There’s no question that implementing self check-in at your vacation rentals makes life easier – for you and your guests. You don’t have to be physically present whenever guests arrive. Your guests get much more flexibility around their arrival times. Everybody wins!
However, for self check-in to go smoothly for each new arrival, you’ve got to have the right tech for the job. And that’s where selecting your Airbnb smart lock system becomes key.
In this article, we’re going to unlock the smoothest check-in process for your vacation rentals. We’ll dive into:
- How Airbnb smart locks enable keyless entry.
- Some of the best providers and lock options on the market.
- Why it’s a good idea to have an Airbnb lockbox in place, too.
- Self check-in regulations to be aware of.
Airbnb self check-in regulations
Before your implement your self check-in system, check whether there are any local regulations to consider. Growing concern around the boom of Airbnb properties in Europe has led to restrictions on various forms of self check-in at several key tourist-friendly destinations:
- The Italian government introduced a total ban on the self check-in system in 2024, meaning guests staying in short-term rental accommodation must now be met in person by owners.
- Several French cities, including Paris, Nice, and Lille, have imposed crackdowns on lock boxes. Although individuals have total freedom to install a lock box on their own property, it is strictly forbidden to install a lock box in public spaces or anywhere that can be considered ‘a common area’ without agreement from all co-owners.
Amidst these recent rulings, we recommend always checking the regulations for the areas where your vacation rentals are located before implementing your self check-in system. Where lock boxes are prohibited, smart locks may still be permitted, but always do your research to be sure.
Now, let’s look at both smart lock and lock box options in more detail.
What is an Airbnb smart lock?
A smart lock is a system combining hardware and software. This system lets you lock and unlock your property’s entrance via a smartphone, WiFi or Bluetooth®.
Most smart locks for vacation rentals work with iOS and Android phones. They allow you to:
- Control access remotely from your smartphone.
- Monitor who is approaching your property — some options also provide an interface with security companies.
- Issue unique access codes to your guests so that they’re able to access your property without you being present.
Before you purchase a smart lock device and any related hardware (e.g., keypads), always check that it will work in your country.
Many hosts opt to connect their Airbnb smart lock system to their PMS (property management system). Although the specifics may vary, a PMS-smart lock connection typically synchronizes your PMS booking details with automatically generated access codes from the smart lock provider. This makes it easier to manage guest access and the contactless check-in process remotely.
Airbnb smart locks that fully integrate with eviivo Suite
The smart lock providers below connect directly to our PMS, eviivo Suite, for a totally seamless contactless check-in process.
Nuki Smart Lock
Extremely popular in Europe, the Nuki Smart Lock is a retrofittable electronic door lock. Installed on the inside of your door within a few minutes, it is then immediately ready for use.
You can send digital access codes to your guests through Nuki’s integration with eviivo Suite. For each booking due to check-in within the next two days, Nuki generates unique access codes or downloadable app links and automatically updates these within the booking notes in eviivo Suite. These unique codes are then ready to send to guests in a pre-arrival email.
Vikey Smart Lock 2.0
Vikey is a European supplier of all-in-one remote check-in solutions. Their hardware options include the Vikey Smart Lock 2.0, which offers motorized locking, double locking, and unlocking, plus an easy, reversible installation.
Once Vikey and eviivo are connected, Vikey automatically updates your Vikey dashboard with any eviivo Suite bookings due for check-in within the next 30 days. These bookings then synchronize every 5-10 minutes, so all booking information stays up to date. Depending on the services you have agreed with Vikey, and your configurations within their dashboard, Vikey will then generate unique door access codes for each booking.
Airbnb smart locks you can access through eviivo’s partner integrations
Some of eviivo’s other partner integrations offer ways to connect your Airbnb smart locks to eviivo Suite for a seamless self check-in.
Jervis Systems integration
eviivo Suite integrates with Jervis Systems, a guest access and smart home device automation platform that connects to dozens of smart lock manufacturers. Once linked with eviivo, the Jervis platform can generate a unique door code for each booking and automatically pass it to eviivo Suite. This code is then sent to your guest along with your check-in instructions, based on the scheduling you’ve configured in the PMS. Compatible lock brands include Salto, TTLocks, Yale, and many others.
