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How to Set Up the ButterflyMX Kwikset UNITE Smart Lock Integration

Context

The following information walks you through how to integrate your Kwikset UNITE smart lock with ButterflyMX.

⚠️ Important: The Kwikset UNITE integration is offline/BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) only. Locks do not connect to Wi-Fi. Residents access their unit locks via the ButterflyMX mobile app over Bluetooth while physically at the door. PIN codes are not supported with this integration — access methods are limited to Swipe-to-Open (BLE) and Kwikset fobs.

 

What You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:

  • ✅ Confirmed lock model — Only the Kwikset UNITE is supported. Halifax, SmartCode, and other Kwikset models are not compatible with this integration.
  • ✅ Complete unit/door matrix — Lock names assigned during commissioning must match the unit names already set up in the ButterflyMX OS.
  • ✅ Kwikset UNITE app invite — The UNITE app is invite-only. You cannot begin commissioning until ButterflyMX has created your site and sent you an invitation. Contact your ButterflyMX representative to initiate this step.
  • ✅ Commissioning phone — Must have Bluetooth enabled and internet access (cellular or Wi-Fi) during on-site setup.
  • ✅ Fobs (if applicable) — If the property will use Kwikset fobs, plan for an on-site fob encoding session at a Kwikset lock during or after commissioning.

What to Do

Step 1 — Receive Your Kwikset UNITE App Invitation

The Kwikset UNITE app is invite-only. ButterflyMX's Solutions Architecture team will:

  1. Create a UNITE site for the property
  2. Send an invitation to the installer's email address
  3. Add the property manager (if known) and ButterflyMX Support team to the site

⚠️ You cannot proceed with commissioning until you've received and accepted this invitation. Contact your ButterflyMX representative if you haven't received your invite.

Once you receive the invite:

  1. Download the Kwikset UNITE app on your iOS or Android device
  2. Create your account and sign in using the invited email
  3. Accept the site invitation — the property site will appear in your app

Step 2 — Install the Locks

Physically install all Kwikset UNITE locks on unit and/or common area doors per the manufacturer's installation instructions before commissioning.

📎 Refer to the Kwikset UNITE installation documentation for hardware-specific guidance.

Step 3 — Commission the Locks via the Kwikset UNITE App

You must be on-site to complete commissioning. Each lock must be commissioned individually:

  1. Open the Kwikset UNITE app and navigate to your property site
  2. Select Add Lock and follow the in-app instructions to commission each lock
  3. During commissioning, each lock will:
    • Connect to your phone via Bluetooth
    • Download and install the latest firmware (this may take a few minutes per lock)
  4. Name each lock to exactly match the unit/door matrix — this naming is critical for auto-mapping in the ButterflyMX OS

⚠️ Naming convention matters: Lock names must match the unit names in the ButterflyMX OS exactly. If they don't match, locks will not auto-map and will require manual correction. Confirm the unit naming convention with your ButterflyMX contact before commissioning.

Examples of good lock names:

  • Unit 101
  • Unit 202
  • Main Lobby
  • Amenity Room

Step 4 — Verify All Locks Appear in the UNITE App

Before notifying ButterflyMX:

  • Confirm all commissioned locks appear under your property site in the UNITE app
  • Confirm all locks are named correctly per the unit matrix
  • Confirm each lock shows as Active in the app

Step 5 — Notify ButterflyMX to Complete the Integration

Once commissioning is complete, contact ButterflyMX Support to let them know:

ButterflyMX will then:

  1. Import the UNITE site into the Smart Lock Admin Portal
  2. Map all commissioned locks to their corresponding units in the ButterflyMX OS
  3. Confirm when the integration is active and ready for resident access

Step 6 — Fob Encoding (If Applicable)

If the property will use Kwikset fobs for access:

⚠️ Phase 1 Limitation: Kwikset fobs can currently only be encoded using a physical Kwikset UNITE lock as the encoder. A ButterflyMX property manager role is required to initiate fob encoding from the app.

To encode fobs:

  1. A user with Property Manager or Admin role must open the ButterflyMX app
  2. At the top of the screen, choose "+ Kwikset Fob" to begin
  3. Follow the in-app instructions to initiate fob encoding
  4. Hold the fob against the Kwikset UNITE lock to complete encoding

Good to know: Kwikset fobs are also compatible with ButterflyMX access readers — residents only need one fob for both the unit lock and building entry points. Future Kwikset fob support for Monarch Intercoms is coming soon!

Plan for an initial on-site fob programming session. Any future fob changes will also require an on-site encode step at a Kwikset lock.

Step 7 — Test the Integration

Once ButterflyMX confirms mapping is complete:

  1. Add a test user to a unit in the ButterflyMX OS
  2. Using the ButterflyMX app on a mobile phone with Bluetooth enabled, navigate to the lock under Devices
  3. Stand within approximately 10 feet of the lock and perform a Swipe-to-Open
  4. Confirm the lock activates and the door releases
  5. Notify the property manager that the integration is live

Key Things to Know

Feature Details
Lock Model Kwikset UNITE only
Connectivity BLE / Bluetooth — No Wi-Fi required or supported
Access Methods ButterflyMX app (Swipe-to-Open via BLE) + Kwikset Fobs
PIN Codes ❌ Not supported
Fob Compatibility ✅ Kwikset fobs work on ButterflyMX card readers
Remote Unlock ❌ Not supported — Bluetooth proximity required
Lock Status in OS Shows as "Local Only" — this is expected, not an error
   

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