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How to Program Kwikset Unite Fobs in the ButterflyMX OS

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 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: Phase 1 Limitation — On-Site Encoding Required

Kwikset 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.

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

How to Encode a New Fob for a Resident

Use these steps when issuing a Kwikset fob to a resident for the first time.

⚠️ You must be physically at a 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
  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 card readers throughout the building — no separate programming needed for building entry points.

📢 Coming soon: Kwikset fob support for Monarch Intercoms is on the way!

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 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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