How Do I Set Up My Level Lock Key Card?

Problem Description

You want to set up an NFC key card to unlock your Level Lock. Key card access is available on the Level Lock+ model and provides a tap-to-unlock option for guests or family members who do not have the Level app. This guide covers adding key cards through the app and testing them at the lock.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

Level's NFC key cards are the answer for people who need keyless entry without the app - guests, kids, or anyone you don't want to add as an app user - and they're a feature of the Level Lock+ and Touch models. Setup happens in the Level app: you add each card, register it by tapping it to the lock during the guided process, and assign it to a user (optionally with an access schedule). The most common setup snag is not completing the registration - the card has to be fully added and tapped at the correct spot on the lock face to be learned, and the app needs to stay connected to the lock over Bluetooth during the process.

Day-to-day, a card that's registered but 'not recognized' usually comes down to the tap location and the lock's power. NFC is very short-range, so the card has to be tapped at the specific sensing spot on the lock, and a weak CR2 battery shrinks the read range and makes reads unreliable - a fresh lithium CR2 fixes intermittent card reads. A physically damaged or demagnetized card simply needs replacing. If a card works for you but not a guest, check its assigned user and any access schedule in the app, since a card can be restricted to certain times. Keep firmware current for reliable NFC performance.

Symptoms

• Adding an NFC key card to the lock
• Key card not recognized at the lock
• Card added in the app but won't unlock
• Guest can't use the card
• Card works intermittently
• Unsure where to tap the card
• Card setup won't complete
• Want keyless access without the app

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Key card access is a Level Lock+/Touch feature (not all models)
• Card not fully added/registered in the Level app
• Tapping the wrong spot on the lock
• Weak CR2 battery reducing NFC read range
• Card demagnetized or damaged
• Bluetooth/app not connected during setup
• Firmware out of date
• Card assigned to the wrong user/permissions

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Check your Level Lock model supports key cards

Key card access is available on the Level Lock+ (the model with NFC built into the exterior escutcheon). The Level Bolt and original Level Lock do not support key cards. Check your lock model in the Level app under Device Info. If you have the Level Lock+, the NFC reader is embedded in the exterior faceplate near the keyhole area.

2

Add a key card in the Level app

Open the Level app > tap your lock > Settings > Key Cards. Tap Add Key Card. The app prompts you to hold an NFC-compatible card against the lock exterior. Use the included Level key cards or any ISO 14443 NFC card (many hotel key cards, transit cards, and NFC stickers work). Hold the card flat against the lock faceplate for 2-3 seconds until the lock chirps and the app confirms enrollment. Name the card (e.g., 'Front Door Card', 'Spare Key Card').

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3

Test the key card

With the door closed, hold the enrolled key card against the lock exterior. The lock should unlock within 1-2 seconds and the bolt retracts. To lock: hold the card again. The key card toggles the lock state each time. If the lock does not respond, check the card position — hold it centered on the lock faceplate, not off to the side. NFC range is very short (under 1 inch), so the card must be close.

4

Manage multiple key cards

You can enroll multiple key cards — one for each family member or a spare. In the Level app, each card appears in the Key Cards list with its name and enrollment date. To revoke access: tap the card and select Remove. The lock immediately stops accepting that card. This is useful for temporary access — give a guest a key card and revoke it after their visit. The lock supports up to 20 enrolled key cards.

5

Fix key card not recognized

If an enrolled card is not working: re-enroll it. Remove the card from the app and add it again. If a third-party NFC card does not work, it may not be ISO 14443 type — try a different card. Metal cards (like Apple Card) do not work reliably because metal interferes with NFC. Thick phone cases also block NFC if you are using an NFC sticker on your phone as a key card. Check battery level — below 15% battery can cause the NFC reader to become unreliable.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Need More Help? Level Lock Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Level Lock's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.

How Does Level Lock Compare?

Before replacing your Level Lock device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.