unauthorized access and breaches

Integration with existing systems

One significant advantage of Apple Wallet keys is their ability to integrate with your current access control systems.

Whether you use smart locks, keyless entry systems, or comprehensive building management software, Apple Wallet keys can complement and enhance your setup. This integration allows you to manage access centrally and monitor entry points in real time. The flexibility to work with various systems makes it easier to upgrade your security infrastructure without extensive overhauls.

Building operators can use this technology to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

Summarized:

• Centralized management of access
• Real-time monitoring of entry points
• Compatible with various access control systems

The main Apple Wallet key use cases

Here's how to use Apple Wallet keys in different places to make life easier and safer (for you and for your tenants, guests, or visitors).

Unlock office doors

For office buildings, Apple Wallet keys provide a secure and efficient way to manage employee access. Digital keys reduce the need for physical cards and streamline entry processes.

• Simplified access for employees and visitors
• Reduced need for physical key cards
• Easier management of temporary access for contractors

Unlock homes (for you and your tenants)

In residential settings, Apple Wallet keys make managing tenant access easier for property owners. They offer a seamless way to provide entry to new tenants and service providers.

• Effortless transition for new tenants
• Secure access for service providers
• Integration with smart home systems

Unlock short-term rentals

For short-term rental properties, Apple Wallet keys simplify the guest experience by providing digital access, which reduces the need for physical key exchanges.

• Streamlined check-in/check-out process
• Enhanced security for property owners
• Convenient remote management of guest access

Unlock hotel rooms

Hotels can enhance guest satisfaction by adopting Apple Wallet keys. These keys allow for a seamless check-in process and help you save on costs related to replacing lost or un-returned key cards.

The same technology can be used to create digital master keys for hotel staff as well.

• Contactless check-in/check-out experience
• Improved guest security and privacy
• Reduced operational costs with fewer physical keys

Unlock restricted areas in stadiums or commercial buildings

Managing access to restricted areas in large venues becomes more efficient with Apple Wallet keys. They provide a secure way to control entry to sensitive areas.

• Enhanced security for sensitive areas
• Streamlined access management for staff
• Real-time monitoring and control of entry points

What types of keys can you add to Apple Wallet?

Apple Wallet can hold different kinds of digital keys, making managing access for your buildings easy. Here are some key types you can add and why they are useful.

Adding RFID cards to your Apple Wallet

RFID cards can be scanned and added to Apple Wallet. This process makes it easy to use your phone or watch to access doors without carrying physical cards. To add your RFID card, follow the steps provided by your access management software and in the Wallet app.

Adding key fobs to your Apple Wallet

Key fobs for building entry can also be added to Apple Wallet. How exactly you add key fobs to your Apple Wallet will depend on the keyless entry software you're using.

Once added, you can use your phone or watch to open doors, reducing the need for physical fobs.

Adding mobile access credentials to your Apple Wallet

Mobile access credentials can be issued through access control software and added to Apple Wallet. This lets users unlock doors with their phones or watches. It's a simple way to manage access digitally and securely.

Adding Bluetooth keys to your Apple Wallet

Bluetooth keys work with Bluetooth-enabled locks and can be stored in Apple Wallet. Pair your device with the lock and store the digital key in the app. Again, the exact steps to take here will depend on your access control system. This setup allows for easy, contactless access.

Adding NFC keys to your Apple Wallet

NFC (near field communication) keys can also be added to Apple Wallet by scanning the NFC device or card with your iPhone in most cases. This lets you unlock doors with a quick tap of your phone or watch, making access fast and secure.

The tools you need to make this work

To use Apple Wallet keys, you need just two things: an iPhone and a keyless entry system. That's it.

An iPhone

First, you'll need an iPhone. With it, you can add digital keys to your Apple Wallet and use your phone to unlock doors. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version for the smoothest experience. Plus, features like Face ID and Touch ID make using digital keys even more secure.

A keyless entry system

Next, you'll need a keyless entry system to manage access settings and functionality. This system lets you issue digital keys, set permissions, and track who’s coming and going.

Why use b-line for keyless entry

We may be biased here, but our pick for the best keyless entry system is b-line (shocking, right?).

Here's why we're so confident:

• Seamless integration: Integrates smoothly with your existing access control systems, so you don’t need to invest in expensive new hardware to get started.
• Mobile access: You can manage access and credentials through a smartphone app. This provides convenience and flexibility for both tenants and property managers.
• Enhanced security: Advanced security features, including real-time monitoring and immediate lockdown capabilities, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter.
• Tenant experience: Improves the tenant experience by allowing them to book amenities, report maintenance issues, and manage visitors directly from their smartphones.
• Comprehensive management: Provides detailed building analytics and real-time insights, helping you optimize energy use and space utilization, which reduces operational costs and enhances overall efficiency.

Plus—of course—you, your tenants, and your visitors can add all of your digital keys directly to your Apple Wallet through the b-line mobile app.

Book a free discovery call today to see if b-line is the right solution for your buildings.