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How to Use Your Kwikset UNITE Smart Lock with the ButterflyMX App

Overview

If your building uses Kwikset UNITE smart locks integrated with ButterflyMX, you can unlock your apartment door and common area doors directly from the ButterflyMX mobile app using Bluetooth — no PIN, no physical key required.

Here's what you need to know to get started and get the most out of your smart lock.

What You'll Need

Before you can use your Kwikset UNITE smart lock, make sure you have:

  • ✅ The ButterflyMX mobile app — Download it for free on iOS (App Store) or Android (Google Play)
  • ✅ A ButterflyMX account — You should have received an email invitation from your property manager. If you haven't, contact your property management office.
  • ✅ Bluetooth enabled on your phone — Your Kwikset UNITE lock communicates with your phone via Bluetooth. You must have Bluetooth turned on in your phone's settings to unlock the door.
  • ✅ Internet access (cellular or Wi-Fi) — Your phone needs internet access to authenticate with ButterflyMX when unlocking.
  • ✅ Be physically near the door — You must be within approximately 10 feet of the lock to unlock it via Bluetooth.

How to Unlock Your Door

Using the ButterflyMX App (Swipe-to-Open)

  1. Open the ButterflyMX app on your phone
  2. On the home screen, you'll see your doors listed with a Swipe to Open button
  3. Swipe right on the button next to your unit lock (or the door you'd like to open)
  4. The app will connect to the lock via Bluetooth and unlock it — you'll see a confirmation on screen
  5. Open the door! 🎉

Important: You must be standing within approximately 10 feet of the door with Bluetooth turned on. Swipe-to-Open will not work if you're too far away or if Bluetooth is disabled. The closer to the lock, the stronger and more reliable the signal.

Good to know: Unlike online smart locks, you cannot unlock your Kwikset UNITE lock remotely from across the building or outside your property. You need to be close to the door. This is by design.

Using a Fob

If your property manager issued you a Kwikset fob, you can also use it to unlock your door:

  1. Hold your fob near the fob reader on the lock or the ButterflyMX card reader at the building entry point
  2. The door will unlock — no app required

Good news: Your Kwikset fob works at both your unit lock and ButterflyMX access points throughout the building (card readers) — one fob for everything. Monarch Intercom fob support is forthcoming! 

Don't have a fob yet? Contact your property management office to request one.

Setting Up Bluetooth on Your Phone

Your Kwikset UNITE lock uses Bluetooth to communicate with the ButterflyMX app. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled:

On iPhone:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Bluetooth
  3. Toggle Bluetooth ON

On Android:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Connected devices or Connections
  3. Tap Bluetooth and toggle it ON

You can also turn on Bluetooth from your phone's Control Center (iPhone) or Quick Settings panel (Android) without going into Settings.

First-Time Setup: Syncing Your Access

The first time you use your ButterflyMX app near your Kwikset UNITE lock, the app will automatically sync your access credentials to the lock over Bluetooth. This usually happens in less than 60 seconds.

For this to work:

  • Make sure you're logged into the ButterflyMX app with your account
  • Make sure your Bluetooth is on
  • Make sure you have internet access (cellular data or Wi-Fi) when syncing
  • Stand within 10 feet of your door

If you've just moved in and the lock doesn't respond to your first Swipe-to-Open attempt, try the following:

  1. Confirm Bluetooth is turned on
  2. Confirm you're logged into the correct ButterflyMX account
  3. Move closer to the door and try again
  4. If the issue persists, contact your property manager — they may need to confirm your unit assignment in the ButterflyMX OS

Troubleshooting

1) My door isn't unlocking when I swipe.

Check the following:

Problem Solution
Bluetooth is off Turn on Bluetooth in your phone settings
You're too far from the door Move within 10 feet of the lock and try again
No internet connection Connect to Wi-Fi or enable mobile data
App is outdated Update the ButterflyMX app in the App Store or Google Play
Just moved in and first sync hasn't happened Stand near the lock, open the app, and swipe — the first sync will happen automatically and can take up to 60 seconds
Locked out entirely Contact your property manager — your access may need to be confirmed in the ButterflyMX OS or your batteries may be drained

2) My fob isn't working.

Contact your property management office. Your fob may need to be re-encoded at the property.

3) I got a new phone. Will my access still work?

Yes! Simply:

  1. Download the ButterflyMX app on your new phone
  2. Log in with your existing ButterflyMX account
  3. Stand near your door lock with Bluetooth on and swipe to unlock — your credentials will sync automatically

4) I can't log into the ButterflyMX app.

Make sure you're using the same email or phone number you registered with. If you've forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password option on the login screen. If you're still having trouble, contact your property manager or ButterflyMX Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I unlock my door from the parking lot or from outside the building? A: No. The Kwikset UNITE lock connects via Bluetooth, which has a limited range of approximately 10 feet. You need to be physically close to your door to unlock it.

Q: Can I let a guest or visitor into my apartment through the app? A: The Kwikset UNITE lock does not support remote unlocking for guests. If you'd like to let someone in, you'll need to either be present to unlock the door yourself, or coordinate with your property manager about visitor access options.

Q: Do I need to keep Bluetooth on all the time? A: Bluetooth only needs to be on when you're unlocking your door. However, keeping Bluetooth enabled is recommended for the smoothest experience — it won't significantly drain your battery on modern phones.

Q: Can I use a PIN to enter my unit? A: No. PIN codes are not supported with the Kwikset UNITE integration. You can only access your unit using the ButterflyMX app (Swipe-to-Open) or a Kwikset fob.

Q: What if I lose my phone or fob? A: Contact your property management office immediately. They can remove your phone access or deactivate your fob from the ButterflyMX OS to prevent unauthorized entry.

Q: Why does the lock sometimes take a second or two to unlock? A: This is normal for Bluetooth-based locks. The app is establishing a secure Bluetooth connection with the lock each time you unlock. This usually takes 1–3 seconds. If it's consistently taking longer, check that Bluetooth is functioning properly on your phone.

Need Help?

If you're still experiencing issues after trying the steps above:

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