How to Resolve Privacy Mode on a Door Lock

Last updated: July 16, 2026

What Privacy Mode is

Privacy Mode is a physical safety setting a guest engages at the door to prevent staff from entering while they're inside — for example, to block housekeeping or maintenance access. When it's active, a warning appears on the smart lock Device: "This lock is in Privacy Mode. Access codes and remote unlock are blocked until Privacy Mode is disabled." While Privacy Mode is on, access codes and non-admin credentials are blocked, and the lock can't be unlocked remotely. Admin credentials typically still override it.

Important: it can't be disabled from the app

Privacy Mode can only be cleared physically, from the inside of the door. It cannot be turned off remotely or through the app.

How to disable it

  1. Go to the inside of the door where the lock is installed.

  2. Locate the privacy latch on the interior side of the lock.

  3. Flip the privacy latch to the disengaged position to disable Privacy Mode.

  4. Return to the app and confirm the Privacy Mode warning has cleared on the Device.

Once Privacy Mode is disabled, access codes and non-admin credentials will resume working normally. The exact privacy control varies by lock model — check your manufacturer's documentation if you can't locate the latch.