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Use Kisi on mobile

Our Android and iOS applications empower users to conveniently access Kisi-secured spaces using their smartphones, ensuring a seamless and efficient access control experience.

On this page​

Prerequisites​

  • Kisi organization membership
  • The Kisi Android app installed on your mobile
  • Android version 8.0 or later
  • NFC enabled (HCE mode)
  • Location services enabled
  • In some cases the phone screen must be unlocked
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If you encounter any problems with the Kisi application that was installed through mobile device management (MDM), ensure that the work profiles have been configured correctly and that the app has been granted access to NFC and Bluetooth.

Step 1: Download the Kisi mobile app​

To unlock Kisi-enabled doors using your mobile device, you must have the Kisi mobile app installed. Depending on your mobile operating system, use the following links:

Step 2: Enable location services​

The necessary location permissions are determined by your preferred mobile unlock methods and any door restrictions that may be in place. Location permissions are necessary in two scenarios:

  1. To unlock at the reader: if you prefer to unlock doors by tapping your mobile device to the reader, setting Location to Always provides optimal performance. While it may work without it, our testing indicates potential delays.
  2. To unlock doors at locations with additional security policies: If there isn't any reader installed at the facility, or if you prefer using in-app unlocks, you still might need to enable location permissions. Some facilities may require you to be physically nearby to unlock doors. In such cases, the app needs access to your location. If the app doesn't have access to your location, the unlock will be denied. If you have any questions about why location access is needed, please ask the facility's representative.

Depending on your mobile operating system, follow the instructions on the tabs below and set your preferred permissions.

  1. Open your Settings app
  2. Tap on Apps
  3. Select Kisi from the list
  4. Tap on Permission
  5. Tap on Location
  6. Under Location services for this app, select your preferred permission

For more information, read about Android app location permissions.

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Kisi does not track any location information. The location service only communicates with Kisi when an unlock is being performed, and only to verify the distance from the reported location to the address of the place you are trying to enter.

Step 3: Get access to your Kisi organization​

To use Kisi, you need to be a member of a Kisi organization. You should contact your Kisi admin to gain access to your designated space. If you're unsure about who your Kisi admin is, please get in touch with Kisi Support and provide the name of your company or residential building, and we will look it up for you.

Step 4: Sign in to your Kisi organization​

To see the list of doors you've been granted permission to, it's essential that you sign in to your Kisi organization's domain. You have two sign-in options:

  • Automatic sign-in via the magic link sent to your inbox
  • Manual sign-in by entering your organization's domain

Select the method that suits you best.

  1. Open your Kisi mobile app
  2. Tap on + Add account
  3. Enter your email and tap on Continue. You will receive an email containing your sign-in link.
  4. Proceed to your inbox and click on the provided link (e.g, 'Dream World Inc (domain: dreamworldinc)')
  • If your organization has Single Sign-On (SSO) enabled, you will be redirected to your identity provider. Sign in there using your username and password.
  • If your organization has not enabled SSO, you will be signed in automatically to Kisi.
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Self-requested sign-in links have a 30-minute expiration window. If you're unable to sign in within this timeframe, please request a new link.

Step 5: Unlock doors with Kisi​

Kisi provides three options to unlock doors with a mobile device.

Tap to Unlock​

Tap to Unlock allows you to unlock doors by tapping your mobile device against the Kisi reader, without having to actively use the app.

If your organization has enabled Tap to Unlock with Two-factor Authentication, you might need to unlock your mobile device before tapping it against the Kisi Reader.

Tap in-app​

Tap in-app allows you to unlock doors from within the Kisi app.

  1. Sign in to your Kisi organization, as described above
  2. Navigate to your place
  3. Tap on All doors
  4. Find the door your want to unlock
  5. Tap on the blue lock icon

MotionSense​

For doors with MotionSense enabled, you can unlock them with a simple wave of your hand, without the need to actively use your mobile device.

Based on your operating system, utilize the tabs below for guidance and instructions.

