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How to Program Kwikset Unite Fobs in ButterflyMX

Overview

If your property uses Kwikset UNITE smart locks integrated with ButterflyMX, residents have two ways to access their unit and common area doors:

  1. ButterflyMX mobile app (Swipe-to-Open via Bluetooth)
  2. Kwikset fob — a physical credential that works at both Kwikset UNITE unit locks and ButterflyMX card readers throughout the building

One of the best parts of the Kwikset fob? Residents only need one fob for building-wide access — it works at their unit door and at ButterflyMX card readers and Monarch intercoms at common entry points.

📎 For a full overview of the Kwikset UNITE integration, visit How to Manage Your Kwikset UNITE Smart Lock in the ButterflyMX OS.

⚠️ Important Limitation — On-Site Encoding Required

If you are programming a Kwikset fob to work on Kwikset Unite locks, please note that these fobs cannot be encoded remotely. Unlike standard ButterflyMX key fobs (which use a USB programmer at a computer), Kwikset fobs must be encoded physically on-site using a Kwikset UNITE lock as the encoder and the ButterflyMX mobile app by the property manager using the steps below.

⚠️ However ⚠️  if you are looking to program a Kwikset fob for use at ButterflyMX access control doors such as Intercoms and Card Readers only, then please follow the steps farther down below to Program a New Kwikset Fob for a Vendor. This step can be done remotely, utilizing only the fob ID printed on the back of the Kwikset fob.

What You'll Need

Before encoding any fobs, make sure you have the following ready:

  • ✅ A user account with Property Manager or Admin role in the ButterflyMX OS
  • ✅ The ButterflyMX mobile app installed on your phone (iOS or Android)
  • ✅ Bluetooth enabled on your phone
  • ✅ Physical access to a Kwikset UNITE lock on the property
  • ✅ The Kwikset fob(s) you plan to encode
  • ✅ The resident's account already added in the ButterflyMX OS

Use the ButterflyMX OS and mobile app for all resident access changes — including fob programming — so no need to use the Kwikset UNITE app. 

How to Encode a New Kwikset Fob for a Resident

Use these steps when issuing a Kwikset fob for a resident or user who needs access to a smart lock. Before proceeding, please confirm the resident is an active user in the ButterflyMX OS and assigned to their appropriate unit. Smart locks are mapped to their corresponding unit number (ie smart lock 101 is assigned to unit 101, etc).

⚠️ You must be physically at any Kwikset UNITE lock on the property to complete this process.

  1. Open the ButterflyMX app on your phone
  2. At the top of the home screen, tap "+ Kwikset Fob"
  3. Follow the in-app prompts to initiate fob encoding
    1. When asked to provide the fob ID number, please enter the 4-6 digit ID number printed at the top of the Kwikset fob
  4. When prompted, hold the fob against the Kwikset UNITE lock to complete encoding
  5. Once encoding is confirmed in the app, the fob is active and ready for the resident to use

 

💡 Good to know: The encoded fob will work at both the resident's Kwikset UNITE unit lock and ButterflyMX access control devices (card readers and intercoms) throughout the building — no separate programming needed for building entry points.

How to Program a New Fob for a Vendor

Use these steps when issuing a Kwikset fob to a vendor or user who does not have access to any Kwikset smart locks. Before proceeding, please confirm they are an active user in the ButterflyMX OS and assigned to appropriate access groups.

⚠️ You do not need to be at the property to complete this process. This process can be done remotely since this user does not need access to any Kwikset locks, just ButterflyMX devices.

  1. Open the ButterflyMX OS on your desktop
  2. Navigate to the intended Tenant's profile
  3. Select "Add Access Tool"
  4. Choose "Add Key Fob & Card"
  5. When asked to provide the fob ID number, please enter the 4-6 digit ID number printed at the top of the Kwikset fob
  6. Hit save
  7. Once the key fob ID is saved to the tenant profile, it is ready for the vendor to use on ButterflyMX card readers and intercoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I encode a Kwikset fob remotely without visiting the property? A: No. Kwikset fobs can only be encoded on-site using a physical Kwikset UNITE lock as the encoder. This is a current Phase 1 limitation of the integration.

Q: Can I use both ButterflyMX fobs and Kwikset fobs at my property? A: No. After a Kwikset firmware is installed, the ButterflyMX card readers will only support Kwikset fobs. 

Q: Do I need to program the fob separately for card readers and the unit lock? A: No! One encoding session covers both. The Kwikset fob works at Kwikset UNITE unit locks and ButterflyMX card readers and intercoms after a single encoding at any UNITE lock.

Q: How many fobs can one resident have? A: A resident can have multiple fobs associated with their account if needed (e.g., a spare for a household member). Each fob must be encoded on-site separately.

Q: Can I make an admin fob? A: Not exactly. Kwikset fobs have a limitation that restricts each fob to a maximum of 22 locks. This means that if you are trying to assign a fob to an administrator who needs access to more than 22 locks, the system will automatically assign access only to the first 22 locks that the user has access to. Unfortunately, there is no way to extend this limit or create a fob that grants access to more locks at this time.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues with fob encoding or management, we're here to help!

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