TouchKey FAQs

ERA TouchKey is a keyless entry and exit solution for your door, that uses multi-level security authentication. The combination of mechanical door hardware and world-renowned smarter technology offers a new way to access your home without needing a key. The three part door solution features a smarter door handle, an auto-fire multi-point lock and a security cylinder. Specifically designed to be compatible with newly made and installed composite and timber doors. To find out more visit our information page.

Yes of course, please visit our TouchKey homepage for the latest videos and information about the smart security solution and how it works. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our team 0345 646 1487.

Please visit our How to buy information for the latest list of approved stockists in your area. Many of whom have the security solution on display within their showrooms. Or please visit the TouchKey homepage for the latest videos and information on the smart security solution and how it works. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our team 0345 646 1487.

Yes, ERA TouchKey suits many properties and can be fitted in any new composite and timber door installation. To see the different styles of doors available, please visit our How to buy information for the latest list of approved stockists in your area.

As TouchKey is a complete three part door security solution, we have specifically designed it to be compatible with newly made and installed composite and timber doors only. It currently cannot be fitted into an existing door. Please visit our How to buy information for the latest list of approved stockists in your area. Many of whom have the security solution on display within their showrooms.

TouchKey will need to be installed by a professional tradesman and is not suitable for self-install. Please visit our How to buy information for the latest list of approved stockists in your area.

ERA prides itself on ensuring that all our mechanical and smart security products are subjected to ERA’s rigorous testing procedures. This includes in house testing in our UKAS accredited testing facility and independent external testing by certified regulatory bodies.

TheTouchKey solution has been independently tested and accredited by the British Standards Institute (BSI) as a Residential Smart Locking Device. That combines the requirements of the IoT (Internet of Things) Kitemark and the requirements
of the TS 621 standard for smart locking solutions. What is IoT?

In addition, TouchKey also carries a CE and UKCA marking. 

The British Standards Institute (BSI) developed a kitemark centred around Smart Locking Devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) products due to the growing demand for connected solutions. Smart locking devices offer flexibility, enhance and diverse user experiences, and ultimately control. However, the BSI deemed that rules and regulations around data transfer, security and functionality for such products, should be more stringent and independently assessed. Ensuring that as consumers, you have confidence in the products you choose to purchase.

Once a product has passed the required set of rigorous tests outlined by the BSI, that product can be awarded the Residential Smart Locking Devices Kitemark. This new certification now combines the original IoT Kitemark with the requirements for mechanical security in TS 621.

Marking products with a Kitemark is a visible way for them to be recognised as trustworthy, safe, secure and reliable. Devices with a kitemark make it easier for consumers to make an informed choice.

For TouchKey, the recognition of a BSI Residential Smart Locking Devices Kitemark gives you ultimate reassurance in TouchKey and the ERA cloud platform. The testing doesn’t end with the initial Kitemark award either, products with the Kitemark are continuously reassessed to ensure they adhere to the required standards even as technology evolves.

For more information on the BSI and the Kitemark, visit the BSI website.

ERA TouchKey is a three part door security solution for your new door. Comprising of a smarter door handle, an auto-fire multi-point lock and a thumbturn security cylinder. The mechanical hardware (lock and cylinder) works seamlessly together with the smarter door handle to offer keyless entry and exit. The keyless entry system uses multi-level security authentication within the handle to unlock your door. To lock, simple close the door and the auto-fire lock will automatically fire all locking points and secure your door upon closing. To exit, it's simply a case of using the thumbturn.

There are multiple individual methods of entering your home when using TouchKey:
a) the advanced fingerprint sensor
b) using the ERA Smart Home app (remote unlocking is also available using the up and coming TouchKey Communications Module and if you have purchased the ERA Protect alarm hub)
c) via Bluetooth (including auto-unlock using geolocation technology)
d) iPhone users can use Siri to voice unlock
e) manual key override
To exit from the inside, it's simply a case of using the thumbturn. To lock simple, close the door and the auto-fire lock will automatically fire all locking points and secure your door upon closing.

