Latch M, C, C2, and E-Genius

Latch M, Latch C, and Latch C2 are all battery-powered and will work as normal in the event of a property-wide power outage. Learn more about managing battery life here. If your M Series (Generation 2) is wired and there is an outage, the device will switch to battery power automatically. When power comes back on, it will switch back to wired power.

Latch R

Latch R requires a constant power connection in order to work. In the event of power loss, due to a property-wide outage, for example, it is important that it is immediately updated once power resumes. Failing to update the device after power loss may cause disruption to guest access and Schedules.

Fail-safe and fail-secure

It is important that the R is correctly wired and programmed in order to fail-safe (stay unlocked) or fail-secure (stay locked) in the event of power loss based on the hardware at the door where the R Device is installed. Please consult your property installer for guidance.

Door State Notifications (DSN) is an optional feature for the Latch R that sends notifications to property managers based on door states. Notification emails can be configured to be sent to property managers when doors are left ajar or opened without a valid credential. This is a great way to improve the security of a building without hiring additional staff. Please note that additional sensors are required for this functionality.

Door States:

• Door Ajar: When a door is left ajar, a notification email can be configured to be sent after 30, 60, or 90 seconds.
• Door Still Ajar: If the door remains ajar, an email can be configured to be sent every 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
• Door Breached: When a door is opened without a valid credential, a notification email is sent.
• Door Secure: When a door is not in the Door Secure state and the door is then closed, a Door Secure notification is sent.

Automatic Unlock and Automatic Relock:

Two additional features that are an advantage of the sensors used for DSN, are automatic unlock and relock. The Latch R can be set to automatically unlock when it detects motion on the secure side of the door, allowing egress without manual intervention like pushing a button. The Latch R can also be set to automatically relock as soon as the door has been opened, preventing additional people from entering through an unopened door.

Subscribing and Unsubscribing from Notifications:

Please contact support@latch.com to subscribe or unsubscribe from Door State Notifications.

Managing battery life at your property, whether one Latch device or many, is easy.

Low Battery Alerts and Reading Battery Life

Property Management:

If you are a Portfolio Manager or a property manager with device management permissions, you can expect to receive low battery notifications when devices at your property fall below a specific battery level, depending on the device type and assuming normal usage. Specifically, for the devices running on Firmware starting with G (C2, eGenius, Latch M), you will receive alerts when battery levels drop below 20%; M devices and C devices not running on G Firmware will send Low Battery Alerts at 15%.

If you'd like to check the battery life at your property, you may pull an Access Devices report via Latch Mission Control or view the battery percentages in the Latch Manager App by selecting a door 

Residents:

Residents can expect to see a red dot in their Latch device when their Firmware would benefit from an upgrade or their device's battery has fallen below 15%. 

How do I change the batteries in a Latch device?

For steps on how to change the batteries in a Latch device, check out the steps in this article.

How long do batteries last?

• The Latch M's batteries should last 12 months under normal usage with 6 x AA Duracell non-rechargeable batteries.
• The Latch C2’s batteries should last 24 months under normal usage with 6 x AA Duracell non-rechargeable batteries.  
• The Latch C1’s batteries should last roughly 9 months under normal usage with 6 x AA Duracell non-rechargeable batteries.  
• The e-Genius Powered by Latch's batteries should last 18 months under normal usage with 6 x AA Duracell non-rechargeable batteries.  

It's easy to swap out or deactivate a Latch device without causing disruption. Deactivating removes all access from the device, and disassociates it from the door which it was assigned to. Once deactivated, a different door can then be reassigned to the device.

1. Deactivate the Existing Latch Device 

1. Ensure you have unlock access to the door - if you don't, ask your administrator to give you access. You won't be able to deactivate the door unless a key holding it is assigned to your account.
2. Using the Manager App, navigate to the devices list.
3. Select the door which you want to deactivate the Latch device from.
4. Select 'deactivate.'

