Check these requirements before you start
You need | Requirements |
A lock with key fob support | Parakey Cylinder or Parakey Door Handle. Support was introduced with firmware 3.3.2. |
The right subscription | Site, Operate, Portfolio or Enterprise, with enough capacity for the key fobs you want to register. |
A compatible key fob or access card | MIFARE DESFire EV2 or EV3. |
A phone for registration | Android with NFC and the Parakey app. |
Administrator permissions | You need to be able to administer the site where the key fob will be added. |
Key fob support for Parakey Slim is planned but is not currently available. If you have Core or Plus, you need to switch to a subscription that includes key fobs. Contact Parakey for help.
Which key fobs and access cards can we buy?
You can buy compatible key fobs and access cards from Parakey or another supplier. When buying new ones from another supplier, choose blank key fobs or access cards with MIFARE DESFire EV2 or EV3.
If you already have key fobs for another system, their compatibility needs to be checked before you use them with Parakey. Do not assume that a key fob will work just because it looks the same.
Physical key fobs and access cards are purchased separately. The quantity included in your subscription refers to how many can be registered and used in the service. See current subscriptions.
How many key fobs can we use?
Currently, up to 20 unique key fobs or access cards per lock are supported in total. Capacity is planned to increase through a software update in winter 2026. A site can already have more than 20 registered, distributed across different locks, as long as the subscription has enough capacity.
The same key fob can be registered at one site at a time and open several locks at that site.
Can we use an iPhone?
Registering, reading and clearing key fobs currently require Android. Support for programming and managing key fobs on iOS is under development. An iPhone can already be used for the mobile unlocks that transfer changes to the locks.
The person using the ready-to-use key fob does not need a phone.