To see TouchKey in action, please visit the TouchKey homepage for the latest videos and information

TouchKey’s smarter handle is powered by 4 x CR123 batteries (supplied) contained within the internal handle. All wiring is contained within the handle with timely user push notifications when batteries are running low.

Remove the battery cover to expose the batteries. The auto-fire lock and cylinder do not require power.

On average 4 x CR123 batteries will last 6-8 months with continued use (typical usage of 10 openings a day).

Yes, you will receive notifications via your Smart Home App to let you know when the batteries are starting to run low, giving you plenty of time to change them before they run out.

Once the battery power is at a significantly low level, the fingerprint sensor and Bluetooth will stop working for security reasons until the batteries are replaced. You can still use the manual key override at any point, even when the batteries are depleted. We strongly advise replacing the batteries as soon as the warning notification is sent to your smartphone.

For security reasons, if the handle enters fail-safe mode, the handle will be locked in the closed position until a verified entry method is used. This protects against power failure when you are away from the door for an extended period (for example when you are on holiday). The manual key override should be used in this instance to unlock the door.

Most DIY shops and some supermarkets sell CR123 batteries. Please ensure that you purchase branded good quality batteries.

No, it is not possible to use rechargeable batteries within the TouchKey handle.

We advise you to change the batteries immediately when notified or within a maximum of 7 days from being notified. However, this would depend on how often the door is used during that time.

We supply a plain black battery cover as standard with the TouchKey handle and include an additional quilted effect battery cover within the box. You have the choice of which one is used.

When entering the property, the TouchKey handle will lock in place within 5 seconds of the handle returning to the horizontal position. After 5 seconds, if you push the handle down, it will not move.

Upon closing your door, the auto-fire lock will automatically fire all locking points and secure the door, there is no need to perform any additional operation to deadlock the door. To exit from the inside of the property, turn the thumbturn towards the hinges to release the lock.

The TouchKey auto fire lock means that when you shut the door, your property will be locked and secured. Upon closing, the lock automatically fires multiple locking points along the length of the door to secure. There is no need to perform any additional operation to deadlock the door.

To exit from the inside of the property, turn the thumbturn towards the hinges to release the locking points, to allow the door to open.

The TouchKey handle itself does not connect to the internet. Your smartphone will need an internet connection, via WiFi or data, to enable the handle to communicate with our platform, when you are using the ERA Smart Home app.

For the initial set up of the ERA Smart Home app, adding fingerprints, and using Bluetooth to unlock the door, we would recommend a minimum upload speed of 1 Mb/s.

The TouchKey Communications will be available soon and is an additional module that sits under the antenna cap of the smart handle and enables you to remote unlock your door via an ERA Protect smart hub (purchased separately) from anywhere, anytime. The communications module talks to the smart hub via 868MHz only and does not use or require a WiFi connection.

Yes, please contact our team on 0345 646 1487.

Yes, we provide 3 x physical keys with each TouchKey. To access the keyhole to use your key, you will need to first remove the cover cap. We provide a handy keyring with each key to allow you to remove the cap, please retain this key cap.

You will receive three keys when your door is installed. We envisage most users will use keyless technology e.g. fingerprint entry, or the app to open their door. However, you may wish to consider a key safe or box to be used in an emergency should you need it.

At ERA, we firmly believe in the quality of our goods. Our technology achieves outstanding performance and durability and we can therefore offer, in addition to your statutory rights, an additional limited guarantee on the TouchKey solution for a period of two years from the date of purchase/ installation. Please view our warranty terms and conditions for further information. If you do experience any issues, please reach out to our team on 0345 646 1487.

Your door can still be opened using the physical keys provided with the TouchKey handle. To access the keyhole to use your key, you will need to first remove the cover cap. We provide a handy keyring with each key to allow you to remove the cap, please retain this key cap. TouchKey will be offline until the power is restored. Re-pairing to the TouchKey handle is not required. It will re-connect automatically when new batteries are inserted.

