You're not shopping for a gadget when you search for smart locks. You're buying an insurance policy against 2am "I can't get in" texts, a time-saver that eliminates key handoffs, and honestly, the difference between profitable operations and constant headaches.
If you run an Airbnb rental, your smart lock needs to do three jobs flawlessly: give guests instant keypad access without app downloads, create time-limited codes that expire automatically after checkout, and keep working when your internet decides to take a break. Short-term rental (STR) investors managing multiple properties need all that plus centralized control so you're not juggling five different apps at midnight.
This is your 2026 buyer's guide. We'll cover which locks actually work for hosts (not just tech enthusiasts), how to avoid the disasters most first-timers walk into, and why your door alignment matters more than any smart feature.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
We tested the workflow, not just the specs. You'll learn:
• Which locks integrate directly with Airbnb's code automation (massive time-saver for eligible hosts)
• The best retrofit options when you can't change your exterior hardware
• How to pick locks that survive sketchy wifi in remote cabins
• The operational playbook that prevents dead batteries and guest lockouts
• What changes when you scale from one listing to a portfolio
Quick reality check: Most "smart lock problems" are actually door problems. We'll start there because it's the unsexy truth nobody mentions.
Best Airbnb Smart Locks: Quick Picks for 2026
If you're in the US or Canada and want the simplest setup with direct Airbnb integration:
Schlage Encode Plus (best overall, premium build, around $329)
Schlage Encode (best value, same core features, starts at $299)
When you can't replace the exterior hardware (condo boards, HOAs, historic properties):
Yale Approach with Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch (best retrofit, fingerprint option, around $240)
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad (minimal exterior change, lock body $200)
If your wifi is unreliable or nonexistent:
igloohome Deadbolt 2S (works offline, budget-friendly at $160)
For mortise doors or non-US hardware:
igloohome Mortise 2+ (multiple access modes, $499)
Portfolio builders: Once you manage 5+ listings, add a centralized property management system like Hospitable or Guesty. Single dashboard beats app chaos.
Before you buy anything, you need to figure out your operating model. That determines which lock makes sense.
How to Choose Guest Access for Your Airbnb in 2026
Model 1: Native Airbnb Integration (Fastest for Eligible Hosts)
Airbnb lets eligible hosts connect one compatible smart lock per listing. The platform auto-generates unique codes that work only during the reservation window, sends them to guests via email and messages, and can notify you when guests first unlock the door.
This is currently available to certain hosts with listings in the US or Canada. Airbnb also requires you to set up backup codes (for when the lock goes offline) and a backup entry method for dead batteries or broken keypads.
The core concept: Unique access codes active only during each guest's reservation window. Airbnb handles the code creation, distribution, and expiration automatically.
Best for: First-time hosts who want "set it and forget it" without managing a separate system.
Watch out: You still need reliable wifi at the door, good arrival instructions, and that mandatory backup plan.
Model 2: Property Management System (Best for Scaling)
Tools like Hospitable and Guesty Locks Manager sit above your locks and automate code creation across multiple channels and properties. Generally, supported locks need wifi (or a wifi hub) and a keypad for guest entry.
Guesty Locks Manager gives you one dashboard with automatic unique code generation, lock health data, and support for locks with physical keypads.
Best for: Portfolio builders, co-hosts, anyone juggling Airbnb + Vrbo + direct bookings.
Advantage: Standardized workflows mean you can train cleaners once, troubleshoot faster, and keep codes consistent across all properties.
Model 3: Offline-First Locks (Best for Remote Properties)
Some locks handle day-to-day guest access without depending on property wifi. You still manage codes from your phone, but the lock doesn't care if your cabin internet is flaky.
igloohome markets "grant access from anywhere" with strong offline behavior. Their Deadbolt 2S explicitly syncs with Airbnb and can auto-provide guests custom PIN codes, even when connectivity is questionable.
Best for: Remote cabins, rural markets, any property where "just connect it to wifi" is a fantasy.
Smart Lock Checklist: What Every Airbnb Lock Needs
Before brands and budgets, get these fundamentals right.
1) Keypad-First Guest Entry
Guests type a code. No app downloads. No Bluetooth pairing. No "tap your phone here" nonsense that creates friction.
