FAQs about the ekey bionyx system

The biometric access control systems from ekey record the features (minutiae) of the finger lines. They compare this with the data stored in the reference fingerprint. In case of a match, the door opens.

An ekey access control system is primarily used to open doors in homes and businesses.

The 2.4 GHz frequency band is required for the ekey bionyx devices. The devices will not work with a 5 GHz frequency band.

A standard router with at least WPA2 encryption and a 2.4 GHz frequency band meets the requirements.

Data transmission in the ekey bionyx system is end-to-end encrypted. All data is encrypted before being transmitted across all transmission stations.
An individual key is used for communication between the ekey bionyx system and ekey devices, which is known only to the two devices. This key is only exchanged between the mobile device and ekey devices during activation.
The transmitted data is encrypted by the mobile device and only decrypted again by the ekey fingerprint scanner or the ekey control unit.
The data sent cannot be read or generated by hackers or by ekey itself.
Each sent message or command, e.g. “Open front door” or “Store finger”, is valid only once and for a short time.

The door can also be opened offline.
However, you need a connection to the ekey bionyx app in order to administrate your system.
In order for you receive push notifications and access log data, your system must be online.

Yes, the user data is backed up on the ekey devices and in the ekey bionyx system. An additional backup is therefore not necessary.

A person’s fingers only have to be stored once: They are automatically synchronized on all ekey bionyx devices used. This affects both your own system and those to which this person has been invited.

This person uses synchronized fingers. These fingers can only be edited by the respective person.
On the other hand, authorizations are assigned by administrators.

WPA2, WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2-PSK, WPA3-PSK and WPA2/WPA3-PSK are supported.
RADIUS authentication is not supported.

You help to improve ekey products and services by sharing analysis and usage data anonymously with the ekey support team.
This data does not contain any user or location-related information.

You can connect any two control unit extension modules to an ekey control unit DRM and configure up to 18 relays. ekey offers control unit extension modules with 2 or 8 relays.

If you have not activated the “iCloud backup” function or the “Google Drive backup” function, your ekey bionyx data will not be transferred to the new smartphone.
You can restore the data to the new smartphone by logging in to the app and scanning or entering the code when prompted for the backup code.
After successful entry, your ekey bionyx system will be restored from the backup.

The digital inputs are switched via a dry-contact relay for the set relay switching duration using a door button or similar.
The ekey dLine control unit has one digital input and one relay, the ekey control unit DRM has two digital inputs and two relays. With the latter, digital input 1 switches relay 1 and digital input 2 switches relay 2. For this, the input of the door button must be connected to the ekey control unit DRM via IC and the output of the door button must be connected to digital input 1 or 2 of the ekey control unit DRM.
For details on wiring, refer to the relevant wiring diagram in the Download Center.

1. Your control unit extension module must have firmware version 4.1.193 or higher to be recognized. If this is not the case, the firmware version can be updated automatically overnight. To do this, leave the ekey control unit DRM online overnight.
2. Make sure that you have connected a maximum of two control unit extension modules to the right-hand side of the ekey control unit DRM.
3. Check whether the ekey bionyx system has been disconnected from the power supply before plugging in the control unit extension module.
4. Check whether the EXTENSION LINK has been plugged in.

Store a minimum of one finger from each hand. This will mean that if you injure one hand, you can operate your fingerprint scanner with the other one.

Since you can operate several systems in parallel, you can use the “Change system” function to switch between a maximum of ten locations such as your house, vacation home, or office and store people there.

Due to the high security standards, only encrypted WLAN networks can be used.

If you activate the “iCloud backup” function or the “Google Drive backup” function, the backup code will be saved in your iCloud or in your Google Drive account. If you lose your iPhone or your Android smartphone or switch to a new one, your ekey bionyx data is safe and can be restored at any time using your iCloud or Google Drive account.

The four LED segments of the ekey fingerprint scanner signal the different operation modes as well as error cases. Different light colors are used: Blue, yellow, green, and red. These also indicate certain scenarios by means of different intervals in which they light up.

