Smart Lock Guest Code Management:
August, Schlage & Wyze for Hosts
A dead-simple breakdown of how to set up, schedule, and auto-expire guest access codes across the three most popular retrofit smart locks for Airbnb and Vrbo hosts — no guesswork, no security gaps.
Locks Covered
3 models
Code Scheduling
Auto-expire
Platforms
Airbnb + Vrbo
Max Guest Codes
Up to 100
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Jump to: August Wi-Fi · Schlage Encode Plus · Wyze Bolt v2 · Comparison Table
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Best-in-class Airbnb integration with auto-generated codes
How to Set Up Guest Codes
- 1
Open the August app → tap your lock → tap "Guest Access"
- 2
Tap "Add Guest" → enter guest name and phone number or email
- 3
Choose "Always", "Scheduled", or "Temporary" access type
- 4
For Scheduled: set check-in date/time and check-out date/time
- 5
Toggle "Auto-Expire" ON — code becomes inactive after checkout time
- 6
Send invite link to guest — they unlock via August app, no PIN needed
Airbnb Auto-Code Setup
Native Airbnb Integration (Best Method)
- 1.
In August app: Settings → Integrations → Airbnb
- 2.
Authorize August to access your Airbnb account
- 3.
Select the lock linked to each Airbnb listing
- 4.
August auto-creates a unique 6-digit PIN per booking
- 5.
Code activates 1 hour before check-in, expires at checkout — automatic
Vrbo note: August doesn't have native Vrbo integration. Use IFTTT or Zapier to trigger code creation from new Vrbo bookings.
Max Guest Codes
100 per lock
Code Expiry
Per booking auto
Activity Log
Real-time push
Schlage Encode Plus
ANSI Grade 1 security with up to 100 access codes via the Schlage Home app
Setting Up Guest Access Codes
- 1
Open Schlage Home app → tap your lock → tap "Access Codes"
- 2
Tap the "+" icon to add a new code
- 3
Name the code (e.g., "John — Apr 12-14")
- 4
Enter a 4–8 digit PIN the guest will use on the keypad
- 5
Set "Recurring" (weekly schedule) or "One-Time" access
- 6
For Airbnb: set specific check-in/check-out date and time windows
- 7
Tap Save — code is pushed to the lock immediately via Wi-Fi
Scheduling & Auto-Expiry
Scheduled Access Windows
Set exact start and end times for each stay. The keypad PIN activates at check-in and is rejected after checkout — no manual deletion needed.
Recurring Weekly Access
Ideal for cleaners or co-hosts. Set "Every Friday 10am–2pm" for a cleaner code that repeats automatically.
One-Time Access
Create a PIN that works exactly once — useful for delivery or maintenance visits.
Remote Deletion
Delete any code instantly from the app. Change takes effect within seconds via Wi-Fi push.
Schlage + Vrbo: Schlage integrates natively with SmartThings, which connects to Vrbo via third-party automation. For direct Vrbo code automation, use Zapier or a property management system like Guesty.
Why Schlage Stands Out for STR Security
The Encode Plus is the only retrofit-adjacent Wi-Fi deadbolt with ANSI Grade 1 certification — the highest physical tamper resistance available. For high-turnover vacation properties in urban areas, that certification adds real peace of mind beyond what most retrofit locks offer. Keep in mind: the Schlage Encode Plus replaces your full deadbolt, not just the interior thumbturn.
Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2
Budget-friendly guest code management with fingerprint + PIN access
Setting Up Guest PINs
- 1
Open Wyze app → tap your lock → tap "Access" tab
- 2
Tap "Add Guest" → enter guest name
- 3
Select "Temporary" access for date-bound guests
- 4
Set check-in date/time and check-out date/time
- 5
Create a 4–8 digit guest PIN (avoid birthdays or repeating digits)
- 6
Send PIN to guest via text — they enter it on the keypad
- 7
Code auto-expires at checkout time with no manual action needed
Fingerprint Access for Co-Hosts
Add Fingerprints
Wyze Bolt v2 stores up to 50 fingerprints. In the app: Access → Add Fingerprint. Assign to a person and set a schedule (e.g., cleaners Mon/Wed 10am–2pm).