(You can keep phone unlock as a bonus feature for yourself and staff. But guests? Keypad only.)
2) Time-Boxed Codes + Easy Revocation
You want codes that activate at check-in, deactivate at checkout, can be revoked instantly if needed, and let you manage cleaners plus maintenance as separate roles.
This is the core concept behind Airbnb's connected lock feature: unique codes active only during the guest's trip.
3) Reliability Beats Smart-Home Features
Matter, Thread, fancy ecosystems? Nice bonuses. But your biggest operational risk is still: guest can't get in at 11:47pm.
Optimize for:
• Keypad readability at night
• Consistent motor strength that doesn't struggle with the deadbolt
• Clear locked/unlocked feedback (audible clicks, visual indicators)
• Simple recovery when things break
4) A Real Backup Plan
Airbnb explicitly requires backup codes and a backup entry method for connected locks. Your backup should be simple for a guest to execute, secure (not a key under a rock), and documented in your arrival instructions.
Good backups:
• Physical key in a well-hidden lockbox
• Local co-host who can respond within 30 minutes
• Secondary entry door with its own keypad
Bad backups:
• "Call me and I'll remote unlock" (fails if guest has no cell service)
• Obvious hiding spots everyone checks (fake rocks, door mats, planters)
5) Integrations You'll Actually Use
Airbnb direct integration is great if you qualify. Otherwise, pick a lock your automation layer supports. Hospitable maintains a live supported-lock list with model-level compatibility and calls out the general requirement: wifi/wifi hub + keypad.
Top Airbnb Smart Locks: Feature Comparison
Source: Chalet (getchalet.com), compiled January 2026 from manufacturer specs and platform documentation.
| Lock | Best For | Guest Entry | Connectivity | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best overall (US/CA) | Keypad | Built-in wifi | From $329 |
| Schlage Encode | Best value (US/CA) | Keypad | Built-in wifi | From $299 |
| Schlage Encode Lever | Doors without deadbolt | Keypad | Built-in wifi | From $309 |
| Yale Approach (wifi + keypad) | Best retrofit | Keypad (separate unit) | Wifi + Bluetooth | Around $180 |
| Yale Approach (wifi + keypad touch) | Retrofit + fingerprint | Keypad + fingerprint | Wifi + Bluetooth | Around $240 |
| August Wi-Fi + Keypad | Minimal exterior change | Keypad (accessory) | Built-in wifi | Around $200 (lock) |
| igloohome Deadbolt 2S | Weak/no wifi | Keypad | Offline-first + app | Around $160 |
| igloohome Mortise 2+ | Mortise doors / intl | Keypad + fingerprint + more | Offline-first + app | Around $499 |
Pricing note: These are MSRP/manufacturer store prices as of January 2026. Real-world prices fluctuate with sales and inventory.
Now you're equipped to make the right choice.
Detailed Smart Lock Reviews: Which One Wins for Your Airbnb?
Schlage Encode Plus: Best Overall for Most US/Canada Airbnb Rentals
Schlage lists built-in wifi, remote access, encrypted connection, and Apple Home Keys as part of the feature set, with pricing starting around the low $300s. It's designed for the exact workflow hosts need: keypad codes, remote control, and sturdy mainstream hardware.
Airbnb-specific advantage: It's on Airbnb's compatible list for connected locks in the US/Canada, which means you can automate code creation directly inside Airbnb when eligible.
Watch-outs (real talk):
→ Wifi matters. If your door is far from the router, add a mesh node.
→ Guest experience is only as good as your instructions, so include a one-line "how to unlock" in your check-in message.
→ Always configure a backup entry method. Airbnb explicitly requires this for connected locks.
Who should buy it:
• First-time hosts who want fewer moving parts
• Higher-end listings where you want solid hardware that doesn't feel cheap
• Anyone who cares about long-term durability more than saving $30 upfront
Schlage Encode: Best Value with Airbnb Integration
It does the core job at a lower entry price: built-in wifi + keypad codes + remote management, starting around $299. It's also explicitly compatible with Airbnb's connected lock program for US/CA eligible hosts.
