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.
How do I use Siri to Unlock a Door?
To unlock a door with Siri, either say "Hey, Siri" or "Siri" followed by "Unlock a door with DOOR". You will then see a screen that allows you to tap or say the name of the door you wish to unlock.
How do I Unlock a Residential Door with Shortcuts or Siri?
Siri and Shortcuts cannot unlock a residential door by default to provide the best security. To enable unlocking residential doors with Siri and Shortcuts, open the DOOR App, go to Access, tap the Settings icon in the top right corner, tap Siri & Shortcuts, and toggle Enable Siri for Residential Doors on. You can then ask Siri to unlock residential doors, or add your residential door to your iOS shortcuts.
Setting Up a Door Unlock Shortcut
Create the Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
- Tap on “All Shortcuts”
- Tap the “+” (top-right corner)
- Search for and select the DOOR App
- Choose “Unlock a door”
- Select the door you want to unlock
- Change the name of the shortcut and adjust any additional settings as you would like.
- (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 “Home”
- In the top right corner, select the desired property
- Go to “Access”
- Ensure the door you want to add shows in your access list
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, try these options:
Ensure you use the correct phrase when invoking Siri
To ask Siri to unlock a door with the DOOR app, ensure you use the correct phrase:
- "Unlock door with DOOR"
After which, you can say the name of the door that you want to unlock.
If you are trying to unlock your residence door with Siri, ensure "Enable Siri for Residential Doors" is enabled. This can be found in the DOOR App → Access → Settings (gear icon) → "Siri & Shortcuts" → Toggle "Enable Siri for Residential Doors"
Reconfigure the Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Go to “All Shortcuts”
- Tap the three dots (•••) on the shortcut you would like to reconfigure
- If the door has become unassigned from the shortcut, tap “Door ➲”
- Select the door you wish to unlock with the shortcut
- Press the play button to test the shortcut
After confirming once, Siri should work normally going forward.
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. Allow around 15 seconds for the shortcut to unlock the door.
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 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)