This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and using iOS Shortcuts to unlock doors with the DOOR App, offering a convenient and seamless unlocking experience.
What is iOS Shortcut Unlock?
iOS Shortcuts let you automate actions on your iPhone—like unlocking a door—using taps, voice commands, widgets, or automations.
This allows you to unlock doors without opening the DOOR App manually, making the experience faster and more seamless.
Note: Please know that you can set up your Shortcuts only for Building Entrances, not for Residential/Unit locks.
Setting Up a Door Unlock Shortcut
Create the Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
- Tap the “+” (top-right corner)
- Tap Add Action
- Search for and select the DOOR App
- Choose “Unlock a door”
- Select the door you want to unlock
- Tap Done
- (Optional) Rename the shortcut for easier use (e.g., “Front Door”)
If Doors Don’t Appear During Setup
If your doors are not showing up when creating the shortcut, initialize them first:
- Open the DOOR App
- Go to Access
- Select the desired door
- Scroll down and tap “Add to Widget”
- Add the DOOR widget to your home screen
After doing this once, your doors should appear in Shortcuts.
Troubleshooting
Siri Doesn’t Unlock or Shortcut Doesn’t Respond
If Siri doesn’t recognize your command or the shortcut only works manually, follow these steps:
Step 1: Reconfigure Siri for the Door
Note: Siri voice commands are currently only available for common area or building entry doors. Siri is not available for residential unit doors.
- Open the DOOR App
- Go to Access
- Select the door you want
- Tap “Siri & Shortcuts”
- Use the exact phrase shown in the app (example: “Unlock door with DOOR”)
- When prompted, confirm the door manually
After confirming once, Siri should work normally going forward.
Step 2: Recreate the Shortcut
If the shortcut is unreliable:
- Delete the existing shortcut
- Recreate it from scratch in the Shortcuts app
Note: Sometimes the shortcut appears unresponsive (no visual confirmation), but the door still unlocks successfully.
Step 3: If Shortcut Requires “Long Path”
If you must open:
Shortcuts → Door → Select door → Unlock
This usually means the shortcut is not fully configured. Recreating it and re-linking Siri (steps above) typically resolves the issue.
Customizing How You Trigger the Shortcut
Option 1: Back Tap
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
- Assign your door shortcut
- Tap the back of your phone to test
Option 2: Lock Screen Shortcut
- Wake your screen and hold to customize the Lock Screen
- Tap Customize → Lock Screen
- Replace an existing shortcut with your door shortcut
- Tap Done
Option 3: Apple Watch
- Open the shortcut in Shortcuts
- Tap the three dots (•••)
- Tap the info (i) icon
- Enable “Show on Apple Watch”
- Tap Done
Then on your Apple Watch:
- Open Shortcuts
- Tap your door shortcut
Note: Both devices must have Bluetooth enabled and be within range.
Option 4: Shortcuts Widget
- Long-press your home screen
- Tap Edit → Add Widget
- Select Shortcuts
- Choose your door shortcut
- Add and place the widget
Advanced Uses
Voice Commands (Accessibility)
You can trigger your shortcut using custom voice commands:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control
- Tap Commands → Custom → Create New Command
- Enter a phrase (e.g., “Open my door”)
- Assign Run Shortcut → [Your Shortcut]
Automation
You can automate unlocking under conditions like:
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Time of day
- Location
Set this up in the Automation tab inside the Shortcuts app.
FAQs
Can I create shortcuts for multiple doors?
Yes. Each shortcut controls one door, but you can create multiple shortcuts and assign them to different triggers.
Note: This can be set for Building Entrances, not for Residential/Unit locks.
Security Recommendations
- Do not share shortcuts that unlock doors
- Review automations carefully to avoid accidental or unsafe triggers
- Avoid overly broad triggers (e.g., location-only without confirmation)