What you get:
✓ Same Airbnb automation as Encode Plus
✓ Built-in wifi (no hub needed)
✓ Keypad codes with remote control
✓ Solid mechanical construction
Don't cheap out on install quality, though. Most "smart lock problems" are actually door alignment and deadbolt friction. Treat "from $299" as the starting point since finishes and styles can bump the price.
Who should buy it:
• Most new hosts who want the simplest reliable option
• Investors furnishing multiple units and trying to keep capital expenses sane
Schlage Encode Lever: Best When There's No Deadbolt
Some properties have a garage entry door, a side door, or an owner closet with a lever instead of a deadbolt. Schlage positions the Encode Lever for side/garage and interior doors, with pricing starting around $309. It's on the compatible list for Airbnb connected locks.
Best practice: Don't use a lever-only smart lock as your primary exterior security unless the door and frame are solid. For front doors, deadbolts remain the gold standard.
Yale Approach: Best Retrofit When You Can't Change Exterior Hardware
This is the solution for condo boards, HOAs, historic doors, or picky landlords. Yale describes the Approach as an interior-only retrofit that installs over your existing deadbolt, so you keep your keys and don't change the outside look.
You get a keypad you can place within Bluetooth range. The Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch version adds fingerprint access and is listed around $240. The Wi-Fi + Keypad (non-touch) package is around $180.
| Feature | Wi-Fi + Keypad | Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $180 | Around $240 |
| Fingerprint | No | Yes |
| Weather Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Temp Range | -4°F to 122°F | -4°F to 122°F |
| Installation | Screwdriver only | Screwdriver only |
Why hosts like it:
• Fast install (often screwdriver-only)
• Keypad can be mounted where guests naturally look, not awkwardly on the door edge
• Good for renters or "don't touch the front plate" situations
Guest-experience nuance: The keypad is separate from the lock body. That can be great (better placement), but it also means you must mount it thoughtfully and keep batteries fresh.
Yale states the Keypad Touch is IPX5 rated and works from -4°F to 122°F.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad: Minimal Exterior Change
August's Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a popular interior retrofit option, listed at $200. It includes DoorSense and up to 3 months battery life.
Airbnb integration reality: Airbnb's compatible list requires an August lock + keypad (or compatible Yale/August keypad options).
The big win: The outside of the door looks almost unchanged. Huge advantage for design-forward listings where curb appeal matters.
Watch-outs (don't ignore these):
Battery life on some retrofit locks can be shorter. If you run high turnover, schedule battery swaps as preventive maintenance. Keypad placement matters, so put it where guests can find it instantly.
igloohome Deadbolt 2S: Best for Remote Cabins and Unreliable Wifi
igloohome's Deadbolt 2S shows a low MSRP (listed $160) with rental-friendly features: PIN codes, activity logs, and the page explicitly says it syncs with Airbnb and automatically provides guests custom PIN codes.
Specifications:
① Battery life: Up to 1 year
② Certification: ANSI Grade 2 deadbolt + IP65 rating
③ Operating temp: Down to -4°F (lock)
Why it wins for Airbnbs: When connectivity is the weak link, you want a lock designed to keep working even when the internet doesn't.
Watch-out: For any "sync with platform" automation, you still need your management side online to generate and send codes. The lock just doesn't depend on property wifi to accept the code.
igloohome Mortise 2+: Best for Mortise Doors or Non-Standard Hardware
If you're outside the typical US deadbolt world, this is where many "best smart lock" lists fail you. igloohome's Mortise 2+ is listed at USD $499, with multiple access modes (including fingerprint and PIN), and battery life up to 18 months (8 AA batteries).
Who this is for:
• International doors with mortise setups
• Properties where you need a full lockset replacement, not just a deadbolt swap
7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Airbnb Smart Lock
Don't pick a lock until you answer these:
① Are you eligible for Airbnb's connected lock feature (US/Canada)?
② Does your door have a standard deadbolt (single bore) or a mortise lock?
③ Is guest entry keypad-first (required) or are you okay with app-based entry (not recommended)?
④ How reliable is your door wifi signal at the lock location?
⑤ Do you need to preserve exterior hardware (HOA / historic / landlord)?
⑥ Do you manage 1 listing or multiple listings / channels?
