Schedule Guest Access in the iOS 18 Home App

With the release of iOS 18, Apple introduced guest access scheduling in the Home app, giving homeowners granular control over who can enter their home and when. This feature allows users to provide visitors, service providers, or short-term renters with temporary access to specific smart locks, garage doors, and alarm systems without compromising full control or security of the entire HomeKit ecosystem.

What Is Guest Access Scheduling?

Guest access scheduling enables homeowners to grant entry permissions that activate and expire based on predefined schedules. Instead of sharing unrestricted smart home access or handing out physical keys, you can limit a guest's reach strictly to entry mechanisms, leaving other devices—such as security cameras, lighting, and climate controls—inaccessible to them.

Key Capabilities of Temporary Access Control

  • Custom Time Windows: Homeowners can set precise schedules for access. You can specify recurring windows (for example, allowing a dog walker or cleaner access every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) or a one-time date range (ideal for vacation rental guests or house-sitters).
  • Restricted Device Control: Access can be restricted strictly to entry points. Guests can only operate designated smart locks, garage doors, or alarm systems.
  • Apple Home Key and Keypad Codes: Depending on the hardware, guests can unlock compatible doors using Apple Home Key on their iPhone or Apple Watch via tap-to-unlock, or through unique PIN codes assigned directly through the Home app for keypad-equipped locks.
  • Automatic Expiration: Once the set time window ends, the guest's digital credentials and PINs automatically deactivate. This eliminates the need to remember to change lock codes or revoke permissions manually.

How to Set Up Guest Access Schedules

  1. Open the Home app on an iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. Tap the More button (three dots) in the upper-right corner and select Home Settings.
  3. Tap Guests, then select Add Guest.
  4. Choose the specific locks, garage doors, or security devices the guest is permitted to control.
  5. Select Access Schedule to define whether permissions are Always, Specific Times, or restricted to a set date range.
  6. Finalize the invitation to generate a keypad PIN or send a digital invite directly to the user's Apple account.

Activity Monitoring and Security

The Home app maintains an activity history for smart locks and entry points. When a scheduled guest enters the home, the Home app logs the event, noting which user or PIN code unlocked the door and at what time. If plans change, the primary homeowner can modify the schedule, suspend access, or delete the guest immediately from the Home app settings.