Other check-in partner options
For accommodation providers seeking advanced check-and and welcome functionality, eviivo Suite supports smart lock integrations through specialist guest experience platforms such as Duve, UpMarket, and Chekin. In addition to lock connectivity, these platforms offer enhanced guest engagement tools such as digital guidebooks, ID verification, and upselling services.
By connecting your smart locks via these platforms, you can synchronize booking and guest data seamlessly. This enables the system to automatically generate unique access codes for arrivals as part of a comprehensive guest welcome experience. This approach is ideal if you want to integrate your Airbnb smart lock technology with broader guest communication and operational management tools.
Through these partner integrations, eviivo customers have freedom to choose from dozens of smart locks covering the industry’s leading brands. That’s a lot of Airbnb smart lock options! So, we’ve whittled the list down to a few compatible locks that we recommend:
Yale Assure Lock 2®
The name ‘Yale’ is synonymous with trustworthy security solutions, and this sleek, compact smart lock is no exception. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is compatible with most door types, which makes for an easy installation. It features built-in Bluetooth technology and your choice of touchscreen or keypad access. Share entry codes with your guests from eviivo Suite via these compatible integrations: Jervis Systems, Chekin.
Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Schlage is another internationally trusted brand for door locks. Equipped with built-in WiFi, the Schlage Encode smart lock is available in deadbolt and lever handle versions (the latter of which was named ‘Best smart lock handle’ by CNET editors). As well as giving you the ability to control the lock remotely, the Schlage Encode option enables you to manage up to 100 distinct access codes for your guests. Share entry codes via this compatible integration: Jervis Systems.
August Wi-Fi (4th Generation+) Smart Lock + Smart Keypad
This award-winning smart lock is installed on the inside of your front door, meaning you don’t have to alter the appearance of your Airbnb’s entrance. It was named the ‘Best retrofit smart lock’ by CNET in 2024. Pair it with the August Smart Keypad to offer custom key code entry. Share entry codes with your guests from eviivo Suite via these compatible integrations: Jervis Systems, Chekin.
SALTO XS4 One
SALTO Systems is a leader in the development of smart and digital keys, and its smart access solutions are especially popular with multi-unit properties. The XS4 One combines proven robustness, advanced technology, and stylish design in an all-in-one smart lock solution that’s easy to install on virtually any door. Share entry codes with your guests from eviivo Suite via these compatible integrations: Jervis Systems, Chekin, Duve.
Lock boxes: Your back-up for self check-in
To keep the check-in process at your vacation rental convenient, we recommend prioritizing a keyless Airbnb smart lock system.
However, you may not want to rely on just one option when granting access to a high volume of guests. It’s a good idea to provide a back-up method for accessing your property, just in case. This is where lock boxes enter the picture.
What is an Airbnb lockbox?
A lock box is essentially a small safe where you can store physical door keys or access cards for your property. It’s a reliably secure and convenient way to hand over keys to guests when you’re not present. Having a lock box is particularly effective for Airbnb and other vacation rental properties that accommodate one booking per night.
Similarly to smart locks, you can enable your guests to unlock your lock box by sending them access codes. Inputting the code on the box allows guests to open it up and retrieve the key that’s stored inside.
If your guest uses your Airbnb lock box for access, there are a couple of things you should do to protect your property:
- Ensure the guest returns the key at the end of their stay, either by leaving it in the lock box or handing it over to you in person.
- Change the lock box’s access code once the guest leaves. Unless you have a smart lock box (which we’ll discuss in a little more detail below), you probably need to do this manually.
Remember that some governments have imposed restrictions on the installation of lock boxes. Please check local and national regulations before implementing your self check-in system.
What types of lock box are available?
There’s a surprising amount of variety in the lock box market. The first thing you may want to consider is your preferred lock design. How do you want your guests to interact with the lock box and input their access code? Keep accessibility in mind – will all guests be able to easily access their key, at all hours?
Lock box design options
- Combination dial locks.These employ a spinning dial that you turn clockwise and counterclockwise to line up points at an indicator.
- Wheel locks or 4-digit locks. They have a series of spinning wheels with numbers that you can line up to match the designated code.
- Push button locks. These feature a series of buttons, associated with numbers or letters, that guests use to enter their code. This makes them very easy to use, especially as the numbers can be pressed in any order. (e.g., 1-2-3 could be punched in as 2-1-3.)
