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Marriott Bonvoy Mobile Key
The short answer
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile Key turns your phone into your room key at select participating hotels. Log in to the Marriott Bonvoy app with your member number on the reservation, turn on Bluetooth and trip notifications, and the key generally becomes available within two days of arrival. The app tells you when it’s issued, once your room is ready. Our take: set it up for any stay at a hotel that offers it, so you can go straight to your room when it’s ready instead of queuing at the desk.
- 2 days
- before arrival, when the key generally becomes available
- 3
- phones per room at once, yours included
- Select
- participating hotels only
01
Do this next
- Check your hotel offers Mobile Key (below).
- Add your Marriott Bonvoy member number to the reservation, and log in to the app.
- Turn on Bluetooth and the app’s trip notifications before you travel.
- Add everyone sharing the room to the reservation, and ask them to join Marriott Bonvoy and install the app, so you can share the key with them.
02
Which hotels have Mobile Key?
Only select participating hotels, and Marriott doesn’t publish a list. Check the hotel itself:
- On marriott.com, open the hotel and look under “Featured Amenities on Site”, then “Property Details”.
- In the app, open the hotel and look under “Property Details”, then “Featured Amenities”.
- For a stay you’ve booked, open the reservation in the app and look under “Key Amenities”.
Keep the app updated, since what it supports also depends on the app version.
03
What do you need to set up first?
- The Marriott Bonvoy app, logged in to your account.
- Your Marriott Bonvoy member number on the reservation.
- Bluetooth turned on.
- Trip push notifications turned on, under “Communication” in the app’s settings.
- In some regions, a one-time code by email or text to confirm it’s you before you can request the key.
04
When does the key arrive, and how do you use it?
The key generally becomes available within two days of your arrival. On arrival day, once your room is ready, a notification confirms it’s been issued.
- Open the Marriott Bonvoy app.
- Tap “Mobile Key”, just under the hotel image.
- Hold your phone near the lock.
It opens any door your key card would: your room, and common areas such as elevators, fitness centers and parking garages. The steps can differ a little between iPhone, Android and app versions.
05
How do you share a Marriott Mobile Key?
Once your own key works, open the Marriott Bonvoy app, tap the key, then “Share Key”, and pick the guest. They get a notification, accept it in their own app (or under Trips), and their phone opens the room and the hotel’s common areas, such as the gym, pool and lounge.
Who can receive it: guests aged 18 or older who are Marriott Bonvoy members, have the app, and are named on the reservation. If someone isn’t on the booking, the front desk has to add them before the share option works. Joining Bonvoy is free.
The limit: Marriott says you can share with up to 3 guests, but also that only 3 phones can hold an active key for a room at the same time, yours included. Plan on you plus two others.
Our take: add your travel companions to the reservation when you book, so sharing works the moment your key arrives and nobody has to queue at the desk. You can see who has a key and remove anyone at any time, and every shared key stops working at checkout. How Marriott Bonvoy membership works.
06
Marriott Mobile Key not working? What to do
Go to the front desk. Marriott says you can always ask there for a Mobile Key, even after you’ve checked in with a plastic key card, and anyone you share with can get a key card there too. Before you go, check the usual causes: Bluetooth or trip notifications switched off, an out-of-date app, your member number missing from the reservation, or a hotel that doesn’t offer Mobile Key.
07
Does Marriott Mobile Key work with Apple Wallet?
Marriott’s Mobile Key help pages describe the key only inside the Marriott Bonvoy app, and don’t mention Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Plan on opening your door from the app: tap “Mobile Key” and hold your phone near the lock. Check the app before your stay, since what it supports depends on the app version.
Questions
Does Marriott have a mobile key?
Yes, at select participating hotels, in the Marriott Bonvoy app. Check the hotel's amenities on marriott.com or in the app to see if it offers one.
When does Marriott Mobile Key become available?
Generally within two days of arrival. On arrival day you get a notification once your room is ready and the key has been issued.
Why can't I get a Marriott Mobile Key?
The hotel may not offer it, your member number may not be on the reservation, or Bluetooth or trip notifications may be off. In some regions you also need to confirm a one-time code first. The front desk can help either way.
How many people can use one Marriott Mobile Key?
Up to 3 phones can hold an active key for one room at the same time, yours included, so you plus two others. Each must belong to a Marriott Bonvoy member aged 18 or older who is named on the reservation.
Why can't I share my Marriott Mobile Key?
Usually because the guest isn't named on the reservation, isn't a Marriott Bonvoy member, or hasn't got the app, or because your own key isn't active yet. The front desk can add a guest to the room. If you don't see Share Key at all, update the app.
Do shared Marriott mobile keys expire?
Yes. Every shared key stops working at checkout, and you can remove anyone's access sooner from the app.
Sources: Marriott: How do I use Mobile Key?, Marriott: How do I share my Mobile Key?, The Marriott Bonvoy app. Program rules change, so confirm with Marriott before you rely on one. Award Escape is independent of Marriott.