Overview
After successfully installing the access controller (see Portal: SmartAccess Panel – Technical Manual & Installation Guide), it's time to connect the SmartAccess Panel using the Portal Staff App.
Note: A SmartAccess Panel needs a Portal Gateway installed nearby to go online — see the Gateway section below.
How to Connect the SmartAccess Panel
Tap on the SmartAccess panel to light it up and activate the device.
Open the Portal Staff App and log in with your Portal Dashboard credentials.
Go to the Doors tab and select the door/access point this panel controls (create it first if it doesn't exist yet).
Choose Device Type and select SmartAccess — this appears as its own option in the Portal Staff App's Device Type picker.
Stay within wireless range and let the app search for nearby devices — it will connect automatically after a few seconds.
Bringing the Panel Online via a Portal Gateway
A SmartAccess Panel only goes online once a nearby Portal Gateway is installed and connected.
To connect a Gateway
Open the Portal Staff App and go to the Gateways tab.
Tap the + button.
Choose the Gateway type and name it.
Make sure Bluetooth is on, then power-cycle the gateway (plug/unplug) so the app can find it.
If it's a Wi-Fi gateway model, tap the device in the app and let it search for nearby Wi-Fi, then select your network, enter the password, and tap Connect.
Confirm the gateway was not previously connected to another property.
To reconnect a Gateway to Wi-Fi
Go to the Gateway tab and select the gateway.
Unplug the gateway and plug it back in.
Wait for the gateway to appear in the list of available devices.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Allow the app to search for available Wi-Fi networks.
Select the desired Wi-Fi network and enter the password if prompted.
Tap Connect and verify the gateway successfully reconnects.
See Portal-Access Gateways for the full gateway management article, and Portal: Smart Lock Air – Overview & Connecting via Gateway for another device that relies on the same Gateway hardware, including LED status meanings and placement guidance.
Testing the Panel After Connecting
Just like with a Smart Lock Pro, connecting a SmartAccess Panel does not automatically create a way to unlock or test it. If the Unlock/SmartKey option doesn't appear for the door in the Portal Staff App:
A Key must be created for the installer in the Portal Dashboard (Keys tab → Add Key), with this door added. See Portal: Teams vs Keys — Understanding Staff Access for the full walkthrough.
The installer signs in to the Portal Staff App using the same account the Key was assigned to.
Once the Key syncs to the app, the Unlock option appears for that door.
Use Unlock to confirm the SmartAccess Panel opens the connected lock/gate mechanism correctly.
This mirrors the same Key-based access model used for locks — see Portal: Installation Guide – Smart Lock Pro (SLP) for the equivalent SLP testing steps, and Portal: How to Add/Install/Remove a Lock via the Portal Staff App for the general permissions model.
Warning:
If it fails, restart the Portal Staff App, disable/enable wireless on your phone, and try the process again. If it still doesn't connect after restarting, perform a hard reset (see Portal: How to Reset the SmartAccess Panel) and try again.
Good to Know
Switch the light status on/off
This is a direct keypad command entered on the panel itself: ✖️49✔️admin passcode✔️0/1✔️ (1 = "On", 0 = "Off"). When the light is off, the keys will still light up when a PIN is entered, for easier usability — this feature is only available on the latest SmartAccess Panels. This command works the same way on Portal-connected panels.
Beeping sound on/off
Open the Portal Staff App, go to the SmartAccess Panel's Lock Details, and toggle Sound on/off.
Troubleshooting / FAQs
Portal: I connected the SmartAccess Panel but there's no Unlock option / SmartKey doesn't appear
This is expected — connecting the panel does not create a Key. Create a Key for yourself in the Portal Dashboard with this door added, then sign in to the Staff App with that account. See Teams vs Keys.
Portal: The staff member doesn't appear when I try to create a Key for this door
They may not have activated their Portal account yet. Check their status under Settings → Teams — once activated, they'll appear in the Key picker.
Portal: I have a Key but still can't unlock via the panel's door
Confirm the Key includes this specific door and that its access period covers today. Then sync the app while standing close to the panel.
Portal: The panel won't come online / stays offline
Confirm a Portal Gateway is installed nearby and connected — see the Gateway section above. A SmartAccess Panel cannot reach Portal's servers without one.