Keys and Switch Tech Locks

1. Download the Switch Mobile Access app from the Apple App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play (Android devices).
2.  “Allow” the Switch Mobile Access app to use Bluetooth on your phone if prompted.
3. Enter the phone number associated with your phone to enroll your device, and “accept” the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
4. Enter the 6 digit SMS verification token that is sent to your device.
5. Your phone is now set up with the Switch Mobile Access app.
6. NEW PHONE? A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.

1. Open the Switch Mobile Access app and select “Select a key” at the top of your device screen. The screen should display “no registered keys.”
2. Select the “+” symbol at the top right of your device screen, and enter your 16-digit registration token that you received. Select “Submit.”
   • NOTE: you only need to set up your phone once. If you move residence from one Switchtech space to another, your app will update with your new residence based on the date you are eligible to move into the space.
   • NEW PHONE? A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.
3. Your device should process the registration code and depict a “claimed key” with a check mark next to it. You can then select “cancel” at the top left of the screen, and you will be returned to the app home screen.
4. There should be an “activate” button in the middle of the screen. Your phone is now set up to use Switch Tech lock on your Georgetown residence door.

1. Approach your residence room door lock and open to the Switch Mobile Access app on your phone. Ensure your phone is connected to wifi and bluetooth.
2. Touch the Switch Tech door lock to “wake it up.” Tap the “activate” button in the middle of the app screen. The door lock should flash blue to demonstrate that it is “awake” and attempting to communicate with your device.
3. If you have access to the door lock, it will flash green. You now have 5 seconds to turn the lock and enter your residence room.
4. NEW PHONE? A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.

For All Residents:

All lockouts handled by the Harbin Key Room staff are free of charge during Key Room Hours. Lockouts performed by the staff on duty after 10:00 p.m. are $10.

For Residents with Physical Keys:

For students who live in buildings where physical keys are still used, a free, temporary lockout key will be issued for a two-hour window. You will need to complete the lockout form via Hoya Housing and pick up your lockout loaner key from the Harbin Key Room during their operating hours. 

If a lockout key has not been returned after 24 hours, a lock change will be submitted on the resident’s behalf and the student will be charged $100 for Switchtech lock locations and $150 for physical key locations.

For Residents with Switch Tech:

Residents with Switch Tech can either go to or call the Harbin Key Room to request lockout assistance and a Key Room staff member will assist.

Lockouts performed by the staff on duty after 10:00 p.m. are $10.

Dormakaba has released a new version of the Best Switch App for Android devices.

Any Android user with the Best Switch app installed should go to the Google Play Store on their phone and download the update.

Once updated, the app will continue crash on launch until the following steps are done:

1. Go to Settings:

2. Tap on Apps

3. Locate Switch in the Apps list

4. Tap on Switch

5. On the App Info screen, tap on permissions

6. On the Permissions Screen, tap Nearby Devices

7. On the Nearby devices permissions Screen tap Allow

The Switch App will start working properly once the Nearby Devices Permission is set to Allow.

Yes, you always need to show your GoCard to gain access to your residential space.

You must be able to provide a proof of identity. If you cannot produce your GoCard a driver’s license or passport are also accepted.

After 2 hours, residents are charged $5. If a temporary lockout key is not returned before the Harbin Key Room closes (10PM) on the day you are issued the loaner key, residents are charged $10. If a lockout key has not been returned after 24 hours, a lock change will be submitted on the resident’s behalf and the student will be charged $150 for physical key locations.

 You can submit request by following these steps:

1. Login to Hoya Housing
2. Click Forms
3. Select the Lockout/Lock Change form
4. Complete the form according to the instructions provided on each page
5. Once you have successfully completed the form, a Request Received page is viewable and a confirmation email to sent to your NetID email address
6. Report to the Harbin 104 Key Room during operating hours (8AM-10PM, 7 days/week) to pick up loaner key
7. Return loaner key to the Harbin 104 Key Room during their operating hours (8AM-10PM, 7 Days A Week)

 You can submit request by following these steps:

1. Submit a work ticket to help@georgetown.edu
2. In the drop down indicate lost/broken phone
3. Report to the Harbin 104 Key Room during operating hours (8AM-10PM, 7 days/week) to pick up temporary access fob.
4. A fob must be returned within 5 business days. Access will expire at 11:59 pm on the fifth day. An extension can be granted but you must bring the fob to the Harbin Key Room for a new activation window.
5. A lost or unreturned fob charge is $100.

For Residents with Physical Keys:

Please maintain the physical loaner key until a blue note is placed on the outside of your door that indicated the locks have been changed. Each individual roommate must come to the Harbin Key Room to pick up their new room key, and return their old key.

For Residents with Switch Tech:

Temporary access fobs are issued for a 5-days at a time, and will expire at 11:59 pm on the fifth day. If a student requires an extension due to delayes in getting the Switchtech app re-registered on a new device, they must bring the fob back to the Harbin Key Room for a new activation.

A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.

Physical Key Locations: $150

Lost Access Fobs: $100

The temporary access fobs are free to a student for a 5-day window of time.

All equipment that has not been returned by the close of the Harbin Key room (10 PM) on the date you checked out the item will be assessed the unreturned fee.

Yes, residents always need an ID to rent out any equipment.