Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

What is an RFID lock?

An RFID lock, also called the electronic key card hotel lock or smart card lock, is an electronic door lock system taking on the radio frequency card as the key.

With modern RFID technology, the RFID card can be contactless to open the lock in RFID hotels, while the old-style contactable card requires a visitor’s physical contact.

It is such a technology that the hotel key card RFID lock is convenient and risk-free.

With the technological development in electronic tools, the RFID card can open the lock without batteries or get in touch.

What is an RFID Lock and how does RFID lock work exactly?

Are RFID Locks Secure?

Yes, an RFID entry door lock is one such device that is pretty hard to duplicate.

They offer an extensive security parameter that restricts unauthorized access compared to traditional keys.

For instance, one of the former staff members could have an access key to the building without any access authority as they have returned the original key.

In this case, RFID hotel key cards would be further deactivated to avoid entry from any unauthorized party.

RFID entry door lock systems concerning businesses have multiple advantages, but shortcomings have also been observed.

If technology has its benefits, there are risks too. You can look into the dangers and take preventive measures to resolve the safety threats accordingly.

The RFID reader door lock facilitates contactless entry. You should ensure the standards of proximity settings to ensure the users do not accidentally open multiple doors by simply walking within the distance.

However, the chip system, which uses room-based information, resolved this issue. A different concern with the RFID electronic door lock creates confusion about the signals.

It could be problematic if your hotel has narrow hallways or steep lobbies until you opt for an RFID system.

Now, what is an RFID lock system? I would seek information concerning hotel lock system software, the complete package RFID key card encoder, and other elements.

Now, that was all about an RFID door lock; let’s look at how these locks are opened.

How To Open RFID Lock?

The question of how to unlock an RFID lock is straightforward. Unlike magnetic cards, RFID cards do not require a sweeping movement.

Using their super-high frequency, gaining access from a shorter range becomes simple.

So, to unlock the door, you don’t need to touch the RFID viewers; they can be opened virtually. Smart cards are contactless cards that use microchips to add information.

One of the aspects is that they are a bit high-valued, yet they establish a benchmark in the industry.

What types of RFID locks are for the hotel door?

1. RFID card hotel door lock

The RFID card hotel door lock is an external panel that integrates the card reading device, the handle, and the lock cylinder outside the door.

It is authorized to be opened using an access card (such as a magnetic stripe card, an IC card, an electronic key fob, a proximity card, etc.), which is a kind of security.

Reliable, energy-efficient, technologically advanced, flexible, convenient to operate, easy to manage multi-function intelligent door locks.

So, if you are ready to replace or upgrade your old hotel door locks, an RFID hotel door lock is a better choice.

2, RFID Keypad, password hotel lock

The electronic RFID Keypad hotel lock is an electronic product that utilizes a digital button keypad, handle, and lock cylinder.

Open the lock by inputting a password authorization, controlling the mechanical switch’s closing, and completing the unlocking and locking tasks.

3. RFID biometric hotel lock

The RFID biometric hotel lock is a panel that uses the outside door to integrate human biometric features (such as fingerprints, palms, faces, etc.) to identify the device.

The lock is authorized to be opened by the biometric parts of the human body.

To achieve an emergency opening, biometric identification identifies each individual’s unique biometrics and identity authentication. His main content is biometrics and biometric systems.

What is An RFID Lock and How Does RFID Hotel Lock Work? 4

RFID card hotel door locks series       RFID Keypad hotel locks series        RFID biometric hotel locks series

Also, RFID locks can be distinguished on several bases. One of the distinctions is “How does RFID door lock work?“. These are the technologies for RFID locks.

  1. High Frequency: It is one of the leading technologies used in commercial door locks. The High-Frequency readers of RFID work on 13.56 MHz, and the range of reading is 10 centimeters to 1 meter. Hence they are considered highly versatile.
  1. Low Frequency: Low-Frequency RFID readers work on 125 kHz and possess a downward read distance of 10 centimeters, reflecting the tag required to be close to the reader for communication.
  1. Ultra-High Frequency: This RFID technology works at an MHz 900 and possesses the most extended read range of about 100 meters per tag, including the quickest read speed.

