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Residents - How to Set Up and Use Wallet Access

Learn how to add your Wallet key and use it to unlock doors—no physical key required.

Written by Support

Wallet Access allows you to unlock your door by simply tapping your phone or smartwatch against the lock—just like using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Why use Wallet Access?

  • No App Required: You don’t need to open the Quext app to unlock your door.

  • Works Offline: It works even if you have no cell service or Wi-Fi.

  • Dead Battery Friendly: On supported devices, it works even if your phone battery dies.

Compatibility & Operating System Requirements
Wallet access is available on most modern smartphones and wearables that support contactless payments.

  • iPhone: iPhone 8 or newer, running a current version of iOS with Apple Wallet

  • Android: NFC-enabled Android phones running Android 9 or newer with Google Wallet

  • Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 4 or newer (paired with a compatible iPhone)

  • Android Wearables: Wear OS watches with NFC and Google Wallet support

Tip: If your phone or watch can make contactless payments, it will work for tap-to-unlock.


Setting Up Your Key

To get started, you need to add the digital key to your phone’s wallet app.

  1. Open the Quext app.

  2. On the dashboard, look for the Wallet Access prompt and tap Get Started. (You can also find this in your Profile settings).

  3. Tap Add to Wallet.

  4. Follow the system prompts to add the key to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

Recommendation for iPhone Users: During setup, you will be asked to enable Express Mode. We highly recommend turning this ON. This allows you to unlock your door without using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, and ensures you can still enter your home for several hours after your iPhone battery runs out.


Important: Sync Your Lock

Please Read: After adding the key to your phone, your door lock needs to "download" this new digital key before it will work. This does not always happen instantly.

If your community has a thermostat hub: The lock will usually update automatically within a few minutes.

If you need access immediately: You can manually update the lock using the Quext app:

  1. Stand near your door.

  2. Open the Quext app.

  3. Tap on your lock to view the details.

  4. Tap the Sync button.

  5. Wait for the success message (green checkmark).


How to Unlock Your Door

IMPORTANT: Hold your phone directly, horizontally under the Schlage logo to unlock with Wallet

Once your setup is complete and the lock is synced:

  1. Hold the top of your phone (or the face of your watch) near the lock reader.

    1. Tip: Be sure to hold the top of your phone horizontally right underneath the logo on your lock until you see a green light to unlock with Wallet. Think of this working the same way a credit card reader does!

    2. You do not need to wake your phone or open the app.

  2. The lock will beep/flash green (or give some kind of positive acknowledgement).

  3. Engage with your lock to open your door.


Common Questions

My phone buzzes or the pass pops up, but the door won't unlock.

This means your phone is working, but the lock hasn't received your key data yet.

  • The Fix: Open the Quext app, go to your lock screen, and tap Sync. Once the sync finishes, try tapping your phone again.

  • Note: If you cannot sync the lock yourself, please contact property staff for assistance.

Can I still get in if my phone battery dies?

  • iPhone: Yes, if you enabled Express Mode, your key will work for up to 5 hours after your phone shuts down due to low battery.

  • Android: Many newer Android models support limited access with a low battery.

I got a new phone. What do I do?

Simply log into the Quext app on your new phone and follow the setup steps above to add the key to your new wallet. You can have active keys on up to 5 devices at once.


Troubleshooting (Apple & Android)

Confirm your watch was selected during setup (most important)

When you first set up your mobile key, you may have been asked which devices to enable.

  • If your watch wasn’t selected, it won’t work yet

  • To fix this, open the Settings app in your phone and look for:

    • Mobile Key settings

    • Device management

    • Or re-run setup / re-add your key

👉 This is the #1 reason smartwatches don’t work

Make sure your phone and watch are connected

  • Your smartwatch must be paired to the same phone where your key is installed

  • Bluetooth should be on, and devices should be in range

Add your key to your watch

For iPhone + Apple Watch:

  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone

  • Select your apartment key

  • Tap “Add to Apple Watch” (if available)

For Android + Wear OS:

  • Open Google Wallet on your phone

  • Select your key

  • If supported, choose “Add to watch” or check your Watch settings

👉 If you don’t see an option to add it, you may need to remove and re-add the key after selecting your watch in setup

Make sure your watch is ready to scan

  • Wear your watch on your wrist

  • Keep it unlocked

  • Hold it close to the reader for a moment

⚠️ If it’s not working

  • Restart your phone and watch

  • Make sure both are up to date

  • Double-check your watch was selected during setup

  • Try removing and re-adding your key


Need help?

Use the Chat with Support feature in your Quext portal or Quext app.

You can also search our full help desk library within your Quext Help Center.

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