What You Need
You need two pieces of hardware: the Nuki Smart Lock Pro (4th Gen) (€269) and the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC (€179). Total cost: approximately €448, or around €403 with the 10% referral discount.
The Smart Lock mounts on the inside of your door, clamping onto your existing euro-cylinder. It doesn't replace your lock — it sits on top of the thumb turn and motorizes it. Your existing keys still work as a backup. The Keypad mounts on the outside (next to the door or on the door frame) and lets guests enter a 6-digit PIN code.
You'll also need: a smartphone with the Nuki app (iOS or Android), a WiFi network in your property, and about 20 minutes of uninterrupted time for installation. No tools are required beyond what comes in the box.
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Mount the Smart Lock. Open the Nuki box, attach the mounting plate to the inside of your door using the included adhesive strips (or screws for extra security). Slide the Smart Lock onto the plate and adjust it so it grips your euro-cylinder thumb turn. The app guides you through calibration — it learns the exact rotation needed to lock and unlock your door.
Step 2: Mount the Keypad 2 NFC. Attach the Keypad to the wall outside your door using the adhesive mount. Position it at a comfortable height — around 120cm from the ground works well. The Keypad communicates with the Smart Lock via Bluetooth, so keep them within 3 meters of each other.
Step 3: Pair in the App. Open the Nuki app, add your Smart Lock, then add the Keypad as an accessory. The app walks you through the Bluetooth pairing process. This takes about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Connect to WiFi. In the Smart Lock settings, connect to your property's WiFi network. This enables remote access — you can create and manage guest codes from anywhere, not just when you're within Bluetooth range.
Step 5: Create your first guest code. Go to Access Management, tap 'Create Access,' select 'Keypad PIN,' and enter a 6-digit code. Set the time window: check-in date and time to check-out date and time. Save. The code will only work during that exact window.
Step 6: Test it. Go outside, close the door, and enter the code on the Keypad. The door should unlock. Enter the code again after the time window expires — it should not work. If both tests pass, you're live.
Writing Your Check-In Instructions
Good check-in instructions are as important as the lock itself. Here's a template you can copy and customize for your Airbnb listing:
"Welcome! Here's how to get in: 1. Find the Keypad next to the front door (it's a small black/white panel mounted on the wall). 2. Enter your personal code: [CODE] 3. Press the checkmark button. 4. The door will unlock — push it open. 5. The door locks automatically after 20 seconds.
Your code works from [CHECK-IN TIME] on [CHECK-IN DATE] until [CHECK-OUT TIME] on [CHECK-OUT DATE]. After that, it deactivates automatically.
If you have any issues, call me at [PHONE]. I can also unlock the door remotely from my phone."
Send this through Airbnb messaging as soon as the booking is confirmed. Airbnb also lets you save this as a template in your listing's check-in instructions, so it auto-sends to every guest.
Automating Code Expiry
One of the most powerful features for hosts is automatic code expiry. When you create a guest code in the Nuki app, you set the exact start and end time. The code activates at the start time and deactivates at the end time — automatically, with no intervention from you.
This means you never need to manually revoke a guest's access. On checkout day at 11:00 AM (or whenever your checkout time is), the code simply stops working. The next guest gets a completely different code. Previous guests can never access your property again.
For extra peace of mind, enable the activity log notifications. You'll get a push notification whenever the lock is operated — so you'll know exactly when a guest arrives and leaves. This is also useful for coordinating cleaning crews: you can see the moment a guest checks out and immediately notify your cleaner.
Testing Before Your First Guest
Before your first guest arrives, run through the complete experience yourself. Leave your property, close the door, and pretend you're a guest arriving for the first time.
Check these things: Is the Keypad visible and easy to find? Can you read the numbers in low light (the Keypad has a backlight, but is it bright enough for your entrance)? Does the code work on the first try? How long does the lock take to respond after entering the code? Does the door actually open easily after unlocking, or does it need a push?
Also test the auto-lock feature. Walk in, close the door, and wait 20 seconds (or whatever interval you set). Does it lock automatically? This is critical for guest security and building safety.
Finally, test the code expiry. Create a temporary code that expires in 5 minutes, wait for it to expire, then try it again. It should fail. This confirms the time-based access control is working correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The most common issue is WiFi connectivity. If your property has thick walls or the router is far from the door, the Smart Lock may intermittently lose its WiFi connection. This doesn't affect the Keypad — PIN codes still work via Bluetooth — but it means you can't manage codes remotely. Solution: add a WiFi extender near the front door, or use a powerline adapter.
Battery warnings should be taken seriously. The Nuki app warns you when batteries are low — replace them immediately. The Smart Lock uses 4 AA batteries and lasts 4–6 months with typical use. The Keypad uses 2 AAA batteries and lasts about a year. Always keep spare batteries at the property.
If a guest reports the code doesn't work, the most likely cause is a typo. Ask them to try again slowly, making sure they press the checkmark after entering the full code. If that doesn't work, verify the time window in your app — sometimes timezone mismatches cause codes to activate later than expected. In an emergency, you can unlock the door remotely from the Nuki app.