Setup Guide

How to Connect a Smart Lock to Your Airbnb Listing

May 19, 2026 6 min read AirMultiLocks Team

Smart locks are one of the best upgrades an Airbnb host can make. They eliminate the hassle of physical key handoffs, let guests check in at any hour, and give you a complete record of who has accessed your property. Airbnb has built native support for smart locks directly into its platform. Once connected, it automatically generates and sends a unique access code to every confirmed guest before their stay.

This guide walks you through Airbnb's official smart lock connection process step by step, from checking eligibility and compatible lock models, to completing the connection on desktop, iOS, and Android.

What Happens When You Connect a Smart Lock to Airbnb

Once your lock is connected and added to your listing, Airbnb handles the entire access code lifecycle for your guests:

Each confirmed guest automatically receives a unique access code that is only active during their specific trip dates.
Codes are delivered via email and Airbnb messages, and are always visible in the guest's trip guide.
You receive a notification when your guest checks in for the first time.
Codes are automatically deactivated when the stay ends with no manual cleanup required.

Backup Codes Airbnb automatically sets up backup entry codes during the connection process. These are only shared with guests if your lock goes offline or an unexpected issue prevents their primary code from working.

Your personal codes for cleaners, co-hosts, and family remain entirely under your control. Airbnb can never see or modify any codes you've added manually through your smart lock app.

Who Can Connect a Smart Lock to Airbnb

Airbnb's native smart lock integration is currently available for listings located in the United States and Canada. If your listing is outside those countries, Airbnb's built-in lock management feature may not be available yet.

Hosts who manage listings through a third-party Property Management System (PMS) may also be able to send smart lock codes to Airbnb through their PMS integration. Check with your PMS provider for details.

Compatible Smart Locks

Airbnb currently supports three lock brands. All compatible models require a keypad (built-in or as an accessory) and must be connected to Wi-Fi. Here's the full list:

Schlage

Schlage residential locks connected to the internet with a built-in keypad are supported.

Model	Connection
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt	Wi-Fi Built-In
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever	Wi-Fi Built-In
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt	Wi-Fi Built-In

August

Compatible August locks require a separate keypad accessory (Yale Keypad, Yale Keypad Touch, Yale Smart Keypad, or August Smart Keypad).

Model	Connection
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad	Wi-Fi Built-In
August Smart Lock with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge + Keypad	Wi-Fi Bridge
August Smart Lock Pro with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge + Keypad	Wi-Fi Bridge

Yale

Yale Assure and Yale Approach series locks are supported with either built-in Wi-Fi or a Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.

Model	Connection
Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lock Keypad with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lock SL with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lever with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus with Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Built-In
Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad or Keypad Touch	Wi-Fi Built-In

Before You Connect: Pre-Connection Checklist

A few minutes of preparation now can save you from troubleshooting headaches later. Work through this checklist before starting the connection process:

Verify your lock is on Airbnb's compatible list. August and Yale locks require a supported keypad accessory if one isn't built in.
Update your lock's firmware. Airbnb may not be able to connect your lock if it's running an outdated firmware version. Open your lock's companion app and install any available updates first.
Install the lock on your property's entry door. The lock must be physically installed and functioning before you can connect it to Airbnb.
Connect the lock to Wi-Fi. Your lock must be online to complete the connection. Follow your lock manufacturer's instructions and connect to the Wi-Fi band they recommend (usually 2.4 GHz).
Have your smart lock account credentials ready. During setup, you'll log into your lock brand's app account (August, Yale, or Schlage) to authorize the connection.

Smart Home Platform Conflict If your lock is connected to a smart home platform like Apple HomeKit, it may interfere with Airbnb's ability to discover your lock. If you run into issues, try disconnecting from the smart home platform first, then reconnect to Airbnb.

How to Connect Your Smart Lock to Airbnb

The connection process is the same across all platforms. Pick the one you're using:

1
Go to airbnb.com, click Listings, and select the listing you want to connect the lock to.
2
Under Listing editor, click Arrival guide.
3
Click Check-in method.
4
Click Smart lock, then click Connect.
5
Choose your lock brand (Schlage, August, or Yale) and log into your smart lock account.
6
Review the permissions and authorize Airbnb to access your lock data.
7
Complete the connection. Airbnb will confirm when your lock is successfully linked.

1
Open the Airbnb app and tap Listings, then select the listing you want to connect.
2
Under Listing editor, tap Arrival guide.
3
Tap Check-in method.
4
Tap Smart lock, then tap Connect.
5
Choose your lock brand and log into your smart lock account.
6
Review the info and authorize Airbnb to access your lock data.
7
Complete the connection.

1
Open the Airbnb app and tap Listings, then select the listing you want to connect.
2
Under Listing editor, tap Arrival guide.
3
Tap Check-in method.
4
Tap Smart lock, then tap Connect.
5
Choose your lock brand and log into your smart lock account.
6
Review the info and authorize Airbnb to access your lock data.
7
Complete the connection.

1
Open airbnb.com in your mobile browser and tap Listings, then select the listing you want to connect.
2
Under Listing editor, tap Arrival guide.
3
Tap Check-in method.
4
Tap Smart lock, then tap Connect.
5
Choose your lock brand and log into your smart lock account.
6
Review the info and authorize Airbnb to access your lock data.
7
Complete the connection.

After Connecting Once your lock is linked, Airbnb will prompt you to set up your listing's connected smart lock, including adding a backup entry method that guests only receive if your primary lock is unreachable. This step is required to complete the setup.

What About Your Other Entry Points?

Here's an important limitation to be aware of: Airbnb's native integration only connects one lock per listing. That lock is typically your front door, and Airbnb will generate and deliver codes for that door only.

If your rental has additional guest-accessible entry points like a garage door, a side entrance, a pool gate, or a back door, Airbnb won't automatically sync guest codes to those locks. You're on your own for keeping those doors updated, which usually means opening multiple lock apps and manually entering the same code after every booking.

For hosts with multiple smart locks, this manual process is where things break down. A guest arrives at the garage at 11 PM. Their code works on the front door but not the side entrance. You get the call.

Sync Every Door Automatically

AirMultiLocks reads guest codes from your Airbnb-connected primary lock and automatically copies them to every other smart lock at your property: garage, side door, back gate, basement.

Get Assisted Setup for $249.99 Buy DIY Kit for $79.99

How Airbnb Protects Your Lock Data

When you connect your smart lock, Airbnb collects limited device information such as lock status and usage events (for example, when the lock is unlocked). According to Airbnb's privacy documentation, this information is not sold or shared with third parties for advertising purposes. Policies may change — always review Airbnb's current privacy policy for the most up-to-date information.

According to Airbnb, the platform does not access personal access codes you've added manually through your lock's companion app. Codes you create independently for cleaners, co-hosts, or personal use are managed entirely through your lock brand's own app and are not visible to Airbnb.

Summary

Connecting a smart lock to Airbnb is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. Once done, your guests receive unique, time-limited access codes automatically, with no key handoffs, no forgotten codes, and no manual entry. The setup steps are the same whether you're on desktop, iOS, Android, or a mobile browser.

Just keep in mind: Airbnb's integration covers one lock per listing. If you have more than one guest-accessible door, you'll need a separate solution to keep all your locks in sync. That's exactly what AirMultiLocks is built for. It automatically propagates guest codes from your Airbnb-connected primary lock to every other smart lock on your property.

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