Skip to main content

How do I edit my Smart Lock settings?

How to change your smart lock's name, buffer, pin length and backup code message, check its battery, online and locked status, and how Airbnb Seamless Entry delivers door codes.

Written by Tom Krones

Opening lock settings

To open the settings modal for your lock, click the Settings (gear) button to the right of your lock. This window lets you change the name of your lock, add a buffer, change the pin length, and — for Seam-connected locks — customize the backup access code message.

Checking your lock's status

Choosing Details instead of Settings opens the lock's details, where the header shows what the lock is reporting right now:

  • Battery — the current battery level, when the lock reports one. It turns amber below 50%.

  • Online or Offline — whether Host Tools can reach the lock at the moment. An offline lock can't be given new codes until it comes back.

  • Locked or Unlocked — the position of the bolt, green when the door is locked and amber when it isn't.

If your lock doesn't report whether it's locked, no Locked or Unlocked badge is shown at all, rather than a state that might be wrong. Underneath the badges you'll see the listings the lock is linked to and every access code currently on it, and — for locks other than August — a button to lock or unlock the door from Host Tools. That button is unavailable while the lock is offline.

[SCREENSHOT: the Lock Details modal header showing the battery, Online, and Locked badges next to the lock name]

Backup access code message (Seam locks)

If your lock is connected via Seam, you can customize the message sent to guests when a backup access code is issued. This message is used when the lock is offline, and the primary code can't be set, and you manually issue a backup code from the reservation details.

The message supports the same template tags as your other automated messages, including {{Guest First Name}}, {{Guest Lock Code}}, and {{Listing Nickname}}. If you leave the field empty, Host Tools uses a built-in default message.

💡 Pro tip: Include {{Guest Lock Code}} in your backup message so guests receive their new code automatically without you needing to copy it manually.

For step-by-step instructions on issuing a backup code during a guest's stay, see How do I issue a backup access code for a Seam lock?

Airbnb Seamless Entry

When Host Tools programs a door code for an Airbnb reservation, it automatically pushes the code and access window to Airbnb's Seamless Entry system. Guests see their entry code natively in the Airbnb app — no extra message from you is required.

This works automatically for new Airbnb connections. It applies to:

  • August locks — all 4-digit August lock types

  • Seam-connected locks — Yale, Schlage, and August models connected via Seam, when programmed with a 4-digit pin

⚠️ Existing accounts need to reconnect: If your Airbnb account was connected before June 9, 2026, you need to reconnect it so Host Tools can request the seamless_entry_management scope required for Seamless Entry. Go to Settings > Channels, disconnect your Airbnb account, and reconnect it. Once reconnected, door codes will be pushed to the Airbnb app automatically.

💡 Note: Airbnb Seamless Entry requires the listing to be directly connected to an Airbnb account on Host Tools. Co-host listings and non-4-digit pins are not supported and will be skipped automatically.

Did this answer your question?