What Happens During a Power Outage?

Section: Doors & AccessCategory: FaqGuide1 min read

Summary

During a power outage, building access behavior depends on your building's hardware and backup systems. Many smart locks continue working temporarily using battery backup, while app unlocks, intercoms, elevators, and common-area systems may behave differently depending on the property setup.

What may keep working

  • Smart locks with battery backup may continue accepting PINs and Bluetooth Digital Key for a period of time after a power outage.
  • Physical keys and mechanical locks, where provided, do not depend on electricity and should still work.
  • Fobs and access credentials that communicate directly with battery-powered hardware may remain functional.
  • Battery-backed intercom systems may stay online during short outages.
  • Backup generators, where installed, may keep lobby doors, elevators, or common-area systems running.

What may be affected

  • App-based unlocks require the lock hardware itself to remain powered — if the lock loses all power, the app cannot unlock the door even if your phone is charged.
  • Keypad PIN entry requires the lock or keypad to be powered.
  • Lobby intercom systems may lose functionality during extended outages depending on backup power.
  • Elevator access and common-area systems depend on building emergency power.
  • Buildings with no lock battery backup may have all electronic access stop immediately.

Access during an outage

  • Your physical key, if provided, is typically the most reliable fallback — it does not depend on lock batteries or building power.
  • If your suite lock has batteries, PINs and Bluetooth Digital Key may continue working while the lock battery holds.
  • Common-area and building entrance access varies by hardware and backup system.
  • If you are unsure whether your building has lock battery backup, check your move-in materials or contact your building team.

What to do if access does not work

  • Try your physical key first if your building provides one.
  • Do not repeatedly enter incorrect PINs if the keypad is unresponsive — this may trigger a lockout once power returns.
  • Contact your building's front desk, security, or emergency line for access help during an outage.
  • Follow your building's posted emergency access instructions when provided.
  • Keep your phone charged when possible — lock battery backup may keep Digital Key available even during an outage.

Important Notes

  • Fobs and access credentials that communicate directly with battery-powered hardware may remain functional.

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