⑦ What's your backup entry method when the lock fails?
If you want the simplest default answer:
• US/Canada + standard deadbolt + want easy automation → Schlage Encode (or Encode Plus)
• Need retrofit → Yale Approach or August + Keypad
• Internet is unreliable → igloohome Deadbolt 2S
How to Set Up Your Airbnb Smart Lock Without 2am Emergencies
So it doesn't create 2am emergencies.
Step 0: Fix the Door First (The Boring Secret)
Smart locks hate friction. Before you install anything, make sure the deadbolt throws smoothly with one finger. If you feel grinding, fix alignment (strike plate, door sag, weatherstrip pressure).
Upgrade strike screws. Use longer screws that reach into the stud for basic security.
This one step prevents a shocking number of "the lock is broken" calls that are really "the door is misaligned."
Step 1: Decide Your Automation Layer
• Airbnb connected lock (eligible US/Canada): Airbnb will generate trip-only codes and manage backup codes + backup entry method workflow.
• PMS/Locks Manager: Hospitable and Guesty Locks Manager automate codes across more setups, but require supported models (generally wifi/hub + keypad).
Step 2: Install + Connect to Wifi (Band Matters)
Airbnb explicitly notes your lock must be connected to wifi to connect to Airbnb, and even calls out that you should use the band your manufacturer recommends (example: 2.4 GHz).
Pro move: Put a mesh node near the door if needed. "Wifi works in the living room" is not the same as "wifi works at the lock."
Step 3: Connect to Airbnb (If Using Native Integration)
Airbnb's help center path (desktop) is: Listing → Arrival Guide → Check-in Method → Smart Lock → Connect.
Airbnb also warns that some smart home platforms (example: Apple HomeKit) can interfere with discovery, so if you're having trouble you may need to disconnect from that platform during setup.
Step 4: Configure Code Timing + Buffers
The default "check-in at 4, checkout at 10" is fine, but real life isn't. If you're using a PMS layer, build buffers:
• Code starts 30-60 minutes early (guests arrive early)
• Code ends 30-60 minutes late (cleaners need breathing room)
Hospitable describes default behavior of activating codes at check-in and deactivating at checkout, and allows buffers. It also notes that Airbnb has started masking guest phone numbers (often only last four digits), which matters if your code strategy depends on the guest's number.
Translation: Use random codes unless you have a strong reason not to.
Step 5: Create Staff Codes as Separate Roles
Set distinct codes for cleaner, maintenance, co-host, and you (owner). Keep them separate so you can revoke a single role without breaking the whole system.
Airbnb itself says you can still manage and change personal codes in the lock's app, and Airbnb won't see or change those personal codes.
Step 6: Set Up the Backup Entry Method (Non-Negotiable)
Airbnb requires a backup entry method for connected locks and will share it only if unexpected issues prevent access (dead batteries, broken keypad).
Good backups:
• Mechanical key in a lockbox that's not obvious
• Local co-host who can respond quickly
• Keypad on a second door (if appropriate)
Bad backups:
• Key under mat or fake rock
• "Call me and I'll remote unlock" (fails if guest has no cell service)
6 Smart Lock Failures (And How to Avoid Them)
1) Dead Batteries
Battery problems are predictable. Treat them like HVAC filters.
Simple maintenance schedule:
① High-turnover listing: change batteries every 3-4 months
② Moderate turnover: every 6 months
③ Low turnover: still do it 2x per year
(Yes, even if the lock says it's fine. It's cheaper than a single lockout.)
2) "The Code Doesn't Work"
Most often:
→ Wrong door (multi-door properties)
→ Guest hitting the wrong button sequence
→ Code active window hasn't started yet
→ Lock motor can't throw due to door friction
Fix with:
• A one-sentence "how to unlock" + a photo in your arrival guide
• Code buffers
• Door alignment check
3) Lock Is "Offline"
Backup codes exist for exactly this scenario. Airbnb explicitly mentions backup codes can be used if the lock is offline when a code can't be generated or a trip change happens.
This is why you want good wifi at the door and/or an offline-capable lock strategy for remote locations.
