How to Grant Temporary Access with Nuki Smart Lock: Guest Codes & Permissions Guide

Whether you have a holiday rental, need to let in a cleaner while you’re at work, or want to grant a neighbour temporary access during an emergency, the Nuki Smart Lock gives you full control over who enters your home and when. With its intuitive user management system, you can create temporary access codes, set time limits, and revoke permissions instantly from your smartphone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up temporary access for guests using the Nuki app. You’ll learn about different permission levels, how to create one-time or recurring codes, and how to integrate accessories like the keypad-2-208683">Keypad 2 for easy code entry. By the end, you’ll be able to manage short-term access securely and conveniently.

What Is Temporary Access and Why Use It?

Temporary access allows you to grant entry to your home for a specific period or a limited number of uses. Instead of giving out a physical key (which can be copied or lost), you assign a unique PIN code or digital key that automatically expires. This is ideal for Airbnb hosts, homeowners with regular service visits, or anyone who wants to maintain security while still being flexible.

Nuki’s smart lock ecosystem supports multiple user profiles, each with its own permissions. You can create onetime codes that work only for a single unlock, schedule codes to be active during certain hours or days, and even set recurring schedules for weekly cleaners. The system logs every access event, so you always know who came and when.

• Keep your main key private while still providing entry to trusted individuals.
• Automatically revoke access after a set time – no need to change locks or chase keys.
• Monitor activity via the Nuki app or web interface for full transparency.

Step-by-Step: Granting Temporary Access with the Nuki App

To get started, ensure your Smart Lock Ultra or Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) is installed and connected to the Nuki app. Open the app, go to the “Users” section, and tap “Add User”. You’ll be prompted to choose between a guest (code-based) or a permanent user (app-based). For temporary access, select “Guest”.

Next, choose the type of code you want to create: a one-time code that becomes invalid after first use, a day-limited code that works only on specific dates, or a time-limited code that is active within a defined time window. Enter a name for the guest (e.g., “Cleaner – Tuesday”) so you can easily identify the code later. Tap “Generate Code” and share it via message or email directly from the app.

For added convenience, pair your lock with the Keypad 2 so guests can enter the code without needing a smartphone. The Keypad 2 lights up for night use and supports up to 200 codes, making it perfect for high-turnover scenarios. You can also use the Fob for guests who prefer a physical token, but codes are the most common method for temporary access.

• Always test the code after creation to ensure it works before sending it to your guest.
• If you have a Door Sensor, enable notifications so you’re alerted when the door is opened with a temporary code.
• For recurring access (e.g., every Monday morning), use the “Schedule” option in the user settings.

Customising Permissions: Time Windows, Recurrence, and One-Time Use

Nuki’s user management system offers fine-grained control. In the “Add User” screen, you can define specific time windows – for example, allow entry only between 9 AM and 12 PM on weekdays. This is especially useful for service providers who need access during business hours only. You can also set a start and end date for the entire permission, so the code automatically expires after your holiday rental checkout day.

For one-time use, select “One-time” as the code type. The code will work exactly once, then be automatically deleted from the system. This is perfect for letting in a parcel delivery or a one-off maintenance visit. To prevent misuse, Nuki logs the exact time the code was used, and you can view it in the activity log.

If you need to change a code mid-visit, simply revoke it from the app and generate a new one. Revoking is instant – the code stops working immediately, even if the guest hasn’t entered yet. This gives you peace of mind if plans change or if a code is accidentally shared.

• Use the “Repeat” option for weekly schedules – great for cleaners or dog walkers.
• Combine temporary codes with the Door Sensor to know exactly when the door is opened.
• Avoid using permanent codes for short-term guests; always set an expiry date.

Best Practices for Managing Guest Access

To keep your home secure, follow a few simple rules. First, create a new temporary code for each guest rather than reusing old codes – this ensures you can revoke individual access without affecting others. Second, regularly review your user list in the Nuki app and delete codes that are no longer needed. Old codes clutter the list and could theoretically be used if someone guesses them.

Use the activity log to monitor who enters and at what times. If you have a Door Sensor, an extra layer of verification confirms the door is fully closed after entry. For high-traffic situations like an Airbnb, consider using the Keypad 2 NFC for touchless entry – guests tap their smartphone or NFC tag instead of typing a code.

Finally, communicate clearly with your guests. Include the code, its validity period, and any door instructions in your welcome message. Nuki allows you to send codes directly from the app via SMS or email, including a brief note. This reduces confusion and ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

• Review and refresh codes at least monthly for ongoing guests.
• Enable push notifications for temporary code usage to stay informed in real time.
• Use guest names that help you identify the purpose (e.g., “Airbnb – June 15-20”).

Granting temporary access with your Nuki Smart Lock is simple, secure, and fully customisable. Whether you need a one-time code for a parcel delivery or a recurring schedule for a cleaner, the Nuki app puts you in complete control. To get started, explore the Smart Lock Ultra and pair it with the Keypad 2 for the ultimate guest access experience. Visit the Nuki store to see which combination works best for your home.