The user can see all activity including when the door was opened and by whom. Data is stored for 30 days. Events include:
• Open Bluetooth
• Open fingerprint
• Tamper
• Firmware upgrade
• Battery low
• Access for guest user
• Delete guest user
• Remove access for guest user
• Add fingerprint
• Delete fingerprint
• Audio enabled/ disabled
• Delay interval settings

The fingerprint sensor within the TouchKey handle has in-built sophisticated 3D profiling smart technology, that reads the user's fingerprint and stores it within the handle in an encrypted format. Over time, each time the registered fingerprint is used and verified, the fingerprint sensor learns and adapts to the characteristics over time to establish robust user recognition.
The fingerprint technology within TouchKey is used on many different applications across the globe today, including mobile phones, laptops, credit cards, suitcases and many more.

If there are 12 consecutive failed fingerprint attempts by a user or users, to open the door, then the fingerprint sensor will be disabled. Once disabled, the fingerprint sensor on the handle will remain unresponsive to touch until unlocked. You will need to use the ERA Smart Home app to unlock the fingerprint sensor, the admin user will need to verify (with two-factor authentication) that an authorised user is trying to unlock the door.
If you are unable to use the fingerprint sensor for any reason, you can still use other entry methods to open the door. There is also the manual key override, which can be used at any time.
For security reasons, if the handle enters fail-safe mode, the handle will be locked in the closed position until a verified entry method is used. This protects against power failure when you are away from the door for an extended period (for example when you are on holiday). The manual key override should be used in this instance to unlock the door.

No, each registered fingerprint is saved within the handle itself, and the data is encrypted.

Up to 50 standard fingerprints can be stored. If you are using enhanced fingerprints, each profile uses two storage slots and therefore the overall number of fingerprints you can store is reduced. For example, if all users are utlising enhanced fingerprints then the total number of fingerprints that can be stored is reduced to 25 in total.

Yes, within the 50 fingerprint limit (see previous answer above regarding number of fingerprints) you can have multiple fingerprints per user. You can register either a finger or a thumbprint.

Please do the following:
a) Open the ERA Smart Home app and select TouchKey
b) Open TouchKey settings and select Fingerprints
c) Click the + icon to add a fingerprint and give it a name, follow the on-screen instructions
d) The app will let you know when to place your fingerprint on the sensor (please ensure this is centrally placed on the sensor so it captures the profile)
e) Your app will update once successful
f) Please ensure you test the fingerprint by placing it on the handle before closing the door

Admin or Family (with the relevant permissions) users can add and remove any users' fingerprints. You must be next to the TouchKey handle to do this as the handle will need to connect to the ERA Smart Home app to make the required changes.

This will depend on the severity of the cut. As the sensor uses 3D profiling smart technology, as long as it can recognise enough of the fingerprint profile that was created, your handle will recognise your fingerprint. We would recommend setting up a couple of fingerprints per user to give an alternative option, should it be required.
As with a cut finger, it depends on how wet or dirty your finger is. If the finger is not recognised, give the fingerprint sensor a quick wipe, and try again.

Yes, the sensor is waterproof to IP66 standard, and also has a sophisticated coating to prevent water from settling on the sensor.

No, the fingerprint sensor identies a fingerprint profile using technology that won’t work unless there is a blood supply, heat and moisture present.

Yes, within the Smart Home App, there are different levels of account access that allow certain privileges – Admin user, Family user and Guest user.

As an admin user, you have complete control to set up, change and remove any users at any time. Within each Family and Guest user profile, the Admin user defines the required access level.

Yes, you can have more than 1 admin user and there is currently no limit on the number of Guest or Family users that can be added.

Yes, multiple TouchKey products can be registered to a single ERA Smart Home App account.

Within the Smart Home App, you can set up guest/ family users to enable access to your TouchKey and the wider ERA Protect alarm/camera system. You can define the access level by the user and only an invited user can access TouchKey (within their individual settings).

A digital ekey is a term used to send an invitation to a guest/family user, which you can revoke at any time. All digital ekeys are created securely on ERA’s cloud platform creating a two-factor security authentication.

