---
title: "Set up an RFID lock"
slug: "how-to-set-up-an-rfid-lock"
description: "https://support.digilock.com/docs/how-to-set-up-an-rfid-lock"
updated: 2025-07-30T15:51:24Z
published: 2025-07-30T15:51:24Z
canonical: "support.digilock.com/how-to-set-up-an-rfid-lock"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.digilock.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to set up an RFID lock

All Digilock RFID locks are shipped with factory default settings. To program the RFID locks and prepare them for use, they must be set up to operate with a Programming Key and Manager Credentials. A Programming Key and at least one Manager Key are needed to complete this process. Setup will differ depending on the lock’s functionality. Shared Use Deadbolt and Cam locks must be in the unlocked position before setup. Assigned Use Deadbolt, Deadlatch, and Cam locks must be in the locked position before setup.

To begin, choose the tab that matches the locking mechanism you’re working with.

*The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of your product.*

Deadlatch/DeadboltCam

> [!CAUTION]
> **IMPORTANT:** Shared Use Deadbolt locks must be in the unlocked position before setup.

1. Insert the Programming Key. A two-tone beep will be heard and the LED will turn on.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/aspire-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-in-rf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
2. Insert one Manager Key or present one Manager RFID Credential at a time. A two-tone beep will be heard for each Manager Credential programmed.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/aspire-rfid-stand-basic-mngrkey-or-crdntl-in-rf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
3. Insert the Programming Key. A two-tone beep will be heard and the LED will turn off.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/aspire-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-in-rf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
4. Repeat previous steps for each lock or follow the [How to Express Register Manager Credentials to multiple RFID locks](/v1/docs/how-to-express-register-manager-credentials-to-multiple-rfid-locks) instructions to set up all locks.

![Inserting a Programming Key into multiple Aspire RFID Basic/Advanced managed locks](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/aspire-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-multi-locks-in-rf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
5. After completing these steps, Shared Use RFID locks are ready for use. For operating instructions, go to [How to operate an RFID lock in Shared Use](/v1/docs/how-to-operate-an-rfid-lock#shared-use). If the RFID lock’s functionality is Assigned Use, then go to [How to assign User Credentials to an RFID lock](/v1/docs/how-to-assign-user-credentials-to-an-rfid-lock) to complete the setup.

> [!CAUTION]
> **IMPORTANT:** Shared Use Cam locks must be in the unlocked position before setup.

1. Insert the Programming Key. A two-tone beep will be heard and the LED will turn on.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/versa-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-in-unlocked-rf-tr-72dpi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
2. Insert one Manager Key or present one Manager RFID Credential at a time. A two-tone beep will be heard for each Manager Credential programmed.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/versa-rfid-stand-basic-mngrkey-or-crdntl-in-unlocked-rf-tr-72dpi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
3. Insert the Programming Key. A two-tone beep will be heard and the LED will turn off.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/versa-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-in-unlocked-rf-tr-72dpi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
4. Repeat previous steps for each lock or follow the [How to Express Register Manager Credentials to multiple RFID locks](/v1/docs/how-to-express-register-manager-credentials-to-multiple-rfid-locks) instructions to set up all locks.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/versa-rfid-stand-basic-prgmkey-multi-locks-in-unlocked-rf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)
5. After completing these steps, Shared Use RFID locks are ready for use. For operating instructions, go to [How to operate an RFID lock in Shared Use](/v1/docs/how-to-operate-an-rfid-lock#shared-use). If the RFID lock’s functionality is Assigned Use, then go to [How to assign User Credentials to an RFID lock](/v1/docs/how-to-assign-user-credentials-to-an-rfid-lock) to complete the setup.

Locks set to factory default can be operated by doing one of the following.

**Keypad locks:** Operate by pressing "C Button+Key Button".

**RFID locks:** Operate by presenting your hand to the lock.

![Programming Key](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/key_program-01-300dpi.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

- Overrides user access
- Allows management inspection
- Provides external power
- Programs Manager Keys to the lock
- Sets lock functionality if applicable (lock must be a keypad with a Deadbolt)

![credentials-manager-lf-tr](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/credentials-manager-lf-tr.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

A Manager Credential is used to manage a lock and is available as a Manager Key, RFID card, RFID fob, RFID sticker, RFID wristband, and Manager Digilock Mobile Access Credential.

![Manager Key](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/key_manager-01.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

- Overrides user access
- Allows management inspection
- Provides external power
- Sets lock functionality if applicable (lock must be a keypad with a Deadbolt)

Placing your hand near the RFID reader will make **the LED flash red**.

Shared Use is perfect for environments where multiple users need temporary access. An RFID credential allows anyone to use the unit, and once unlocked it's available for the next user. Locks configured in Shared Use may feature either a deadbolt or cam locking mechanism.

![5G-rearunit-deadbolt-highlight-02](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/5G-rearunit-deadbolt-highlight-02.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

A solid, motor-driven bolt that extends into the locker frame.

![rearunit-cam-highlight](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/rearunit-cam-highlight.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

A rotating metal piece that engages or disengages the lock when turned. Locks with a Cam have a knob or handle to manually rotate the mechanism.

Note: A flat cam is shown for illustrative purposes.

Placing your hand near the RFID reader will make the LED flash green.

Assigned Use is ideal for personal or dedicated access, where a specific individual or group is given an RFID credential to open a designated unit. The unit remains locked until the assigned user unlocks it using their credential. Assigned Use locks can be configured with a deadbolt, deadlatch, or cam.

![5G-rearunit-deadlatch-highlight-02](https://cdn.us.document360.io/43e2fe2d-295f-490f-80b5-6c5ccfc382bb/Images/Documentation/5G-rearunit-deadlatch-highlight-02.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T16%3A51%3A13Z&se=2026-11-09T17%3A51%3A13Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=1QZgKjFsCxqOyikFPWpvCHFlFvJvRGonmkDln0V7KJk%3D)

A spring-loaded bolt that automatically secures when the door closes. It requires a valid credential to open but doesn’t need manual locking.