Imagine you've just checked into your fabulous Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the bags are dropped, and you're ready to explore. But wait! Your travel companion is still out, and you both need access to the room. Fumbling with physical keys, coordinating meet-ups – it's a hassle we can all do without. Enter the magic of the Marriott Mobile Key!
The Marriott Mobile Key, accessible through the Marriott Bonvoy app, transforms your smartphone into your room key, granting you seamless access to your room and other hotel facilities like the fitness center or pool. But did you know you can also share this convenience with your travel companions? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, to ensure your stay is as smooth and key-free as possible.
How to Share Your Marriott Mobile Key: A Comprehensive Guide
Sharing your Marriott Mobile Key is a fantastic feature for families, friends, or colleagues traveling together. It eliminates the need for multiple physical key cards and streamlines access for everyone. Let's dive into the process!
Step 1: Ensure You're Ready to Share the Magic!
Before you can spread the mobile key love, there are a few essential prerequisites. Don't skip this step!
Sub-heading: A. Marriott Bonvoy Membership is Key
First and foremost, both you (the primary guest) and your travel companion(s) must be Marriott Bonvoy members. If they're not, it's quick and free to sign up directly through the Marriott Bonvoy app or on the Marriott website. This is a non-negotiable requirement for sharing and receiving mobile keys.
Sub-heading: B. The All-Powerful Marriott Bonvoy App
Ensure both your device and your companion's device have the latest version of the Marriott Bonvoy app installed. Outdated apps can sometimes lead to glitches. Head to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and check for updates.
Sub-heading: C. Enable Push Notifications for a Smooth Experience
For a truly seamless experience, make sure push notifications are enabled for the Marriott Bonvoy app on both your phone and your companion's phone. This ensures you receive timely alerts about your room being ready, key sharing invitations, and acceptance confirmations. You can usually find this setting in your phone's general app notification settings.
Sub-heading: D. Mobile Key Availability at Your Property
While many Marriott properties offer Mobile Key, it's not universally available. You can usually confirm this when you check in via the app or by checking the hotel's amenities section on the Marriott website or within the app itself. Look for the "Mobile Key" icon or mention.
Sub-heading: E. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Might Be Required
In some regions, Marriott now requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to request a Mobile Key. If prompted, you'll receive a one-time verification code via email or SMS that you'll need to enter into the app to confirm your identity. Be prepared for this extra security step.
Step 2: Requesting Your Own Mobile Key (if you haven't already)
If you've already checked in and have your Mobile Key, you can skip this step. Otherwise, here's how to get yours:
Sub-heading: A. Initiate Mobile Check-In
Within 48 hours of your arrival, or on the day of, open the Marriott Bonvoy app and locate your current reservation under the "Trips" tab. You should see an option to "Check In." Follow the prompts to complete your mobile check-in.
Sub-heading: B. Opt-in for Mobile Key
During the mobile check-in process, you'll typically see a toggle or option to "Request Mobile Key." Make sure this is enabled!
Sub-heading: C. Receive Your Mobile Key Notification
Once your room is ready, you'll receive a push notification on your phone informing you that your Mobile Key has been issued. Now your phone is your key!
Step 3: Sharing Your Mobile Key with a Travel Companion
Now for the main event – sharing that digital access!
Sub-heading: A. Navigate to Your Current Stay in the App
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app. On the "Trips" tab, tap on the card for your current stay.
Sub-heading: B. Access the Mobile Key Screen
Look for the "Unlock Door" button or the "Mobile Key" section on your current stay's overview. Tap on it to open the Mobile Key screen.
Sub-heading: C. Initiate the Sharing Process
On the Mobile Key screen, you'll see an option like "Share Your Key" or a "Share" icon. Tap this. You might need to tap "Share Your Key" again to confirm.
Sub-heading: D. Enter Your Companion's Details
You'll be prompted to enter the name of the guest with whom you want to share your key. Enter their full name as it appears on their Marriott Bonvoy account. Then tap "Create Invitation."
Sub-heading: E. Choose Your Messaging App
The app will then give you options to send the invitation. Key sharing works best via text message (SMS) as some third-party apps may not fully support the invitation link. Select your preferred messaging app (e.g., Messages, WhatsApp, etc.) and follow the steps to send the invitation to your companion's phone number.
Step 4: Your Companion Accepts the Shared Mobile Key
Now, the ball is in your travel companion's court!
Sub-heading: A. Companion Logs into the Marriott Bonvoy App
Your travel companion needs to be logged into their own Marriott Bonvoy account on their mobile device within the Marriott Bonvoy app. If they don't have the app, the invitation link will prompt them to download it and either enroll or sign in.
