Nuki × Smoobu Setup

What the Nuki–Smoobu integration does

When connected, Smoobu generates a unique PIN code for every new booking — valid from the check-in time on the arrival date to the check-out time on the departure date. The code is stored in Smoobu and can be inserted into any automated guest message using a placeholder. When the booking ends, the code expires automatically. You never touch it manually.

This is the fastest path to keyless check-in for most STR operators: no external app, no extra subscription, no key safes. If your property already uses Smoobu for channel sync, connecting Nuki takes about 15 minutes to set up.

Step 1 — Device requirements

Smoobu controls the Nuki lock remotely, which means your lock needs a permanent internet connection — not just Bluetooth. Two options:

Step 2 — Link your Nuki account to Smoobu

1. In Smoobu: go to Settings → Integrations → Smart Locks.
2. Click Add Smart Lock and select Nuki from the provider list.
3. A Nuki login window opens. Sign in to your Nuki account and grant Smoobu access.
4. Smoobu lists the locks registered in your Nuki account. Select the lock you want to connect.
5. Assign the lock to a property in your Smoobu account. If you have multiple properties, each lock maps to exactly one property.
6. Click Save. You should see a green "Connected" status next to the lock name.

The connection is OAuth-based — Smoobu never stores your Nuki password. If you change your Nuki account password later, you may need to re-authorise.

Step 3 — Enable auto PIN codes

Once the lock is connected, you can tell Smoobu to automatically generate a unique access code for each booking.

1. In Settings → Integrations → Smart Locks, click on the connected lock.
2. Enable the toggle Auto PIN codes (sometimes labelled "Automatic access codes").
3. Set the code validity window. The default is check-in time to check-out time — leave this as is unless you want to add buffer time for cleaning.
4. Save. Smoobu will now generate a unique 6-digit PIN for every new booking that arrives after this point. Existing bookings won't get codes retroactively — you'd need to add those manually.

You can view the generated code for any booking in Bookings → [select booking] → Smart Lock. The code appears once Smoobu has synced it to Nuki (usually within a few minutes of the booking being confirmed).

Step 4 — Send the door code automatically (72h before check-in)

Generating codes is only half the job. You also need to deliver them to guests reliably — ideally with enough notice that they can prepare, but not so early that they screenshot it and share it with others. 72 hours before check-in is the standard timing.

1. In Smoobu: go to Automation → Messages → Templates.
2. Edit your pre-arrival message template (or create a new one if you don't have one yet).
3. In the message body, insert the door code placeholder. In most Smoobu account languages, this is shown in the template editor under Insert variable → Access code / Door code. It looks like {{access_code}} or similar — use the variable picker rather than typing it manually to avoid typos.
4. Set the send trigger to 72 hours before check-in.
5. Save the template. It will fire automatically for all future bookings.

Optional: adding a Nuki Keypad

The Smoobu integration works purely with PIN codes — no Nuki app or Bluetooth required for guests. This means a Nuki Keypad (the physical number pad that mounts next to the lock) is the right companion device: guests enter their 6-digit code on the pad, the lock opens. No phones, no apps, no Bluetooth pairing.

The Keypad connects directly to your Smart Lock via Bluetooth and is powered by batteries. Battery life is typically 6–12 months depending on usage. It is not required for the Smoobu integration to work — the Nuki app still functions — but for short-term rental use the Keypad is almost always the right choice.

Troubleshooting common issues