RFID locks make it the top standard of access control systems prevalent in several industrial applications and processes.

These lock systems suit educational institutions, gyms, and healthcare facilities. Some of the other bases of RFID locks include.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the hotel RFID lock?

Hotel RFID lock has recently become popular amongst property owners and hoteliers.

Although these locks were initially developed for automobiles with remote entrance systems, they have been effectively changed for homes and hotels.

There are many reasons to consider a smart card RFID lock in your hotel and apartments.

Nonetheless, some risks are related to this system, so it’s essential to consider all the pros and cons before setting up one in your home and the hotel.

See to it you recognize sufficient of the entire key card door lock system. Then you’ll know the model which appropriates for your circumstance.

What is An RFID Lock and How Does RFID Hotel Lock Work? 5

Advantages:

1. Among the primary benefits of a door RFID lock is not needing to lug a vital with you. You’ll no more be required to bother with shedding your key or fidgeting at the door to get it open.

It also implies that you won’t need to save an extra key somewhere on your residential property, as many homeowners and hoteliers presently do.

Since most lawbreakers are used to browsing a spare key, eliminating the need for one will help make your home more secure.

2. With the hotel door RFID lock system, RFID cards of the RFID lock can be reliable or inadequate in the real-time procedure.

Simultaneously, the RFID card’s validity is under control since the RFID card’s legitimate duration can also be set.

3. You can provide access to your house for others at your discretion when using RFID key card door locks.

You will not need to duplicate a key or leave keys for canine walkers, housekeepers, or guests to enter your home.

Instead, you’ll need to tell those people the appropriate code to access. It has a large capacity which can store many users and systems.

Additionally, you can remove any individual or regulation that had included the lock.

4, The door key card RFID lock can be readied to be unlocked immediately in emergencies.

For instance, all the card RFID locks can be opened automatically at fire time.

5. With the system in position, you can also inform when and how people attempted to access your home. This gives you an excellent idea of exactly how safe your house is.

You can check the open-door documents with the lock document card. It’s become an intelligent house guard more than a door lock.

6. For house usage, home RFID locks are not used to replace the mechanical door lock due to the conventional concept cost.

With the implementation of the Internet of Points and Internet Plus, it can be thought that many more family members are willing to use the RFID lock of the RFID door access control system.

Besides, it should be kept in mind that active RFID is much safer with excellent prices, while the passive RFID card can be straightforward and replicated with reduced protection and cost.

With the wireless interaction and modern technology’s assistance, the RFID lock’s card functions when the whole RFID card is completely sealed and has no metallic calls subjected airborne.

Besides, the menu, the secret of the RFID lock, is likewise practical under numerous functioning problems.

Disadvantages:

While there are numerous benefits to an RFID door lock system in your home, some significant downsides are considered.

1, RFID hotel key card systems are typically secure and created to notify cops or other authorities. Suppose incorrect codes are gone way too many times.

However, feasible that a burglar might have the ability to gain access to your home with this system by guessing or hacking the code.

2, Equally, as you can forget your keys and be locked out of your residence, you can also neglect the passcode to access your RFID card door lock system and be locked out.

While it is much safer to use entirely random code and prevent noticeable options like birthdays or necessary, repetitive numbers, this can pose a problem if you have difficulty remembering things.

Clients must set a specific code in mind, however hard to break.

3. The final disadvantage of RFID hotel key locks is that electrically-powered systems may not function appropriately in a power failure case.

This can leave your door completely secured throughout the crash, or it may cause the door not to lock correctly and remain open. Thankfully, most systems have battery backup systems as foolproof.

There is a low-power alarm in RFID hotel door locks. The clients require to change the batteries in time. Then you’ll never satisfy this trouble.

There is no ideal product. However, people will undoubtedly keep most likely to limitless near best. RFID door locks will be much more intelligent, convenient, and secure.

How does the hotel door RFID lock work?

Magnetic stripe cards have a magnetic layer or a strip containing minimal information for the individual. Commonly, the individual gaining access to numbers is the most recognizable detail.