Please do the following:
a) Open the ERA Smart Home App (iOS or Android). Open “Account Settings” in the ERA Smart Home Menu
b) In the “User Detail” section, select “Guest User” and click on the “ + ”
c) Select the type of account/ user you wish to create - Guest or Family and complete their details
d) In the share section at the bottom, you can choose the functions you wish to share by selecting/ deselecting the options
e) Once you have defined the users' access level (e.g. specified dates/ times etc.), click “Save”
f) You will then receive a notification that the Guest Invitation has been sent. The Guest user you have created will be added to the Guest User List in your App.
g) The invited users will then be sent an email.

Yes, a guest/family user will need to download the ERA Smart Home app to be able to use a virtual ekey.

At the moment, the ERA TouchKey will work with the ERA Smart Home app and can be integrated with the ERA Protect Alarm, Cameras and Doorbell.

As technology converges to a common communication system, we will investigate and introduce solutions, allowing communication with other smart home devices.

The ERA TouchKey will integrate with the ERA Protect alarm system.

ERA Protect is a smart security system that integrates with ERA TouchKey. TouchKey can be used as a stand-alone entrance door security solution or within the ERA Protect smart ecosystem for complete integrated home security and monitoring.

ERA Protect combines a smart alarm hub, accessories, video doorbell, indoor and outdoor cameras. All accessories can be added to the system at any time. Using a smart alarm hub alongside TouchKey will allow you to remotely unlock your door from anywhere, anytime. For more information, visit our smart alarms page.

The TouchKey is not an alarm system, if the handle is attacked, and your handle is connected to an ERA Protect smart alarm hub, your alarm will be triggered, and you will be notified. The handle will also emit a beeping noise.

Yes, you can download data from the handle, which will indicate if an unrecognised fingerprint was used.

If there are 12 consecutive failed fingerprint attempts by a user or users, to open the door, then the fingerprint sensor will be disabled. Once disabled, the fingerprint sensor on the handle will remain unresponsive to touch until unlocked. You will need to use the ERA Smart Home app to unlock the fingerprint sensor, the admin user will need to verify (with two-factor authentication) that an authorised user is trying to unlock the door.

As the TouchKey door solution includes a multi-point lock, we do not see it impacting your home insurance policy. However, you may wish to contact your provider for further advice.

For ultimate peace of mind, we provide a key override with each TouchKey.

If your fingerprint is registered, you can still use TouchKey without your phone. If you have the ERA Protect Alarm hub installed and set up with your TouchKey, then someone else with access to the ERA Smart Home app will be able to unlock the door remotely.

For ultimate peace of mind, we provide a key override with each TouchKey. On the inside, simply turn the thumbturn to exit. If the app or fingerprint module is locked, then you can use your key to enter.

Or if you have the ERA Protect Alarm hub installed and set up with your TouchKey, then someone else with access to the ERA Smart Home app could unlock the door remotely. If you do experience any issues, please reach out to our team on 0345 646 1487.

The TouchKey door solution has been through rigorous independent testing to certify the safety of the data, its security, and the functionality of the ERA Smart Home app. Such testing is ongoing to ensure the product adheres to the required standards even as technology evolves.

We cannot prevent anyone from attempting to hack the product, however, we have sophisticated multi-level security verification and authentication across all of the entry methods which would inhibit any potential threats.

Each registered fingerprint is unique to the individual, is encrypted within the handle itself, and the data never leaves the device. The TouchKey handle does not connect to the internet only to your phone.

Yes, the ERA Smart Home app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. We support the ERA Smart Home app, on Android and Apple devices using the current version of the operating system, and the previous version. Please check with your smartphone provider for details on their operating system versions.

All data we store is encrypted. We have a compliant platform hosted on a UK ERA-owned data server.

The TouchKey door solution including the ERA cloud platform and Smart Home app have been through rigorous independent testing to certify the safety of the data, its security, and its functionality.

Some individuals and groups will attempt to obtain data. However, we have sophisticated multi-level security verification and authentication across all of the entry methods which would inhibit any potential threats. We have received the BSI IoT Kitemark, and also have developers who are constantly monitoring our systems, to ensure the data is secure.