AI Learning Mode
The sensor improves accuracy with repeated scans. After 5+ uses, recognition speed improves from ~1.2s to ~0.6s average.
Fingerprint + PIN Backup
Wyze supports both simultaneously — guests get PIN, co-hosts get fingerprint. If a fingerprint fails, PIN is always available as fallback.
Remote Code Deletion
Delete any code or fingerprint remotely via Wi-Fi. Change takes effect within 10–30 seconds.
Airbnb/Vrbo with Wyze: No native Airbnb integration. Use IFTTT: "New Airbnb booking → Create Wyze guest code." Requires IFTTT Pro ($3.99/month) but fully automates code management.
PIN Codes
50 unique PINs
Fingerprints
50 stored
Battery Life
~8 months
Guest Code Feature Comparison
| Feature | August Wi-Fi | Schlage Encode+ | Wyze Bolt v2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Guest Codes | 100 | 100 | 50 |
| Scheduled Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-Expire by Date | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring Schedules | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Native Airbnb Integration | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Vrbo Integration | Via IFTTT | Via SmartThings | Via IFTTT |
| Fingerprint Access | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (50) |
| Activity Log | Full history | Full history | Full history |
| Remote Code Delete | Instant Wi-Fi | Instant Wi-Fi | ~30s Wi-Fi |
| App-Only Entry (Guest) | Yes (August app) | No — PIN only | No — PIN/FP only |
| Price | $149–$179 | $219–$249 | $79–$99 |
| Retrofit (Interior Only) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Full deadbolt | ✓ Yes |
6 Guest Code Best Practices for Hosts
These apply regardless of which lock you use — build them into your hosting workflow from day one.
Always Use Unique Codes Per Stay
SecurityNever reuse the same PIN across multiple guests or booking periods. Unique codes mean you know exactly who is accessing the property and can trace any unauthorized entry to a specific booking. Change codes between every stay — all three locks on this page make that automatic with scheduled access.
Set Code Windows Tighter Than Check-In/Out
OperationsInstead of a code that activates at midnight on check-in day, set it 30 minutes before your published check-in time. This prevents early arrivals from accessing the property before it's been cleaned. Similarly, set expiry 30 minutes after checkout — not at midnight — so you're not stuck if a guest overstays.
Create Separate Codes for Cleaners & Co-Hosts
Team AccessCleaners and co-hosts should have their own recurring codes — never share a guest code with your team. This way, if a guest code is compromised, your cleaner's access is unaffected. Schlage and Wyze both support recurring weekly windows ideal for cleaning schedules.
Enable Activity Logs & Push Notifications
MonitoringAll three locks offer real-time activity logs. Turn on push notifications for lock/unlock events so you're alerted the moment a guest arrives or if there's unusual activity outside of scheduled windows. August's DoorSense sensor also tells you if the door is left ajar after a lock event.
Test Every Code Before Guest Arrival
Pre-ArrivalFor each new booking, test the guest PIN from the keypad before the guest arrives. A 30-second test prevents the most common hosting nightmare: a guest locked out at 11pm with a code that wasn't pushed to the lock due to a Wi-Fi dropout during programming.
Keep a Physical Backup Key in a Lockbox
ContingencyEven the best smart lock can have a dead battery or connectivity issue. Keep a physical spare key in a combination lockbox mounted near the door — accessible only to you and trusted co-hosts. Include the combination in your host emergency protocol and never give it to guests unless all digital access fails.
People Also Ask: Smart Lock Guest Codes
Transparency Commitment
Research-based guidance only. No sponsored lock recommendations.
App flow descriptions and feature availability data on this page are sourced from official August, Schlage, and Wyze product documentation, app store descriptions, manufacturer support pages, and aggregated verified host reviews on Airbnb host community forums and third-party smart home publications. No locks were personally purchased or tested by the DU Tech Team. App interfaces may change — always verify current UI in your lock's app.
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Content accuracy, product specs, and pricing reviewed on April 2026. Our methodology cross-references manufacturer specifications, certified lab data, and verified buyer reports before every update.