Employees at the resort work desk will imprint the user details at check-in and establish a time frame for usage until check-out.

Once the magnetic strip is read and validated by the hotel door card visitor, the door lock is activated. As a general policy, the motion is finished by swiping the card through the magnetic visitor.

RFID or closeness cards do not need swiping movement. They use super-high frequency to make it possible for accessibility from a set short-range (consequently: closeness cards).

RFID cards belong to the team of contactless cards. You will undoubtedly need to touch the RFID viewers to unlock the door virtually if you get a closeness card.

Smart cards are also contactless cards. They use microchips to store information, and although they are much more expensive, they are the standard choice in today’s hotels.

Another option for crucial hotel cards is the NFC modern technology integrated into smartphones.

Resort guests get a code from the hotel management and access their spaces by either bringing the NFC phone attribute near the NFC reader or keying the system as a passcode.

This technique is reasonably brand-new and also much less frequent.

What is An RFID Lock and How Does RFID Hotel Lock Work? 6

The hotel door RFID Locks the working step.

Why do hotels use RFID door locks?

New hotels will still select the magstripe card door locks instead of RFID.

The vital cards go out quickly in a resort. The resort is very active, and customers take away cards when separated. ( In Asia, most hotels call for the customer to return cards when leaving; otherwise, there will be an added cost for the card).

In this situation, the Magstripe card will conserve much money for the resort. It is much less expensive than RFID(only 1/4 in rate).

Today, the card’s low cost is the only reason some resorts still pick the old lock (magstripe card door lock).

To answer your concern, in innovation, intelligent RFID card door locks are a lot more advanced than magstripe card door locks—significant 11 reasons.

What is An RFID Lock and How Does RFID Hotel Lock Work? 7

  • The environment, such as electromagnetic fields, water, and rubbing, do not quickly influence the RFID SMART card. The data saved on the card is far safer. Hotel magstripe cards will certainly shed information conveniently.
  • RFID card has no contact when dealing with the door lock. So there is no physical rubbing. The chip RFID typically provides over 100,000 times read/write life.
  • Because there is no contact when functioning, the RFID viewers inside the lock have no issue with being dirty. ( Magstripe card door lock is called for tidying the reader after utilizing). Low maintenance cost is essential for resorts.
  • The RFID chip can be put into several objects like the card, keyfob, RFID wrist, and 13.56 MHz RFID compatible with the NFC criterion, which provides more feasibility.
  • All the above can not be discovered in magstripe card door locks.
  • It allows the hotel to obtain analytic data on consumer behavior and the area’s log-in and out time.
  • RFID Tags can likewise be utilized to gain access to/ launch a particular electronic function in spaces. Substantial cost savings in electrical power expense: An usual energy-saving gadget I’ve never seen in the UNITED STATE
  • Unlike tricks, RFID card is challenging to duplicate. Any attempt to meddle will altogether turn off the chip.
  • Less complicated to keep a card in a pocketbook than a trick.
  • Modern RFID technology is widely used in access control systems to allow entry of authentic and authorized employees only—adhering to some points to comprehend the functions.
  • The staff member needs a barcode on existing control or ID card access.
  • It is safe and more secure instead of the many other doors.
  • Easy to carry in a budget rather than any secret.
  • RFID locks have been established with high battery life considerations.

How to choose the right card key RFID lock for your hotels?

How to choose suitable RFID Key card door locks for hotel rooms to maximize benefits and protect your hotel?

From the current market perspective, various intelligent electronic door locks, such as IC card locks, TM card locks, Temic card locks, and Mifare card locks, are available for hotels.

The hotel can choose the appropriate electronic door lock that suits its characteristics and positioning.

You will know how to choose RFID hotel door locks from this article: What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Door Lock System?

What’s the price of hotel door RFID locks?

Its electronic hotel door lock is easy to use in our daily life, just like we take the bus and swipe the card, there is no need for the key, as long as the password can open the door. Now the average size of the hotel is the IC card Electronic door locks.

In contrast, home decoration generally uses cryptographic electronic door locks similarly.

Adopting the electric hotel door lock principle is straightforward: through the inside data storage chip.

