Some Latch devices include a physical mechanical keyway. If you have a mechanical key, you can use it to unlock your door at any time — no app, or permissions required. It's especially useful when the device is unresponsive, unpowered, or its electronics fail. Mechanical keys ship with the device, but your property management team decides whether to issue them to residents.
About this feature
Mechanical key support depends on the model installed at your unit. The following Latch devices include a mechanical keyway:
- Latch C1
- Latch M1
- Latch M2
- Latch M (G) — also written G-M2
- Latch M3
Other Latch devices, including the Latch R series and Latch C2, do not have a mechanical keyway.
Even on supported models, your property decides whether to issue mechanical keys. Some buildings give one to every resident; others keep them centrally and distribute them on request.
How to identify if your lock has a mechanical key
Look at the front of your unit's Latch device. If you see a small keyway slot near the lens, your lock supports a mechanical key. If the front is solid with no keyway visible, your model doesn't have one.
How to use the mechanical key
- Insert the key into the keyway on the front of the Latch device.
- Turn the key in the direction printed near the keyway (or the direction your property has shown you). Most installations turn clockwise to unlock.
- Open the door.
When you're done, remove the key and store it somewhere safe.
If you don't have a mechanical key and need access
Contact your property management team. They can issue you a mechanical key if your model supports one and your building's policy allows it.
If you need access right now and don't have a key, see What if I lock my phone inside, the battery dies, or my phone is stolen? and I'm locked out of my door — what do I do? for alternative unlock methods.
Related articles
- What if I lock my phone inside, the battery dies, or my phone is stolen?
- I'm locked out of my door — what do I do?
- Changing the batteries in your Latch device