The ERA Smart Home app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

One person at a time can have an active connection from a smartphone to the handle.

This would depend on the functionality of your specific smartphone.

Please do the following:
a) Remove the batteries from the internal handle, wait 5 seconds and then reconnect them.
b) Open the ERA Smart Home app and check to see if you get a connection.
c) Go to Bluetooth settings, and unpair the handle. Reopen the app, and you should get a notification to pair your phone and handle.
d) If you are still experiencing issues, please use your fingerprint (if enrolled), or key override, and give our team a call on 0345 646 1487.

Geolocation allows you to use the location of your smartphone to auto-unlock the door as you approach the property. Within the range, a trusted digital ekey allows access to the property without taking the smartphone out of a pocket. Sophisticated technology ensures that when at home, the door cannot be unlocked by someone else when you are within range.

To use this feature, you must move outside of the 200 metre range for your app to register that you are in ‘away’ mode. Once you then return into the 200m range, your app will notify you that you are in ‘home’ mode preparing for your arrival. The app will not search for the handle until you are 5-10 metres away from the door and will not unlock until it reaches your precise Geolocation coordinates, this is for security reasons. When you approach the door there is a slight delay while authentication takes place and the door opens, this time can be adjusted within the app settings.

Yes, to use this entry method, your ERA Smart Home app must stay open in the background at all times. If you close the app, you will receive a notification that services to the handle have stopped and request you reopen the app. Please ensure that you change location access in your ERA Smart Home App to “Always” (without this setting, geolocation will not function).

The maximum number of accounts using Geolocation is 10.

For use with Siri on iOS (not currently available on Android):
a) Open the ERA Smart Home app, and click on TouchKey settings
b) Select the "Voice Unlock" setting
c) You will see a request to allow the ERA Smart Home app to use Siri, click "OK". Follow the on-screen Siri prompts to finalise set up
d) Voice unlock is now active with the default phrase
e) You can now open TouchKey by using the following phrase “Hey Siri, unlock ERA TouchKey”. You can personalise the phrase if you wish within the set-up process.

No, the voice unlock function is only currently available for use with Siri on iOS.

Our customer support team are available Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm. Give our team a call on 0345 646 1487. Or there are lots of frequently asked questions, videos and downloads available on the help and advice pages.

Depending on your insurance policy, you may need to contact them first, to make your home safe. We would then advise you to contact your door installer for advice or your insurance company may have a process in place for such policy claims. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) have a searchable database of their approved locksmiths in your area.

No, the TouchKey system will be fixed permanently to the door it is installed in and cannot be transferred to another door at a later stage.

No, there are no additional fees for the TouchKey door solution once installed.

The TouchKey door solution is suitable for newly installed composite and timber doors only. It will need to be installed by a professional tradesman and is not suitable for self-install. Please visit our How to buy information for the latest list of approved stockists in your area.

In the first instance we would recommend you change the batteries. If this doesn't work, please contact us. Our customer support team are available Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm. Give our team a call on 0345 646 1487. Or there are lots of frequently asked questions, videos and downloads available on the help and advice pages.

If you are unable to contact us, we would advise you to contact a door installer for advice. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) have a searchable database of their approved locksmiths in your area. We have instructions on how to put the handle into mechanical operation only. We would recommend that this is done by a qualified installer and only if advised to do so. Details on how to do this can be found here or watch on this video.

ERA has been at the heart of British lock making for over 180 years. That knowledge, experience and expertise in securing homes across Britain, drives our product innovation
forward for a new generation of homeowners. As people have adapted the way they live, we have adapted how we help them to protect the things that are important to them. With TouchKey, we combined our love of mechanical security with world-renowned smarter technology, offering you a new way to access your home without needing a key.

Please visit the TouchKey info page for the latest downloads, videos and information. Or give our team a call on 0345 646 1487.

If you move house, please ensure that you pass your physical keys, user guide etc to the new homeowner. You will need to decommission, reset the device and delete the ERA Smart Home app account, to enable the new owner to register the product. Please refer to your user guide or contact our team on 0345 646 1487 for help.