By inputting a password, sending a signal to the data device inside, starting the data stored therein, and the configured drive will open the latch. This technique involves a computer programming program.

We know that electronic hotel door locks are also classified. Do you know? The main types are plug-in electronic door locks, password electronic door locks, fingerprints, and sensor door locks. These are electronic door locks with new technology and intelligence.

The price is based on the brand, quality, material, and application aspects that create price deviations for electronic door locks.

According to the understanding, the high price of electronic door locks requires USD 100 to 360, and the low cost of electronic door locks need USD 30 to 80, while the attractive price is about USD 50 to 60, and the ACSLocks’ price range of hotel door locks are from 35-75 USD.

Want to know more about hotel door lock system prices? Please read this article: Hotel Door Lock System Price Analysis.

How to maintain the hotel RFID lock?

1. Surface treatment of the hotel door lock, To keep the lock’s surface clean and bright, please regularly wipe the lock’s surface with a soft and clean dry cloth.

Do not use water, alcohol, and chemicals to clean the lock’s body to avoid damage or rust.

2. If the RFID hotel door lock refueling is not flexible or cannot maintain the correct position, the professional should be asked to add butter to the lock body.

3. When replacing the battery, loosen the two screws above the lock tongue, take the battery case out and restore the new one, and then put the battery box tightening screw;

4. Since the hotel door lock is in the case of power failure, the clock can only be maintained for 30 minutes, so if the battery is replaced for more than 30 minutes, please reset the clock setting card after the replacement is completed.

For more information about maintaining hotel door locks, please read this article: Hotel Door Lock Maintenance: 19 Tips Maintain Hotel Lock Well.

How to repair electronic hotel door RFID locks?

Electronic door lock repair

1. When the sound card opens the door alarm and the green light is shining, there will be eight short ” beep sounds,” and the hotel door lock cannot be opened. The solution at this time is to replace the battery;

2. When the system identification light error is red, there will be four short sounds of “beep,” the door cannot be opened because the system identification is wrong, and the system card can be replaced;

3. When the machine is locked, a yellow light will appear. The door cannot be opened now, and the emergency card opens.

4. When the electronic anti-lock yellow light is on, there will be two short sounds of “beep,” unable to open the door, and unlock the lock card to open the door;

5. When the temporary termination occurs, the yellow light will be on, three short sounds of “beep,” and the bright card will be canceled.

If you have more problems with the hotel door lock and don’t know how to troubleshoot, read this article:  11 Typical Hotel Door Lock Problems and Troubleshooting.

RFID Door Lock DIY

Have you ever thought about how to make RFID door lock? If you have, your thoughts will be streamlined quite soon.

You can get an RFID lock DIY kit with a manual access control system.

The manual will help you with the software and management system details. Here is your easy guide to comprehending the DIY RFID door lock kit.

  1. The kit will include RFID lock equipment and parts with the RFID reader.
  2. The Arduino RFID door lock kit will use an RC522 RFID sensor and RFID cards and tags. It would help if you actuated it with micro-servo. It would help if you had Arduino UNO, power supply, breadboard and jumpers, LEDs, resistors, 3D printers, and filaments.
  3. Get them into a circuit, and you will be ready with your RFID reader lock.
  4. It would help if you mounted this reader on the inner section of the door. This section will read the RFID card from the closed door.
  5. You need to have a robust battery backup attached to the device to ensure it doesn’t stop working in a power failure.
  6. The functioning of the door lock allows the processor to determine the voltage of the battery and notifies when it gets beyond the range.
  7. Once you have mounted the assembled RFID door lock in the kit, ensure all its functions work appropriately.

This is how you make an RFID door lock using  Arduino. You can also create an RFID latch lock.

Can RFID Lock Be Hacked?

RFID door lock hack has become prominent as getting information on the RFID chips has become easy. A few of these chips are rewritable so that an RFID lock hack would delete or replace the information with their specific data.

They can also buy an RFID door lock for the scanners to get the tags. The work about “How to hack RFID door lock?” aligns with specific skills and tools to hack the RFID lock.

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About Author

  • Vincent Zhu

    Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

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