Mobile access control is transforming how properties manage security. Physical keys and keycards slow operations and create ongoing risk. CellGate’s mobile access control technology removes the burden of issuing, replacing, and tracking physical credentials. You gain a simpler, safer, and more flexible way to manage every entry point.
With smartphone-based QR code entry and PIN codes, property managers, tenants, and residents can grant access to visitors without handing off physical keys. Plus, residents can enter with just the wave of a hand via Bluetooth. You can create, update, or revoke access instantly through the TrueCloud Connect platform or the CellGate app. This gives you a streamlined and reliable keyless entry system across any property.
Understanding CellGate’s Mobile Access Ecosystem
CellGate’s mobile access ecosystem is built around two core technologies: Visitor Passes for residents and guests, and Bluetooth-enabled mobile access for residents, tenants, employees, and property managers.
Visitor Passes are QR codes or PIN codes used to grant access, and they can be shared through TrueCloud Connect or the CellGate app. Visitors with smartphones receive a scannable QR code. Those without a smartphone can be issued a PIN code instead.
CellGate’s mobile access ecosystem also provides seamless access for property managers, employees and residents. When someone with the CellGate app and a Bluetooth‑enabled smartphone approaches an entry point, supported readers can unlock the gate or door automatically.
These credentials can work across all CellGate solutions, including Watchman telephone entry systems, OmniPoint wireless access control, Entría controllers, and CG Readers and Credentials – depending on the solution and configuration chosen. They can support QR scanning, PIN entry, Bluetooth hands-free access (varies by model), and traditional RFID cards. This flexibility allows properties to transition from physical credentials to smartphone access control at their own pace.
With everything connected through the TrueCloud Connect system, you can manage users, issue or revoke credentials, track access attempts (including photo documentation on Watchman entry attempts), and maintain detailed audit logs across multiple sites.
How CellGate Mobile Access Control Works
Smartphone-Based Access
Visitors are issued digital credentials to their smartphones via text or by email. They can scan an issued QR code at entry devices via their smartphone or enter an issued PIN code manually on a keypad, with a smart phone not being needed. Supported CG Reader models also allow residents Bluetooth hands-free entry.
Multiple Access Methods
QR code scanning gives quick, secure access. PIN codes act as a secondary option, and may be a preferred option for visitors who will not always have their smartphone on their person. For residents and employees, Bluetooth allows hands-free use at entrances with supported CG Reader models. RFID cards or fobs remain supported for phased transitions.
Visitor Passes Across CellGate Product Lines
Watchman Telephone Entry Systems
PIN Code Visitor Passes work with all Watchman systems. QR Code Visitor Passes are supported on Watchman W461, W462, W480, W482, WXL & WXL2 models and on W410 or W450 models with an attached bracketed Infinity reader. Users can scan QR codes at the entry panel. You can generate both Visitor Pass types instantly via the CellGate app or by logging in to TrueCloud Connect.
OmniPoint Wireless Access Control
A multi-point wireless access control system, OmniPoint supports property-wide mobile access control when paired with CG Readers and Credentials. CellGate’s Infinity Readers support the broadest functionality, with both QR or PIN Code Visitor Passes and Bluetooth contactless entry being standard.
Entría Access Controllers
Entría controllers work with CellGate readers for convenient mobile access control at small to mid-sized properties or multi-family communities.
The single-door E1DC includes a built-in Infinity reader and works with QR codes and PIN codes. It also supports RFID credentials with DESFire® EV3 encryption.
The E4DC controls access for up to four entry points and, when paired with external CG Readers, can support QR, PIN codes, Bluetooth, and DESFire® EV3 or HID credentials, depending on the reader selected.
CellGate Reader Options for Mobile Credentials
Infinity Reader
Perfect for doors and gates that will be used by residents, employees, and visitors. Supports Bluetooth, QR, PIN, and RFID. Built into the Entría E1DC and available as an add-on to any door.
Halo Reader
Ideal for resident mobile access control. Supports Bluetooth contactless entry, cards and fobs.
Digit Keypad Reader
PIN-first design with RFID support for cards and fobs. Great for doors with fewer visitor needs.
Visitor Management with Visitor Passes
Visitor Passes make it easy to manage short-term access without handing out physical keys or cards. You can generate QR codes that are valid only for a set window of time, ensuring visitors, contractors, and delivery personnel can enter only when needed.
