Smart Locks & IoT
Vanio creates unique door codes for every guest automatically. Works with 30+ lock brands plus thermostats and noise sensors.
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
- Guest books a property
- Vanio creates a unique 4-8 digit code for that reservation
- The code activates at check-in time (you set the buffer)
- Vanio shares the code with the guest in the guest portal — only revealed close to check-in time
- After checkout, the code stops working automatically
- The next guest gets a fresh code
You don't touch anything. It just works.
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
- Install your smart lock at the property (follow the manufacturer's guide)
- In Vanio, go to Settings → Apps → Smart Locks
- Connect Seam (or Igloohome directly) with your account
- Pick which lock belongs to which property
- 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.
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 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.
This guide is also relevant for: