If your Latch device's batteries drain completely and the lens no longer responds, inductive jumpstart lets you temporarily power the lock with a Qi wireless charger so you can unlock the door and get in. It's an emergency measure — you hold the charger against the lens, perform a Bluetooth unlock, and replace the batteries once you're inside.
About this feature
Inductive jumpstart works only on Latch devices that have a 3rd Generation Latch Lens (the Geneva Lens). On a compatible device, the lens accepts power from a Qi-compatible charger long enough to boot up and accept one Bluetooth unlock.
Check whether your device supports it before you need it. In the DOOR App, open Access, select the door, and tap Device Details. If the Firmware value begins with the letter G, the device has a 3rd Generation Latch Lens and supports inductive jumpstart. Devices with this lens include the Latch C2, Latch M (G), Latch M3, and eGenius.
Not every Latch device supports this. If the firmware does not begin with "G", inductive jumpstart will not work:
- Latch M2 does not accept wireless charging. If its batteries are fully drained, use the mechanical key to get in instead.
- Latch C1 uses an earlier lens and has a mechanical key for the same purpose.
Inductive jumpstart powers the lock only while you hold the charger against it. It does not recharge the dead batteries — always replace them once you're inside.
Before you start
- A Qi-compatible power bank (such as a magnetic/MagSafe-style wireless power bank), or a phone that supports reverse wireless charging (also called power share or two-way charging). Make sure it's charged and turned on.
- A phone with DOOR App access to the lock, with Bluetooth on and the app open. This can be the same phone you're using to power the lens, or a second phone.
You can also watch the inductive jumpstart training video, or follow the steps below.
Steps
- Turn on your Qi power bank (or enable reverse wireless charging on your phone).
- Hold the charging coil flat against the center of the lens. The coil position varies between chargers, but the center is the best starting point. It's fine to rotate the thumbturn slightly to reach the center of the lens.
- Listen for a buzz as the device boots up — that sound confirms you've found the right spot. Keep holding the charger firmly in that position.
- While you continue powering the lens, perform a Bluetooth unlock from the DOOR App on a phone that has access to the lock. You'll hear a click as the device unlocks.
- Once you hear the click, remove the charger and open the door.
- Replace the dead batteries before you close and lock the door again, then perform a Door Sync so the lock's clock and access list are up to date.
If it didn't work
- No buzz when you hold the charger to the lens: the charging coil isn't aligned with the lens center. Reposition the charger, rotate the thumbturn to expose the center, and confirm the power bank is charged and switched on.
- You hear the buzz but no unlock click: the phone you're unlocking with may not have current access. Use a phone you know has access to this lock, stay within Bluetooth range (about 3 meters), and try the unlock again while keeping the charger in place.
- Your firmware doesn't begin with "G": your device doesn't support inductive jumpstart. If it's a Latch M2 or Latch C1, use the mechanical key. If you don't have a mechanical key, contact your property management team.
- Still no access: contact your property management team for an alternate entry method.
Related articles
- Changing the batteries in your Latch device
- What if I lock my phone inside, the battery dies, or my phone is stolen?
- How to perform a Door Sync