Error messages

The error messages are displayed approx. 3 seconds after a successful finger recognition (all four LED segments are continuously illuminated green). After that, the ekey fingerprint scanner is back in its normal state of operation (all four LED segments are continuously illuminated blue).

Hold your finger straight and place it centrally in the finger recess. Do not twist the finger.

ekey dLine

ekey xLine/ekey sLine

Door manufacturers or electricians have a test mode for the basic function – i.e. opening the door. Once the system is properly wired, voltage can be applied.
The top-left LED segment of the ekey fingerprint scanner flashes blue.

It is then possible to place any finger on the sensor. The fingerprint is recognized, and the door is opened.
All four LED segments of the ekey fingerprint scanner are continuously illuminated green.

The test mode is only possible within the first ten minutes after the voltage has been applied. This function is deactivated after this time has elapsed or after the system has been activated.

With the new generation of fingerprint scanners, up to 100 users can be stored. Four fingers can be stored per user, each of which can trigger different functions. Upon delivery, 20 users are available free of charge. Additional users can be purchased at any time if necessary.

This function will be offered at a later date via a software update.

The devices are updated automatically. If an update is available, this is always carried out at night.

Since you can operate several systems in parallel, you can use the “Change system” function to switch between a maximum of ten locations such as your house, vacation home, or office and store people there.

By entering an email address, you can invite someone who has an ekey bionyx account to support you in your system. The selected person can view your system and help you with any issues that may arise. You can also invite the ekey support via the email address support@ekey.net.

For security reasons, the ekey bionyx account is required for registration. This means that your account is linked to the components (ekey fingerprint scanner and ekey control unit) and to the authorized mobile devices. An ekey bionyx account is required for anyone who makes changes or adjustments to the system – i.e. for system administrators and administrators. Users do not need an ekey bionyx account.

The location information is needed to search for devices that use BLE wireless connections. After Android 6.0 was released in 2015, Google introduced new authorization requirements for BLE wireless connections. Android 6.0 or higher requires apps to ask for authorizations before an app can use system data and functions.
If the location services and/or the location authorizations for the ekey bionyx app are deactivated, the Android smartphone and the ekey bionyx app cannot find the hardware matching of the ekey control unit. This means that no connection can be established between the ekey bionyx app and the ekey control unit and that activation thus cannot be carried out.

Headphones, loudspeakers, or the car radio work with Bluetooth standard technology, while the ekey system (like many other devices) uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Location authorizations are only required for devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy technology.

Due to the high security standards, only encrypted WLAN networks can be used.

If you activate the “iCloud backup” function or the “Google Drive backup” function, the backup code will be saved in your iCloud or in your Google Drive account. If you lose your iPhone or your Android smartphone or switch to a new one, your ekey bionyx data is safe and can be restored at any time using your iCloud or Google Drive account.

You can open the door with Alexa as soon as you have configured the ekey device in the Alexa app. You have two options to choose from:

Option 1:
1. “Alexa, open the front door”. (“Front door” = name of the ekey device). Alexa asks, “What’s your voice code for front door?”
2. Say your 4-digit security code.

Option 2:
1. “Alexa, open the front door – 1234”. In this example, “1234” is your 4-digit security code.

The door will open.

This person uses synchronized fingers. These fingers can only be edited by the respective person.
On the other hand, authorizations are assigned by administrators.

Data transmission in the ekey bionyx system is end-to-end encrypted. All data is encrypted before being transmitted across all transmission stations.
An individual key is used for communication between the ekey bionyx system and ekey devices, which is known only to the two devices. This key is only exchanged between the mobile device and ekey devices during activation.
The transmitted data is encrypted by the mobile device and only decrypted again by the ekey fingerprint scanner or the ekey control unit.
The data sent cannot be read or generated by hackers or by ekey itself.
Each sent message or command, e.g. “Open front door” or “Store finger”, is valid only once and for a short time.

You help to improve ekey products and services by sharing analysis and usage data anonymously with the ekey support team.
This data does not contain any user or location-related information.