2. Activate a New Latch Device on the Door

• Ensure that the door name remains unchanged when programming the new Latch device. This ensures that the right people will still be able to access this door. 
• Follow the steps in this article to Activate Devices with the Latch Manager App.

Door updates are an integral part of operating the Latch system. Any user with Latch App access to a door may perform a door update; any property manager with device management may perform a door update using the Latch Manager App (note the differences below)

Doors without an internet connection require an update whenever you:

1. Revoke someone's access
2. Activate a Keycard 

Note: Doors are automatically updated whenever someone unlocks a door for the first time with the app (during the “setting up” process). You may also intervene and update the doors yourself with the Latch Manager App or the Latch App (e.g. if the user plans to use a doorcode or Keycard to interact with their door and is unable to use the Latch App).

Door Updates in the Latch App v. Latch Manager App

A door update using the Latch Manager Application will push information to the Latch device, but won't pull information. For example, it will sync access changes but won't pull the most recent battery information. A door update with the Latch App will both push and pull information to/from the Latch device. Latch App updates will sync access changes and pull the most recent data from the device, such as battery data or activity logs. As such, we recommend performing door updates with the Latch App whenever feasible. 

How to update a door using the Latch Manager App

In the Latch Manager App (iOS), go to open the 'door update tasks due today' list in blue, then choose the door you wish to update. Alternatively, you may select a door and tap 'Update' from the door page. 

How to update a door using the Latch App

In the Latch App (download links: iOS, Android), while physically at the Latch device):

1. Swipe up to "My doors" or "My Spaces"
2. In your Door List, tap the Door you want to update.
3. Below the Door name, select "Update" in blue.
4. Then, tap the blue "Update" button.

The update should only take a few moments. During this time, please do not step away from the device or close your app. Once your Door is updated, a green check mark will appear, along with the date and time of the last update.

Firmware Upgrades offer numerous optimizations and improvements to Latch device performance, functions and overall security. Residents with 3rd Generation Latch Devices (where Firmware begins with 'G' can perform their own Firmware Upgrades with the Latch App. 

To Firmware Upgrade the Latch device (while physically at the device):

1. Open the Latch Manager App (available only on iOS devices)
2. Select the corresponding property
3. Select the corresponding door / lock name
4. Select 'Firmware Upgrade and Update'

The Firmware Upgrade may take up to 10 minutes. During this time, please do not step away from the device or close out the App. If the Firmware Upgrade fails upon first try, please reset the Manager App by closing out and reopening the App, then reattempt the Upgrade 2-3 more times. If unsuccessful after 3 tries, please let us know.

Inductive Jumpstart allows certain Latch devices (with 3rd Generation Latch Lens) to be powered and unlocked in the event the batteries unexpectedly drain or fail, ensuring that you can access your unit by using a Qi-compatible power bank (such as the one linked here) to power the device.

Inductive Jumpstart is available on all Latch devices with a 3rd generation Latch Lens. To determine if your Latch device has a 3rd generation Latch Lens, select the door in your Latch App and choose 'Device Details.' If the Firmware begins with 'G,' your device would be compatible with Qi charging. 

Watch our Inductive Jumpstart training video here or run through the steps below:

• Step 1 - Get a Qi power bank (such as the one linked here or a compatible 2-way power share enabled phone). 
• Step 2 - Turn the power bank on and hold the charging coil over the center of the lens.  Note that charging coils vary from device to device, but the center is a good bet.  It is ok if you need to rotate the thumb turn slightly to get it over the center.  
  
  
• Step 3 - You will hear a buzz as the device boots up. This means you have found the right location.  Keep holding the power bank or phone in power share mode in this location.
  
  
• Step 4 - While continuing to power the lens via the power bank, perform a BLE unlock with a device that has Latch App access to the lock.  You should hear a click as the device unlocks.  
  
  
• Step 5 - Once you hear the click, you’re good to remove the power bank and unlock your device.  
  
  
• Step 6 - Replace the dead batteries before closing and locking the door again. Perform a manual door update.