What is auto-unlock?
Auto-unlock is a feature where Sesame will automatically unlock your door as you approach.
This feature uses your device GPS to determine that you're coming back to your door, and Bluetooth to pass the unlock command to your Sesame. This feature is available to owners, managers, and guests.
How do I set up auto-unlock?
For you to turn Auto-Unlock on, please follow the steps below:
- Open the Sesame app, click on the four circles on the top left of the main menu
- Tap on the little gear icon on the top right of your Sesame sidebar
- In Account Settings, scoll to the “KNOCK & AUTO-UNLOCK” section
- First enable the “KNOCK & AUTO-UNLOCK” function, marked as “1”. Second, click under the auto-unlock feature to place a checkmark. This will enable auto-unlock for that Sesame.
- You will be asked to set your location; double check to make sure the GPS is enabled in your phone’s settings.
- When the Auto-Unlock function is successfully set up, the message “Location updated successfully” will show up. Click the X on the top left corner to close this screen.
Congratulations, you’re all set here.
TIP: Changing locations. If you ever need to change the location associated with your Sesame, uncheck all auto-unlock/knock to unlock checkmarks, then re-check them to set the new location.
What's required for auto-unlock to work?
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Make sure you have enabled location services (turn on Wi-Fi for more accurate location) - the auto-unlock function relies on your GPS location to "wake" your Sesame app so it's ready to auto-unlock
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Make sure your Bluetooth is on - Sesame will open your door when your phone connects via Bluetooth
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Make sure notifications are enabled - notifications are required to enable auto-unlock on Android devices; the sticky notification keeps the auto-unlock service from getting suspended by your OS
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Make sure your door is locked - the auto-unlock function will not work if your door is currently unlocked
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Check geofence triggers by exiting and entering the GPS range of your Sesame - you will receive a "Goodbye" notification when you exit the geofence around your Sesame and a "Welcome back" notification when you enter. If you do not receive the "Welcome back" notification, your auto-unlock will not trigger.
Approach your door with the Sesame app minimized - the auto-unlock feature will not work if your Sesame app is open when you enter Bluetooth range, so make sure your Sesame app is running in the background when you approach your door
If you have done all of the above correctly, Sesame should unlock your door. Sometimes it can take a moment or two for your phone to connect to Sesame via Bluetooth, but assuming you've ensured all of the above, auto-unlock should work!
TIP: Unlock your screen. Unlocking your screen can help increase the speed and success rate of the auto-unlock function. This is because manufacturers design most devices to be at an "at rest" or "battery saving" state when the screen is locked, and this can interfere with the functions required for auto-unlock to work. Keeping the screen unlocked will speed up the Bluetooth connection to Sesame as your phone will be in an active state and faster to complete the required Bluetooth scan.
How does the geofence work?
Placing a checkmark and setting the location will set a geofence around your Sesame. You will receive a "Goodbye" notification when you leave this area and a "Welcome back" notification when you enter it. This geofence has a radius of around 100m.
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The "Welcome back" notification is required because background apps are frequently suspended by your phone's OS after a period of inactivity. The "Welcome back" notification will "wake" the Sesame app so it's running in the background again, rather than suspended. Without this step, it can't pass the unlock command to your Sesame, so if you don't see a "Welcome back" notification when you get close to your Sesame, auto-unlock will not trigger. After you receive the "Welcome back" notification and your phone connects to Sesame's Bluetooth, your Sesame will unlock. Please note that you won't receive the "Welcome back" notification if you remain in the geofence area - it only triggers if you exit and re-enter the area.
Why doesn’t my “auto unlock” work even when I am in the 100m radius? Or why is it triggering when it's not supposed to?
The Sesame app relies on the location information provided by your device to determine when auto-unlock should be triggered, but this can be an issue if your device or your location is particularly susceptible to GPS drift. If GPS drift puts you outside of the 100m radius when you return, you won't get the "Welcome back" notification and your Sesame will not auto-unlock. On the other hand, if you're inside your home but your GPS drift is causing your location to exit and re-renter the geofence, your auto-unlock may trigger even though you never left your home.
To reduce the chances of this happening, please keep Wi-Fi enabled on your phone as it assists in keeping your location more accurate. If GPS drift remains severe for you despite keeping Wi-Fi enabled, you may not be able to use auto-unlock with your Sesame. We apologize for the inconvenience! Unfortunately GPS drift is dependent on your device and location and there isn't anything we can do to reduce it in the app.
Hope this helps and please don't hesitate to contact us at sesame@candyhouse.co if you have any further questions!
