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Portal-Keys app (Guest app): How to get the magic link and activation code

This article explains what happens after a guest receives their access email or SMS, how they activate the mobile key, and how they use the Portal mobile app to unlock doors.

Sarah Mousavi avatar
Written by Sarah Mousavi
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Overview

This article explains what happens after a guest receives an access email or SMS from the property, how to activate mobile key access using a magic link and activation code, and how to unlock doors using the Keys app.


Before You Start

Before activating access, make sure:

  • You received an access email or SMS from the property

  • You have a smartphone with internet access

  • Bluetooth is enabled if you want to unlock nearby doors

  • You know your reservation reference number and last name (for backup activation)


Key Concepts

  • Magic Link: A secure link used to add mobile keys to the Keys app.

  • Activation Code: A 6-digit code required to activate access.

  • SmartKey: A mobile key added to the Keys app.

  • Reference Number: Reservation number used to recover access.

  • Tap to Unlock: A feature that unlocks the door when the phone is near the lock.


How to Open the Access Link

Guests can start by opening the access link from email or SMS.

  1. Open the access email or SMS.

  2. Tap Get Mobile Key.

If the App Is Installed

  1. The link opens the Keys app.

  2. A 6-digit activation code is sent.

  3. Enter the code in the app.

  4. SmartKeys are added automatically.

Notes

  • If the code expires, a new one is sent automatically.

  • Returning guests on the same phone do not need to log in again unless they logged out.

  • Wrong codes show an error and are rate-limited.

  • Tapping the link does not resend codes repeatedly.


If the App Is Not Installed

  1. The link opens the App Store or Play Store.

  2. Install the Keys app.

  3. Tap the Get Mobile Key link again.

  4. Continue activation in the app.

Notes

  • The link still works after installation.

  • Login is skipped only if the guest already has a valid session.


If the Link Is Opened on a Laptop

If the guest opens the link on a laptop, a QR code is shown to continue on mobile.

  1. Scan the QR code using your phone.

  2. Install the app if needed.

  3. Continue activation in the Keys app.


How to Activate Access with an Activation Code

After opening the magic link, guests activate access in the app.

  1. Open the Keys app.

  2. Enter the activation code.

  3. Tap Verify.

Once activation is successful:

  • The app opens

  • The property name is shown

  • All available doors appear


If the Activation Code Is Not Received

If the guest does not receive the activation code, access can be recovered using booking details.

  1. Tap Back on the activation screen.

  2. Select Reference Number.

  3. Enter the reservation reference number.

  4. Enter the guest’s last name.

  5. Confirm to activate access.


How to Unlock Doors Using the Mobile Key

Guests can unlock doors once access is activated.

  1. Open the Keys app.

  2. Select a door.

  3. Tap to open.


Unlocking Methods

Bluetooth Unlock

Bluetooth unlock works when the guest is near the door.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone.

  2. Hold your phone close to the lock.

  3. Tap to open


Tap to Unlock Feature

Guests can enable Tap to Unlock for faster unlocking.

  1. Open the Keys app.

  2. Enable Tap to Unlock.

  3. Hold your phone close to the lock to unlock.

Notes

  • Bluetooth must be enabled for Tap to Unlock to work.


Managing Multiple Keys

Add or Switch Keys

Useful when a guest has multiple reservations or spaces.

  1. Open the key card.

  2. Tap Change Key.

  3. Select another key or add a new one.


View All Keys

  1. Tap the three-line menu (top-left).

  2. Select Keys.



Remove or Add Keys

  1. Open the Keys list.

  2. Tap the bin icon to remove a key.

  3. Tap Add Key to add a new one.


Permissions & Access

User Type

Can Use the Keys App

Guest

Yes

Staff

No


Tips / Best Practices

  • Keep Bluetooth enabled for nearby unlocking

  • Use the magic link for the fastest setup

  • Use reference number + last name if you don’t receive a code

  • Keep all active keys in the app for easy switching


Troubleshooting / FAQs

I tapped the link but nothing happens
Install the Keys app and tap the link again.

I entered the wrong activation code too many times
Wait and try again later. Codes are rate-limited for security.

I didn’t receive an activation code
Use the Reference Number and Last Name option to recover access.

I can’t unlock the door
Enable Bluetooth and hold your phone close to the lock.


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