- Smart locks. These use an app and/or a keypad to enter a code, which is typically updated remotely for each new booking.
Lock box placement options
There are two main types of Airbnb lock box placements you can choose from:
- Mounted is the more secure, since it offers no opportunity to use bolt cutters on the shackle. However, it does require more upfront labor and will need to be permanently affixed to your property.
- Shackled, which has the loop securing a lock in place, is most commonly seen around a door handle. This makes it easy to find, since it’s affixed to the door it will be used on, and it doesn’t present any risk of damage to your property upon setup.
Finally, there’s the lock box technology to consider. Although we may consider lock boxes the analog alternative to smart locks, there are plenty of smart and Bluetooth options. Let’s go through a couple of them before looking at some traditional wall-mounted lock boxes as your final back-up option.
Smart and Bluetooth lock box options
Smart and Bluetooth lock boxes offer useful features like companion apps and the ability to update combinations remotely, similar to the smart locks detailed earlier. Here are a few of the options available to you.
Igloohome Smart Keybox 3
With this smart lock box, you can grant access from anywhere. Designed for hassle-free sharing, this Igloohome product allows you to send PIN codes to guests through varied communication channels, including SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. You can also set specific PIN access types. For total control and peace of mind, Igloohome’s smartphone app gives you the ability to track key activity, including the date and times the lock box is accessed, PIN code logs, and battery status.
Master Lock® 5440EC Bluetooth Portable Lock Box
This portable lock box allows you to use your smartphone to open and manage its lock effortlessly through Bluetooth technology. The free Master Lock Vault Enterprise app is specifically designed for busy applications with many users and allows you to monitor access to the property remotely. The lock box’s integrated keypad also means there’s a built-in capability to provide guests with access to the keys inside.
Analog wall mount Airbnb lock box options
Maybe you want to back up your high-tech Airbnb smart lock solution with a classic fall-back access option. If that’s the case, why not install a wall mounted lock box at your vacation rental as your plan B? Below are a couple of the leading options on the market.
Master Lock 5423D
This best seller from Master Lock is designed for ease, convenience and accessibility. The classic push button keypad on the Master Lock 5423D will be familiar to most guests, and its large buttons make it easy to use even in low light conditions. For durability, the lock box’s simple but effective features include a wide metal body and a protective weather cover that stops it from jamming or freezing.
Kidde AccessPoint KeySafe
When Wirecutter researched the best lock box available by testing multiple lock boxes in the market, this Kidde product ended up as the leader of the pack. The AccessPoint KeySafe is a wall-mounted lock box with a lettered combination dial lock. It holds up strong against brute force attacks with its thick zinc-alloy walls and unique sloped sides.
Through Wirecutter’s trials with professional locksmiths, they noted that the combination dial lock was much more difficult to pick compared to the push button or numbered wheel options. However, it is more difficult and time consuming to set up its code. If this is a deterrent, Kidde also has a push button option, the Keysafe Permanent, 5-Key, Pushbutton.
The Best Smart Lock and Lock Box Options For Airbnb Self Check-In 2025
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb smart locks are the key to enabling seamless self check-in for guests at your Airbnb or vacation rental property
- For the most convenient remote access, make sure you can integrate your smart lock with your PMS, whether directly or via a third-party technology provider. This allows you to synchronize your bookings and automatically generate door access codes to send to your guest’s inbox or smartphone.
- You may also wish to install a lock box at your property to store physical entry keys. This gives you an alternative means of providing access to guests in the event that your Airbnb smart lock system is unavailable.
- Some governments have imposed bans on self check-in systems and/or related hardware such as lock boxes. Check local and national regulations before implementing your Airbnb self check-in system.
- Where applicable, consider making an analog wall mount lock box your fallback plan. This means that guests still have a self check-in option if anything happens with your smart lock and/or your smart lock box
- Always keep your property protected! If your guest does have to use your backup lock box, make sure when they leave that 1) they have returned the physical key used for access and 2) you manually change the access code to the lock box.
- To ‘unlock’ the smoothest check-in experience possible, then leverage eviivo’s integrations with a wide range of smart lock and self check-in providers. Once connected, you can automatically generate access codes to send to your guests via eviivo’s Guest Manager.
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