Sub-heading: B. Open the Invitation Link
Your companion should open the Mobile Key Share invitation message you sent them (ideally via SMS) and tap on the link within the message.
Sub-heading: C. Accept the Key
Within the app, they'll see an option to "Accept Key." They should tap this and follow any on-screen instructions, which may include a brief verification process.
Sub-heading: D. You Confirm Approval
Once your travel companion has accepted the invitation, you (the primary guest) will receive a push notification asking you to confirm whether to grant access. Tap this notification and select "Approve" for the shared Mobile Key to be issued to your companion.
Sub-heading: E. Companion Receives Confirmation
Finally, your companion will receive a push notification confirming that their Mobile Key is ready to use!
Step 5: Using the Shared Mobile Key
Both you and your companion can now use your phones to unlock the door!
Sub-heading: A. Open the App and Tap to Unlock
On the Marriott Bonvoy app, your current trip should automatically open. Tap the "Mobile Key" button or the Mobile Key card located just under the image of your room.
Sub-heading: B. Hold Your Phone to the Lock
Tap the "Mobile Key" card on the screen and hold your phone near the door lock (usually where you'd swipe a traditional key card) until it opens and the screen on the app turns green, indicating a successful unlock.
Sub-heading: C. Access Common Areas
Your Mobile Key can also grant you access to other common areas like the fitness center or pool, where mobile key access is enabled. Just follow the same process!
Important Notes and Troubleshooting Tips:
Front Desk Verification: In certain locations, your travel companions may still be required to visit the front desk to show their ID, even after receiving a shared Mobile Key. They will typically be informed of this during the process.
Revoking Access: If you need to revoke access for any or all shared keys, it's currently recommended to visit the front desk and request a new Mobile Key. Once a new key is issued, any existing shared keys will automatically be disabled.
Physical Key Cards: If you also have a physical key card and are issued a new one during your stay, your Mobile Key (and any shared keys) will likely become invalid.
App Issues: If you or your companion experience issues with the app crashing or not functioning correctly, try the following:
Uninstall and reinstall the app. (For Android, try clearing your cache first).
Sign out and sign back in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Ensure you have the latest operating system on your device.
Check your internet connection (switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data).
If you're using a VPN or security software with a "web proxy" feature, try disabling it temporarily.
Contact Support: If problems persist, contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Care directly through the app's "Member Support" or "Give Us Feedback" section, or via their published customer service numbers. Provide as much detail as possible about your device, OS, and the issue you're experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sharing Marriott Mobile Keys
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you navigate the Marriott Mobile Key sharing process:
How to ensure my travel companion can receive a Marriott Mobile Key?
Your travel companion must be a Marriott Bonvoy member and have the latest version of the Marriott Bonvoy app installed on their device. Push notifications for the app should also be enabled.
How to troubleshoot if my companion isn't receiving the Mobile Key invitation?
Ensure you've sent the invitation via text message (SMS) as it's the most reliable method. Also, confirm you entered their name correctly and that they are signed into their Marriott Bonvoy app. Double-check their phone number if sending via SMS.
How to know if a Marriott hotel supports Mobile Key?
You can usually tell if a property supports Mobile Key when you check in via the Marriott Bonvoy app, or by looking for the "Mobile Key" amenity listed on the hotel's page within the app or on the Marriott website.
How to revoke a shared Marriott Mobile Key?
Currently, the most reliable way to revoke a shared Mobile Key is to visit the front desk and request a new Mobile Key for yourself. This action will automatically disable all previously issued and shared Mobile Keys.
How to use the Mobile Key once shared and accepted?
Simply open the Marriott Bonvoy app, go to your current stay, tap the "Mobile Key" button, and hold your phone to the door lock. The app screen should turn green upon successful unlock.
How to fix the Marriott Bonvoy app if it's crashing or not working?
Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app (clearing the cache first on Android). Also, ensure your phone's operating system is up to date and that you have a stable internet connection.
How to enable push notifications for the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Go to your phone's "Settings," find "Apps" or "Notifications," locate the "Marriott Bonvoy" app, and ensure "Allow Notifications" or "Push Notifications" is toggled on.
How to get a new Mobile Key if my existing one stops working?
If your Mobile Key becomes invalid (e.g., after getting a new physical key), you can usually request a new one through the Marriott Bonvoy app during your stay, or by visiting the front desk.
How to link my Marriott Bonvoy account to my reservation for Mobile Key access?
When booking your reservation, ensure your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number is associated with it. If you booked without it, you might be able to add it via the app or by contacting the hotel directly.
How to know if Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required for Mobile Key?
If MFA is required in your region or for your account, the app will prompt you to complete a verification step (usually a one-time code via email or SMS) before issuing your Mobile Key.