These credentials can be sent instantly by text or email, so there is no delay in granting access. As each credential is used, the system captures photo documentation (if scanned on a Watchman device) and logs the issued user, time and date details in TrueCloud Connect. This gives property managers a clear record of who accessed the property and when, while keeping the process simple for guests.
Security Advantages of Mobile Access Control
CellGate’s mobile access control products strengthen property security in several ways. You can revoke access instantly when a credential is compromised or no longer needed, which eliminates the risks that come with lost keys or shared codes.
Because each Visitor Pass or mobile credential is tied to a specific user, you gain clear accountability for every entry attempt – knowing what entry was utilized, by whom and on what date/time. The Watchman system also captures photos in TrueCloud Connect on every access attempt, creating a highly detailed and reliable audit trail.
Time and date limited QR or PIN codes also prevent unauthorized use outside of desired windows. Recurring QR Codes given to recurring visitors like family members, dogwalkers and babysitters also refresh after each use, eliminating the possibility of them being shared. Together, all of these features give properties a stronger, smarter, and more proactive security posture than traditional key or card systems.
Administrative Control Through TrueCloud Connect
TrueCloud Connect manages credentials across single sites or large property portfolios, giving property managers one unified place to control every access point. You can activate, modify, or revoke a user’s permissions instantly without visiting the property or having to touch its hardware.
Bulk‑import tools simplify onboarding for large communities or employee groups, reducing setup time. Real‑time alerts help you stay ahead of unauthorized attempts or system issues, while integrations with property management software like Yardi and RealPage streamline daily administration.
The CellGate app also allows managers to make quick updates, review activity logs, or issue Visitor Passes from anywhere.
Implementing Mobile Access Control
Getting Started
To begin implementing mobile access control, start with a clear plan that outlines your property’s needs and goals.
- Identify which doors, gates, or interior access points would benefit most from mobile access control.
- Select the right mix of CellGate readers based on your infrastructure, user types at each entry point, and desired access methods.
- Plan a smooth onboarding process for residents, tenants, employees and visitors to ensure an easy transition.
Deployment Options
To roll out mobile access control effectively, follow a structured approach that supports both current needs and future expansion.
- Start with the most frequently used entry points such as gates, main doors, or lobby access points.
- Add interior or secondary access points as your property becomes comfortable with mobile access control.
- Maintain RFID card and fob compatibility during the transition so existing users can continue accessing the property without disruption.
- Scale the system across multiple properties using unified cloud management for consistent oversight and simpler administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CellGate Visitor Passes, and how do they work?
CellGate Visitor Passes are digital access credentials that use QR codes or PIN codes. Visitor Passes are compatible with Watchman video intercoms, OmniPoint wireless access points, and Entría controllers. Choose QR code access for smartphone-based entry, or PIN code passes when visitors need access without a phone. Properties can also integrate physical credentials – including DESFire EV3 and HID cards or fobs – through compatible CG Readers & Credentials (varied by model).
Can Visitor Passes work with multiple CellGate products?
Yes. Visitor Passes work across Watchman, OmniPoint, and Entría for total property security access management.
What’s the difference between Visitor Passes and mobile credentials?
Visitor Passes are CellGate’s branded mobile credentials. They include QR or PIN codes that work with CellGate readers, Entría Single Door Controllers (plus Entría Four Door Controllers paired with CG Readers) and Watchman video intercoms that support QR scanning and keypad entry.
Can Visitor Passes be shared like physical keys?
Recurring QR codes refresh after each use to prevent sharing. Temporary and single-use QR codes provide time-limited access. PIN codes are convenient but can be shared more easily. However, administrators can create temporary event keys or time-limited visitor credentials for controlled sharing.
What happens if someone loses their phone with Virtual Key access?
Administrators can instantly revoke mobile access credentials remotely through TrueCloud Connect or the CellGate app—no lock changes or physical key replacement required.
Which CellGate products support mobile access control?
Visitor Passes work with Watchman telephone entry systems, OmniPoint wireless access points, and Entría controllers paired with CellGate readers (Infinity or Digit).
Get Advanced Access Control with CellGate Readers & Credentials
CellGate delivers innovative and integrated access control that works across your entire property. Contact us or an authorized CellGate dealer to get started with a secure keyless entry system today.