1. On the start screen, tap on the “System administrator” symbol in the top left corner.
2. Select the logged-in administrator.
3. Tap on “Edit user”.
4. If necessary, scroll to the bottom and tap on “Delete the ekey bionyx account with all data”.
5. Follow the further instructions.

If you have not activated the “iCloud backup” function or the “Google Drive backup” function, your ekey bionyx data will not be transferred to the new smartphone.
You can restore the data to the new smartphone by logging in to the app and scanning or entering the code when prompted for the backup code.
After successful entry, your ekey bionyx system will be restored from the backup.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired ekey control unit.
3. Tap on “Functions/relays”.
4. Select “Edit”.
5. Configure the relay.
6. Tap on “Done”.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.
3. Tap on “Fingerprints”.
4. Select the desired finger.
5. Tap on “Functions”.
6. Select the desired access area.
7. Select the desired function and tick the check box.
8. Tap on “Done” and “Save”.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired device.
3. Tap on “Device information”.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired ekey fingerprint scanner.
3. Tap on “Signaling”.
4. Set the brightness slider of the standby lighting to the desired value. If you want to turn off the standby lighting completely, set the brightness slider to 0%. This only turns off the standby lighting; all other signals remain unchanged.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Tap on “+” in the bottom right.
3. Decide whether you want to create a user or an administrator.
4. Follow the instructions.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.
3. Tap on “Delete”.
4. Confirm with “OK” that you really want to delete the user.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.
3. Tap on the “+” symbol.
4. Follow the instructions.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.
3. Tap on “Fingerprints.”
4. Select the desired finger.
5. Tap on “Delete finger”.
6. Confirm with “Delete” that you really want to delete the finger.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Tap on “+” in the bottom right.
3. Follow the instructions.

A maximum of five device pairs (fingerprint scanner and control unit) can be operated within one system.

You can delete or deactivate the access logs under “Settings” and “Access logs”. You will then no longer receive any push notifications.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired device.
3. If necessary, scroll all the way to the bottom.
4. Tap on “Reset and delete device”.
5. Confirm with “RESET AND DELETE DEVICE”.

You can also reset your device using the reset button on the ekey control unit: press the reset button for at least 3 seconds. If you have an ekey dLine control unit, you must remove it to do so.

1. On the start screen, tap the bell symbol in the top right corner.
2. Tap on the “Edit” symbol in the top-right corner.
3. Enable/disable “Show push notifications”.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the ekey control unit.
3. Tap on “WLAN.”
4. Tap on “Change WLAN network”.
5. Select a WLAN network.
6. Enter the WLAN network password.
7. Tap on “Connect”.

1. Make sure that you have an ekey bionyx account and that you are using an Alexa device.

2. Open the Alexa app.

3. Under the “More” tab, select “Skills and Games”.

4. Search for “ekey bionyx”.

5. Select “ENABLE TO USE”.

6. Enter your ekey bionyx account information (email address and password). This is to link your ekey bionyx account to your Alexa account.
7. Press “Log in”.

8. Switch to the „DEVICES“ tab and select „Locks“.

9. Tap on your selection, e. g. „Front door“.
10. Configure the device under “Settings” at the top right.

11. Activate “Unlock by voice”.
12. Set a four-digit security code.

13. Open the ekey bionyx app.
14. Press “The Alexa connection must be activated”. The device details are displayed.

15. Activate “Allow opening via Alexa Skill”.

For security reasons, you must reconnect after 3 months in the ekey bionyx app. You will receive a notification in the app a few days beforehand, as well as a push notification.

1. Tap on the “Devices” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select an ekey control unit.
3. Tap on “Functions/relays”.
4. Tap on “Edit”.
5. Scroll to the bottom and slide the slider to the desired relay switching duration.
6. Tap on “Done” and “Save”.

The fingerprint scanner only works correctly and reliably with the papillary ridges of the front phalanx. If your finger is too dry or too cold, these papillary ridges cannot be adequately registered. Try the following:

• You can warm a cold finger with friction.
• With dry skin, it often helps to run your finger across your forehead.
• If possible, use a different finger.

