Welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the new KIWI access system in your building. KIWI is the digital door access system for apartment buildings that makes your life more convenient, flexible, and secure.
Important: Every door, and every building, is different, and therefore not all the functions and doors described here may necessarily be part of the installation in your home. Whether your metal keys will be completely replaced or only some of the doors will be converted to KIWI depends on your housing company, which will provide you with specific details.
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Der Beitrag umfasst folgende Abschnitte 2. How your new digital access works |
1. Getting started
Your property management company will set up a KIWI account for you in advance and assign the necessary permissions. You will be able to open all doors immediately after installation.
- In most cases, you will receive KIWI transponders that have already been activated prior to installation of the products directly from your property management company.
- You can also use the free KIWI app. It offers additional functions, such as giving family members or friends access and generally providing more flexibility. It also provides you with important information about your door, such as the battery level. Important: Even without the KIWI app, you can always open your doors with the KIWI transponder.
- How to access the KIWI app: Contact your property management company or landlord. You can either provide your email address to register with KIWI or obtain a one-time code from your landlord's service center. The process only takes a few minutes.
2. How your new digital access works
KIWI replaces the traditional key with the KIWI app and/or the KIWI transponder. This means you always have a secure alternative for opening doors.
Your access media and their advantages
KIWI transponder:
- The transponder is always available, regardless of your smartphone.
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If lost, you can immediately block the transponder via the KIWI app or the web app.
KIWI app (free of charge):
- Open doors conveniently with your smartphone. With widgets and shortcuts (iOS), this can be done easily from the home screen and even via voice command (iOS).
- Assign access rights: You can easily activate access rights for family members or service providers and limit them in time. You have full control, without the need for a spare key.
Tip: There is also a browser-based version of the KIWI app at mobile.kiwi.ki. Even in the very unlikely event that your smartphone is dead and you don't have a transponder with you, you can log in to KIWI with your access data on any device and open your doors.
3. How to open
The opening method varies slightly depending on the type of door and the product installed.
3.1 Main entrance doors
All electrified front doors are usually equipped with KIWI Smart Entry. The KIWI system is installed invisibly behind the doorbell panel. The door buzzer is activated by a transponder or app, allowing you to open the door.
- Opening (Smart Entry):
- By transponder: Depending on the settings, the door opens either automatically (hands-free) as soon as you approach, or after briefly clicking on the center of the transponder near the doorbell.
- By app: Either using the "Activate" button on the door on the main view of the app or directly from the home screen (iOS and Android Widgets), via voice command or tap gesture (iOS Shortcuts)
- In some cases, a knob is installed in the front door in addition to the invisible Smart Entry. If a KIWI knob is also installed on your front door, it is usually only used for emergency opening (e.g., in the event of a defect or power failure). In normal operation, the door should always be opened via Smart Entry (transponder or app).
3.2 Secondary and apartment doors
Secondary doors and apartment doors are usually equipped with a knob (sketch below on the left) or a handle (sketch on the right).
- KIWI knob
- You activate the lock via app or transponder. The transponder must be held up to the KIWI logo.
- You then unlock or lock the door manually by turning the knob.
- From the inside, you lock the knob manually by turning the mechanical knob.
- KIWI handle
- You activate the lock via app or transponder. The transponder must be held up to the KIWI logo.
- The door locks automatically as soon as it closes.
- The door can be opened from the inside at any time by pressing the door handle (escape route).
- Recognizing the Classic vs. Blue product line:
- The distinction is important for using the app
- KIWI Classic (recognizable by the green lettering): Remote opening possible via the app – you can open the door even when you are not on site.
- KIWI Blue (recognizable by the blue lettering): Proximity opening required via the app – you must be within Bluetooth range of the door to open it.
4. FAQ
General information and security
Is KIWI secure?
- KIWI meets the highest security standards. The KIWI system was developed by IT experts at KIWI.KI GmbH, based in Berlin, and the encryption of communications is based on security procedures that are also used in online banking.
- The system offers significantly higher security than a conventional metal key, which can be copied or lost.
- All system data is stored on servers in Germany.
Who can see when I enter my apartment?
- No one. KIWI does not store any movement logs or sensitive data about who enters your apartment and when. Your privacy is protected.
- For communal doors that require special protection (e.g., access to technical rooms), your property management company may decide to record openings by certain groups of people—but never for apartment doors. You can see transparently in the KIWI app whether your openings of common doors are being recorded. Your property manager is legally obliged to inform you about the logging of openings and to obtain your consent. Further information is available here: Seeing "tracked" on your door in the KIWI App?
Use and technology
What should I do in the event of a power failure?
- Knobs and handles (apartment doors & side doors):
- The locks are battery-operated and therefore independent of the building's power supply. You can open them at any time with your transponder.
- App opening: There is a difference between the product lines here:
- KIWI Blue: Opening via the app is also possible in the event of a power failure.
- KIWI Classic: In the event of a power outage, you must use the transponder. Remote opening via the app is then not possible.
Do I have to use the KIWI app?
There is absolutely no obligation to use it, but it also depends on the decision of your property management company. Residents usually receive KIWI transponders from their landlord. Either way, we definitely recommend using the app. It offers additional features, such as giving family members or friends access, and generally provides more flexibility. It also provides you with important information about your door, such as the battery level of the lock. Widgets and shortcuts (iOS) make opening easier: directly from the home screen or even via voice command (iOS).
How much does the app cost?
The app is free. You can download it for Android and iOS.
What is the difference between KIWI Classic and KIWI Blue?
- Classic (green logo): Enables remote opening via the internet. Your smartphone needs a working internet connection for this.
- Blue (blue logo): Enables local opening only within direct Bluetooth range of the door. Also works if your smartphone is not connected to the internet.
How do I grant or revoke access rights for guests?
You can easily grant or revoke rights via the KIWI app or the KIWI web app in the “Invitations” menu item. There you can specify which person (e.g., babysitter or cleaner) is allowed to open which doors at what times.
Problems and emergencies
What should I do if I lose my transponder?
- No worries. Just go to your KIWI app or the web app (mobile.kiwi.ki) and block the lost transponder with just one click. It will be immediately disabled. Then report the loss to your property management.
- You can then order a new transponder from your property management or KIWI Service for a fee.
I've locked myself out or can't open a door. What now?
Don't worry. You can find detailed instructions with immediate help here: I've locked myself out – what can I do?
I want to report damage.
In this case, please contact our service team directly using our contact form.