4) Guest Extends Stay, Code Expires
Native Airbnb integration and PMS layers usually handle updates, but outages happen.
Your ops plan should include:
• "If you extend, confirm you see the new code in messages"
• A manual backup code you can deploy (Airbnb mentions backup codes for trip changes when the lock is offline)
5) Keypad Wear + Weather
Cold fingers, wet fingers, sun glare, nighttime. Favor backlit keypads, clear tactile feedback, and weather ratings if your lock is exposed.
Example: Yale's Keypad Touch spec calls out IPX5 and temperature range.
6) "Smart Home" Interference
This sounds niche until it's your life. Airbnb warns that some smart home platforms can interfere with its ability to discover your lock.
If you're running both:
• Set it up in one ecosystem first
• Then connect the second
• Document the recovery steps
Managing Smart Locks Across 5+ Airbnb Listings
Once you scale, your goal shifts from "one lock that works" to "a system that stays stable."
Your Biggest Unlock: Centralized Lock Management
Guesty Locks Manager highlights:
• Real-time lock monitoring (battery, wifi connectivity, performance)
• Remote lock/unlock
• Reservation details alongside access control
And Guesty explicitly states the system supports locks with physical keypads.
Hospitable maintains an actively updated supported-lock list and calls out typical requirements (wifi/hub + keypad), plus model-level compatibility.
Translation: Once you're managing multiple doors, you want one dashboard, consistent code rules, predictable logs, and fewer "every brand has a different app" headaches.
Pick Lock Families, Not Random One-Offs
For scale, standardize:
• 1-2 lock models for standard deadbolts
• 1 retrofit model (condo/HOA situations)
• 1 mortise option (international / special doors)
It saves you time on training cleaners, troubleshooting, and spare parts.
What's New in Smart Locks for Airbnb (2025-2026)
Smart lock marketing is obsessed with new standards. Hosts should be obsessed with fewer lockouts.
Matter + Thread Are Getting Real (But They Don't Solve Rental Ops by Themselves)
Yale launched a new Google Home-focused smart lock with Matter-over-Thread, priced at $190 at launch (June 24, 2025), and it can work across multiple platforms via Matter.
Kwikset announced Aura Reach, a Matter-compatible deadbolt with fingerprint + keypad and support for Apple Home / Google Home / Alexa / SmartThings (announced at CES 2026).
What matters for Airbnb: Matter improves interoperability, but you still need keypad guest entry, time-boxed codes, and automation with reservations. That part is usually handled by Airbnb integration or a PMS/locks manager, not by Matter alone.
Airbnb Expanded Direct Smart-Lock Integration (Huge for Simplicity)
Airbnb expanded its smart lock integration beyond Schlage to include Yale and August, letting the platform generate and share door codes, with availability in the US and Canada.
This is one of the biggest "ops simplification" moves in the space.
How Chalet Makes Smart Lock Setup Easier for Airbnb Investors
You've picked the lock. Now you need the property to make sense financially, the local regulations to check out, and the rest of your operations stack (cleaning, maintenance, furnishing) to fall into place.
That's what Chalet does.
We built the platform specifically for Airbnb and short-term rental investors who want research, vendor coordination, and operations setup in one place.
Before You Buy: Run the Numbers
Use Chalet's free ROI and DSCR calculators to see if your deal works. Input address, purchase price, and expected performance. Get revenue projections, cash-on-cash return, cap rate, and DSCR ratio in seconds.
No subscription. No paywall. Just transparent underwriting data.
Find the Right Property
Browse Airbnb rentals for sale across markets. Filter by expected performance, occupancy rates, and local regulations. Connect with STR-specialist real estate agents who understand investment properties, not just residential sales.
Check Local Regulations
Check local short-term rental regulations before you commit. Understanding permit requirements, occupancy limits, and zoning rules by city is crucial. Avoid buying in a market where STR is about to get banned.
Analyze Markets
Access free market dashboards with ADR, occupancy, and RevPAR trends across hundreds of cities. Compare markets side-by-side. Download charts for your investment deck.
Set Up Your Operations
Once you own it, you need to operate it. Chalet's STR Directory connects you with vetted vendors: smart lock installers, cleaning services, property managers, furnishing companies, insurance specialists, and DSCR lenders.