The fingerprint scanner only works correctly and reliably with the fine lines on the front phalanx (papillary ridges). If your finger is too damp or the sensor is wet, these lines cannot be registered well enough. In this case, you can try the following:

• Dry your finger.
• Dry the sensor on the fingerprint scanner with a soft, nonabrasive cloth.

You must always replace the fingerprint scanner and the control unit together. All settings and authorizations are restored automatically after the replacement.

The four LED segments of the ekey fingerprint scanner signal the different operation modes as well as error cases. Different light colors are used: Blue, yellow, green, and red. These also indicate certain scenarios by means of different intervals in which they light up.

Error messages

The error messages are displayed approx. 3 seconds after a successful finger recognition (all four LED segments are continuously illuminated green). After that, the ekey fingerprint scanner is back in its normal state of operation (all four LED segments are continuously illuminated blue).

For security reasons, the ekey bionyx account is required for registration. This means that your account is linked to the components (ekey fingerprint scanner and ekey control unit) and to the authorized mobile devices. An ekey bionyx account is required for anyone who makes changes or adjustments to the system – i.e. for system administrators and administrators. Users do not need an ekey bionyx account.

Some functions such as remote opening or sending push messages are only activated if your ekey system is connected to the internet.
A stable, password-protected 2.4 GHz WLAN network with at least WPA-PSK2 encryption is essential in the wireless range of the front door.
You can also set up activation via a hotspot on your mobile device. The procedure for setting up the hotspot can be found in the operating instructions for your mobile device.

1. Download the ekey bionyx app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Start the app.
3. Create an ekey bionyx account. You must confirm the confirmation email on the same device where the app was installed.
4. Establish the power supply for the ekey system. If the system is already powered, disconnect it for at least 10 seconds and then reconnect it. The devices are then in activation mode.
5. Follow the instructions in the ekey bionyx app.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Tap on “+” in the bottom right.
3. Decide whether you want to create a user or an administrator.
4. Follow the instructions.

1. Tap on the “Users” symbol in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired user.
3. Tap on the “+” symbol.
4. Follow the instructions.

You can connect any two control unit extension modules to an ekey control unit DRM and configure up to 18 relays. ekey offers control unit extension modules with 2 or 8 relays.

1. Disconnect the ekey bionyx system from the power supply.
2. Remove the EXTENSION LINK from the back of the control unit extension module.
3. Plug the EXTENSION LINK into the left-hand side of the control unit extension module.
4. Push the ekey control unit DRM and the control unit extension module together.
5. Reconnect to the power supply.

You can now configure the relays:
How can I assign a function to a relay?

The ekey fingerprint scanner is basically maintenance-free.

Clean the sensor surface of the fingerprint scanner and the fingerprint scanner itself with a damp (not wet) nonabrasive cloth. Q-tips, microfiber cloths, and glasses-cleaning cloths are suitable for this purpose. Materials containing cotton, paper towels, paper tissues, kitchen sponges, damp dish towels, and kitchen rolls are not suitable. Use clean water without adding detergent. Treat the sensor surface with care.

If it is necessary to disinfect the entire fingerprint scanner including the sensor, you can use watery and alcohol-based agents. However, these should be able to dry quickly in the sensor area. The varnish of the fingerprint scanner is very resistant to all common cleaning agents and disinfectants with less than 10 minutes of exposure.

You can connect an ekey system to almost any smart home system with an HTTP(S) request.
HTTP(S) requests can be created in the ekey bionyx app and assigned to users or fingers.
The HTTP(S) requests are then called up when the finger is placed on the fingerprint scanner and sent to the smart home system. They can also be called up via the ekey bionyx app.

The corresponding HTTP(S) request for the smart home system is usually located in the respective API, which is usually publicly visible on the Internet.
You can find out exactly how an HTTP(S) request is created here: https://developer.ekey.net/c/https-requests/6.

Note that only a system administrator may create an HTTP(S) request.

You can find detailed information about this on the ekey Developer Board.

The firmware update will give you the latest software, increased security, additional functionalities, and various improvements.

The devices are updated automatically. If an update is available, this is always carried out at night.