Summary: Your hotel room key can be stored in Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can use it without opening an app or even unlocking your phone. This article explains how to get started and answers the most common questions guests have.
Permission: Guests of properties who have digital key providers integrated, such as Dormakaba, Salto, etc.
How to set up your room key
Complete your online check-in through the hotel's app or website.
Tap the Wallet icon or "Add to Apple Wallet" button in your itinerary or the hotel app.
Follow the on-screen steps to add your key.
Your key activates automatically once the hotel assigns your room.
💡Tips: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS before you start.
How to use your room key
iPhone: Hold your iPhone near the door reader. With Express Mode on (the default), you don't even need to wake or unlock your phone first.
Apple Watch: Hold your Apple Watch near the door reader in the same way.
🗒️ Note: Express Mode is turned on by default, making your room key the fastest way through any door. You can check or change this in your iPhone's Wallet settings.
How to add your key to Apple Watch
When you add a room key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone, it's automatically added to your paired Apple Watch too. No extra steps needed — just hold your watch near the reader.
What you need
Requirement | Detail |
iPhone | iPhone 8 or later, running iOS 16.4 or later |
Apple Watch (optional) | Apple Watch Series 3 or later, running watchOS 9.2 or later |
Account | Apple Account signed into iCloud with two-factor authentication enabled |
Face ID / Touch ID / Passcode | Must be set up on your device |
Common Questions
Q: How many devices can I use my room key on?
A: You can use your room key on up to 2 iPhones and 2 Apple Watches, as long as they're all signed into the same Apple Account and iCloud.
Q: Can I still use my key if my iPhone battery dies?
A: Yes — for a while. Apple Wallet's Power Reserve gives you up to 5 hours of room access after your iPhone battery runs out. This works on iPhone XS or newer.
ℹ️ Info: Power Reserve doesn't work on older models. If you have an older iPhone, keep it charged to avoid being locked out.
Q: Can I share my room key with another guest?
A: Yes. You can securely share your room key with travel companions directly from Apple Wallet:
Open your room key in Apple Wallet.
Tap the share button and send the key via Messages or another app.
A few important things to know about sharing:
You can protect the shared key with a PIN — send the PIN through a separate channel for extra security.
Recipients cannot re-share the key. Only you (the original sender) can share it.
You can revoke any shared key at any time by opening your room key in Wallet and tapping the recipient icon at the top right.
Shared keys automatically expire at checkout. If your stay is extended, they update automatically.
No personal information (reservation details, payment info) is shared with recipients.
Q: Can someone re-share a key I've shared with them?
A: No. A key shared through Apple Wallet cannot be re-shared. Only the original guest can initiate sharing.
Q: What happens to shared keys if I lose my phone?
A: Shared keys can continue to work unless they're revoked. To stop access:
Use the Find My app or iCloud.com to mark your device as lost. This deactivates all cards and keys in Apple Wallet once the device connects to a network.
Contact the hotel front desk to revoke your key directly from their systems.
Revoke individual shared keys via Apple Wallet if you still have access on another device.
Q: What should I do if my iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen?
A: Act quickly:
Open the Find My app or go to iCloud.com and mark your device as lost or erase it. This immediately deactivates all Apple Wallet keys once the device is online.
Contact the hotel front desk so they can revoke your key from their systems.
Q: I can't add or use my room key. What should I try?
A: Work through these steps in order:
Update your iPhone or Apple Watch to the latest iOS or watchOS version.
Confirm that Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode is set up on your device.
Check that your Apple Account is signed into iCloud with two-factor authentication turned on.
Make sure you've accepted Apple's Terms & Conditions in your iCloud settings.
If you're adding the key via a web browser, make sure you have fewer than 500 tabs open in Safari (this can block provisioning).
If you're still unable to add your key, contact the hotel front desk for a physical keycard.
Q: What if I have multiple stays at the same hotel?
A: Your room key in Apple Wallet updates automatically between stays. When one stay ends and the next begins, the key updates to reflect your upcoming reservation. When you check in, it activates for that stay. You don't need to add a new key each time.
Q: What if my room changes during my stay?
A: Your key updates automatically in the background. Shared keys also update to the new room. You don't need to do anything.
Q: Can I use my key if I have multiple rooms booked?
A: Yes. Your room key will be activated for each room on your reservation.
Q: How is an Apple Wallet room key different from other digital keys?
A: Standard digital keys use Bluetooth and require you to find and open a hotel app before unlocking a door. Apple Wallet keys:
Use NFC (the same technology as contactless payments) — faster and more reliable.
Work without opening an app or unlocking your phone (Express Mode).
Work for up to 5 hours after your battery dies (Power Reserve).
Update automatically when your room changes or your stay is extended.
Q: Why can I only use Apple Wallet keys at some hotels?
A: The hotel needs compatible NFC door locks and a supported integration to offer Apple Wallet room keys. Other properties will be adding support soon — check with your hotel if you're unsure.