  • MotionSense enabled on the reader
  • The Kisi Android app installed
  • Bluetooth or NFC enabled
  • Phone nearby
  • Unrestricted app battery usage (Settings > Apps > Kisi > App battery usage > Unrestricted. Note: The steps might vary by mobile brand.)
  • Nearby devices permission enabled (Settings > Apps > Kisi > Nearby devices > Allow)
  • MotionSense enabled on the mobile (see below)
  1. Sign in to your Kisi organization, as described above
  2. Tap the user icon to open the User settings
  3. Tap on Hand wave unlock
  4. Enable Use hand wave unlock

Kisi mobile app troubleshooting​

  1. Check your internet connection: One of the most common causes of issues with the Kisi app is a poor internet connection. Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection.
  2. Update the app: Make sure that you have the latest version of the Kisi app installed on your device. If you are using an older version of the app, it may be incompatible with your device's operating system or may have bugs that have been fixed in later versions. The easiest way to ensure that your app is in the latest version is to uninstall it and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store or App Store.
  3. Check your device compatibility: Ensure that your device is compatible with the Kisi app. The Kisi app is compatible with devices running Android 8.0 or later and iOS 15.0 or later. If your device is not compatible with the app, you may experience issues such as crashes or the app not opening.
  4. Check app permissions: If you are experiencing issues when trying to unlock doors, make sure that the app has the necessary permissions. On iOS, go to Settings > Kisi > Permissions to view and adjust the app's permissions. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Kisi > Permissions to view and adjust the app's permissions.
  5. Restart the app and device: If the Kisi app is not working properly, try restarting the app and your device. This can often resolve minor issues such as freezing or crashing.
  6. Clear app cache and data: If you are still experiencing issues with the Kisi app, try clearing the app cache and data. This can resolve issues such as the app not loading or slow performance. On iOS, go to Settings > Kisi > Clear Cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Kisi > Storage > Clear Cache.

Common questions​

Why does my mobile app require location to be set as Always instead of Only when using the app?

The necessary location permissions are determined by your chosen unlock methods and any door restrictions that may be in place. When using Tap to Unlock, setting Location to Always provides optimal performance. While it may work without it, our testing indicates potential delays. See more example scenarios here.

When I try to unlock, I get the error "You are too far from the door". How to fix it?

Check if your localization service is active and you are near the door. How to Enable location services

When I try to unlock, I get the error "You are not close to a Kisi Reader". How to fix it?

Make sure that your Bluetooth is enabled and that you are close to the door-related Kisi Reader.

Why does the Bluetooth option not appear under app permissions?

Maybe the authorization to use Bluetooth was not granted when you went through the introduction pages the first time. To go through the introduction again, click the profile icon in the top right corner > Introduction.

Your device might be configured with time restrictions, preventing the Kisi app from requesting Bluetooth permissions. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Bluetooth Sharing and ensure Bluetooth is enabled for the Kisi app.

How do I fix Apple Pay opening automatically?

Kisi iOS users may notice that Apple Pay will sometimes activate when tapping their iPhone at a Kisi Reader. This is a harmless, albeit potentially unexpected, behavior resulting from how iPhones react to NFC readers. You may apply a simple workaround that will prevent this from happening:

  • Open your iPhone's Settings app
  • Tap on Face ID & Passcode
  • Authenticate with your face ID or passcode
  • Scroll down to the Allow Access When Locked section and set Wallet to disabled

This should now prevent Apple Pay from opening when scanning your iPhone at the reader, as long as the phone is locked.

Send logs to Kisi for further troubleshooting​

In case Kisi needs to investigate an issue further, we might ask you to send us the app logs. You can also submit a support request.

  1. Sign in to your Kisi app
  2. Tap the user icon to open the User settings
  3. Select the Help tab
  4. Tap About to see an overview of all required permissions
  5. Scroll down and tap on Send logs to Kisi Support
  6. Tap OK to confirm that you really want to send the app logs
Last updated on by Joakim Gyllström