The Latch G-M2 supports four ways to unlock your door: the DOOR app, a doorcode, a Latch Keycard, and a mechanical key. This article walks through day-to-day use.
Unlocking with the DOOR app
- Approach the door with your phone — make sure Bluetooth is enabled
- Open the DOOR app and tap the door tile, or use the iOS Lock Screen widget / Android widget if you have one set up
- Tap Unlock — the Lens lights up and the lever hub engages
- Turn the exterior lever to open the door
The lever engagement window lasts a few seconds — if you don't open the door in time, tap Unlock again.
Unlocking with a doorcode
- Tap any key on the Lens to wake it — the keypad lights up
- Enter your numeric doorcode
- The Lens spins to confirm — the lever hub engages for approximately 10 seconds
- Turn the exterior lever to open the door before the window closes
If the Lens flashes twice instead of spinning, the code wasn't accepted. Try again, and check that you're entering the right code for this door.
Unlocking with a Latch Keycard
- Tap any key on the Lens to wake it
- Hold your Latch Keycard flat against the center of the Lens
- The Lens spins — the lever hub engages for approximately 10 seconds
- Turn the exterior lever to open the door before the window closes
NFC range is very short — the Keycard must be in direct contact with the Lens.
Using the mechanical key
The Latch G-M2 includes a key cylinder on the exterior of the device. The mechanical key works at any time, independent of the app, batteries, or any credential — it is the most reliable backup if the device stops responding electronically.
- Insert the key into the cylinder
- Rotate one direction to retract the latchbolt — you can also turn the lever and pull the door open
- Rotate the other direction to throw or retract the deadbolt
Store the mechanical key somewhere accessible but secure — your property manager can clarify how keys are issued at your property.
Locking the door
The exterior lever is locked from outside at all times. After a successful unlock, the lever hub disengages automatically when the ~10-second credential window closes — no action is needed to re-lock the lever.
The deadbolt does not throw automatically. To extend the deadbolt:
- From inside: turn the interior thumbturn — the interior lever and thumbturn are always free, no credential needed
- From outside: use the mechanical key
Confirm the locking practice with your property manager — some properties require residents to throw the deadbolt when leaving.
Lens indicators at a glance
- Lens spins: credential accepted — the lever is engaged, turn it to open the door
- Lens flashes: credential not accepted — try again, check the right code is being entered
- Lens is dark: the device is asleep — tap any key to wake it
Low battery behavior
The Latch G-M2 runs on 6 AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. When the batteries get critically low, a battery warning appears in the DOOR app next to Device Details for that door — open the DOOR app → Access → tap the door → Device Details.
If the warning appears, perform a Door Sync first to get the most accurate reading, then contact your property manager so they can arrange a battery replacement before you lose access.
If the batteries fully deplete and the app, doorcode, and Keycard all stop responding, you have two recovery options:
- Mechanical key (recommended): use the key in the exterior cylinder to enter — this works regardless of battery state and is the simplest path back inside.
- Qi wireless charger (emergency): hold a Qi-compatible wireless charger against the exterior Lens. With the charger in contact, open the DOOR app and tap Unlock — the device draws enough power from the charger to perform a Bluetooth unlock once. Use this only if the mechanical key isn't available.
See Latch G-M2 troubleshooting for what to do if neither path works.
Related articles
- Unlocking your door with the DOOR app
- Latch G-M2 overview
- Latch G-M2 troubleshooting
- Latch G-M2 specifications