Smart Locks & IoT

Vanio creates a unique door code for every guest, automatically. No more keys, lockboxes, or telling guests the same code. Each booking gets its own code that activates at check-in and expires at checkout.

How It Works

1. Guest books a property
2. Vanio creates a unique 4-8 digit code for that reservation
3. The code activates at check-in time (you set the buffer)
4. Vanio shares the code with the guest in the guest portal — only revealed close to check-in time
5. After checkout, the code stops working automatically
6. The next guest gets a fresh code

You don't touch anything. It just works.

Dashboard Timeline

Every smart lock event appears in your reservation timeline so you can see exactly what happened and when:

• Code creation and activation
• Guest unlock/lock events
• Access code updates when dates change
• Lock status changes (online/offline)
• Battery alerts

[Screenshot: reservation timeline showing lock activity history]

All lock activity is tracked automatically, giving you a complete audit trail for every guest stay. If a guest reports issues or you need to verify access, everything is right there in the timeline.

Adjusting Reservations

When you change a guest's check-in or check-out dates, their door code stays exactly the same — only the access window updates. Your guest won't get confused by mismatched codes between their booking confirmation and guest portal.

[Screenshot: reservation date adjustment preserving the same PIN]

This works for any date changes within the same property. The code automatically activates and expires based on the new dates you set.

Moving Reservations Between Properties

When you move a guest's reservation to a different property (due to maintenance, overbooking, or other operational needs), Vanio automatically handles their smart lock access:

• Creates a new door code for the new property
• Sets the correct access duration for their full stay
• Removes access from the original property
• Updates the guest portal with the new code and property details

The guest maintains seamless access for their entire reservation length, regardless of which property they end up in.

[Screenshot: reservation move showing updated property and access code]

Important: This process is now fully automated. Previously, there was a bug where moved reservations would only grant one night of access, potentially locking guests out. This has been resolved — guests now receive full access for their complete stay duration.

Supported Locks

Vanio works with 30+ smart lock brands through Seam (one of the leading lock platforms), plus a direct integration with Igloohome. Common brands include:

• Yale (all models)
• August
• Schlage Encode
• Kwikset Halo
• Nuki
• Igloohome
• And many more

If your lock brand has a smartphone app, it probably works. Check the full list when connecting.

Setting It Up

1. Install your smart lock at the property (follow the manufacturer's guide)
2. In Vanio, go to Settings → Apps → Smart Locks
3. Connect Seam (or Igloohome directly) with your account
4. Pick which lock belongs to which property
5. Done — codes auto-generate for every future reservation

If you have multiple locks per property (front door + garage), assign them all to the same listing.

Staff Codes (Separate From Guest Codes)

Your cleaners and maintenance people get their own permanent codes. These don't expire after a guest leaves — they belong to the staff member. When you remove a staff member, all their codes are revoked at once.

Code Reveal Timing

Guests don't see their code until they're about to arrive. By default:

• For Seam-managed locks, codes are revealed 24 hours before check-in
• For lockbox or other locks, you set the reveal window (a few hours before, day before, etc.)

Why? It prevents codes from being shared, photographed, or forgotten between booking and arrival.

What the AI Can Do

The AI uses your locks during conversations. Examples:

• Guest: "I'm here, what's my code?" → AI checks the lock, confirms it's active, sends the code
• Guest: "The code isn't working" → AI checks lock status, battery, and connectivity, troubleshoots, or escalates to you
• Guest: "Can I let my friend in tomorrow?" → AI generates a temporary code (with your approval)

Lock Health Monitoring

Vanio tracks every lock and alerts you if:

• Battery is low (well before it dies)
• Lock loses connection
• Unusual activity happens (unlock outside reservation hours)

Go to the IoT dashboard to see all your devices, battery levels, and recent activity.

Device Settings Persistence

Your custom device settings — like offline code preferences, lock instructions, and device nicknames — are automatically preserved when:

• Syncing new devices from the IoT settings page
• Processing lock events and status updates
• Reconnecting devices after network issues

You set these preferences once per device, and they stick. No need to reconfigure after system updates or device syncs.

Thermostats Too

If you have a smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, etc.) connected through Seam, Vanio can:

• Read current temperature
• Set heating, cooling, or auto mode
• Adjust target temps before guest arrival
• Pull back when no one's there to save energy

Same dashboard, same automation triggers.

Noise & Air Quality (Optional)

Add a Netatmo sensor and Vanio monitors:

• Noise levels (default alert: 70dB — about a loud conversation)
• CO2
• Humidity
• Temperature

When noise crosses your threshold during a reservation, Vanio can send the guest a polite warning automatically. If it continues, escalation kicks in. All without you being on site.

Common Questions

What if the guest's phone is dead and they can't see the code? They can text or call your property number — the AI sends it again instantly.

Can I override and unlock remotely? Yes — from the dashboard or via the AI ("unlock unit 4 for me").

What happens if I adjust the reservation dates after the guest already has their code? The same code keeps working — only the access window changes to match your new dates. No need to send updated codes to your guest.

What happens when I move a reservation to a different property? Vanio automatically creates a new access code for the new property with the correct duration for their full stay. The guest gets updated property details and access information in their portal. Their access to the original property is removed.

What if my lock isn't supported? Check the Seam supported list. If it's not there, you can use a lockbox with manual codes.

Do I need WiFi at the property? Most smart locks need WiFi or a hub. Some (Igloohome, Yale Approach) work offline.

I don't see lock activity in my reservation timeline — what's wrong? This was a known issue that has been resolved. Lock events (code creation, unlock/lock activity, status changes) now appear correctly in your dashboard timeline for all reservations, including those with multiple message threads from platform updates.