Everything you need to go from closing to first booking without scrambling across 15 different Google searches.
This is how smart investors set up Airbnb rentals in 2026. Research with real data. Buy with confidence. Operate with systems, not chaos.
Explore Chalet's free analytics and vendor network to see how we help hosts go from research to revenue faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart locks work if the internet is down?
Depends on the lock. Many locks still accept existing keypad codes even if wifi is down, but code creation, syncing, and automation may fail without internet.
Airbnb explicitly plans for this with backup codes if the lock is offline at booking or trip-change time.
Should I use fingerprint for guests?
Generally: no. Too much friction, privacy concerns, and you'd have to enroll every guest.
Fingerprint is great for owner, cleaner, and maintenance. (Example: Yale Approach Keypad Touch includes fingerprint access.)
How do I prevent guests from sharing the code?
You can't fully prevent sharing. What you can do is limit the blast radius: unique code per reservation, time-limited, and audit logs (who unlocked when).
That's why "unique codes active only during their trip" is the core concept of Airbnb's connected lock feature.
What's the single dumbest smart-lock mistake hosts make?
Reusing the same code for months.
It's basically the same as leaving a physical key circulating across dozens of strangers.
Do I need a backup key?
Yes. Because batteries and hardware fail.
Airbnb's connected-lock flow explicitly requires a backup entry method for lock issues like dead batteries or broken keypad.
Can I install these locks myself?
Most deadbolt replacements (Schlage Encode, igloohome) are DIY-friendly if you're comfortable with a drill and screwdriver. Retrofit locks (Yale Approach, August) are even simpler, often screwdriver-only.
But if your door has alignment issues, friction, or you're not confident about drilling, hire a locksmith. A bad install creates more headaches than the $100-150 pro installation cost.
How long do batteries last in smart locks?
Varies by model and usage. Expect 6-12 months for most locks with regular turnover. High-volume listings (nightly rentals) may need changes every 3-4 months.
Most locks warn you when battery is low (app notifications, keypad beeps). Don't wait for the warning. Schedule preventive battery changes.
What happens when a guest locks themselves out?
This is why you need a backup entry method documented in your arrival guide. Options:
• Lockbox with physical key (hidden, not obvious)
• Local co-host with spare keys
• Second entry point with keypad
Never rely on "I'll remote unlock it" as your only backup. Guests may have no cell service, you may be asleep, or the lock may be fully offline.
Can I use the same lock for multiple Airbnb listings?
No. Each listing needs its own lock for code automation to work properly. Airbnb's connected lock feature allows one compatible smart lock per listing.
If you manage multiple units in the same building, you'll need separate locks for each unit but can manage them all from a central PMS/locks manager dashboard.
Are smart locks secure enough for Airbnb?
Yes, if you follow proper operational security: unique codes per reservation, time-limited access, immediate revocation after checkout, separate codes for staff, and regular battery maintenance.
The biggest security risk isn't the lock itself but reusing codes or sharing master codes carelessly. A properly configured smart lock is more secure than a physical key passed through dozens of hands.
Do I need professional installation for smart locks?
Most modern smart locks are designed for DIY installation, especially retrofit models (Yale Approach, August). Deadbolt replacements (Schlage Encode) require drilling but are still manageable for confident DIYers.
If your door has alignment issues, you're not comfortable with power tools, or you're installing multiple locks across a portfolio, professional installation pays for itself in time saved and headaches avoided.
Next Steps: From Smart Lock to Full STR Setup
Door access is just one piece of the "ready to operate" checklist.
Want to make sure the deal works before you buy? Run ROI/DSCR for an address using Chalet's free calculator.
Choosing where to buy? Use free market dashboards to compare ADR, occupancy, and regulations.
Need help building the ops stack (locks, cleaning, furnishing, property management)? Set up your STR operations through Chalet's vetted vendor network.
Unsure about permits and local rules? Learn about STR regulations and compliance before you commit.
Chalet is the one-stop platform for Airbnb and short-term rental investors. We pair free market analytics with a vetted vendor network so you can research, buy, and operate in one place.
Explore the data and connect with pros at Chalet (getchalet.com).
