SmartFob is a Bluetooth® LE sensor that helps to retrieve your keys through the SmartFob smartphone app (Note: this is not a GPS tracker).
You’ll need to install the SmartFob app on your iOS or Android smartphone. Please download the app for the respective platform here:
iPhone: AppStore
Android: GooglePlay
As a new user, after installing the Smartfob app, please register your new SmartFob account and log in after that. Note that this is not your Keycare customer account.
Once you have registered a new SmartFob account you can log in on different devices and your SmartFobs will be synced.
Note: A Keycare account is different to a SmartFob account; if you have a Keycare account you still need to create a SmartFob account through the app.
Your SmartFob must be activated by pairing it through the original SmartFob App.
Tap the white Plus (+) in the top left corner of your SmartFob app dashboard once you have registered and logged in. Then, proceed following the on-screen instructions.
Note: Please do not try to pair your SmartFob like you would other Bluetooth devices normally – only through the app.
To restart the app, launch your task manager and close the application depends on your device type. Please note that clearing cache and data of the app will also erase the last known location of your fob.
Finally, try to reboot your phone/ tablet by turning it off and on again and try re-connecting.
The SmartFob app uses Bluetooth to detect vicinity between your phone and your SmartFob. If they are within range (shown in the app), you can call your Fob from the app. If the Fob is too far from your smartphone, the SmartFob app creates a GPS time-stamp when and where the Bluetooth connection between your phone and your fob was interrupted. This means if you drop a set of keys with a SmartFob attached, you can see on the map where to start looking and ask around if anybody has found them. Knowing the last known location of your keys is also important when filing a claim through the Keycare key cover.
The SmartFob creates a GPS time-stamp when and where the Bluetooth connection between your phone and your fob is interrupted. This means when you drop your keys with a SmartFob attached, you can see on the map where to start looking and ask around if anybody has seen them. This is also important when filing a claim through the Keycare key cover.
If your SmartFob is nearby you can call it using the call button or the one-tap find feature by tapping the image of your tagged item. On iOS you can swipe left on the list to directly access the call feature from the dashboard.
The SmartFob app can help you trace back when and where you might have left or lost your SmartFob (and thus your keys).
When your SmartFob is within Bluetooth range of your phone, and the SmartFob app is running in either the fore or background, the system notices when the connection is lost (by a drop in Bluetooth signal or when you close the app - so make sure the app stays open in the background). The app creates a GPS time-stamp as and when the connection is lost and you can also enable an alert to get notified when you are leaving a tagged item behind.
To check your map:
TIP: One-tap feature
A single tap on the round image lets you interact with your SmartFob through the app.
TIP: Direction
In the SmartFob map view, tap on the pin icon showing your SmartFob’s approximate location to open a button to open the navigation feature through Google maps. This also shows you the exact time, date, and approximate location when and where your SmartFob last communicated directly with your Smartphone. You can use these details to trace back where you might have lost something, check with a local lost-and-found, contact police, or make an insurance claim.
You can set up the SmartFob app to let you call your phone from the fob: Individual SmartFob > Details > Phone Finder
To call your phone from your SmartFob: press and hold the button on your SmartFob for three seconds. This feature requires Bluetooth to be enabled on your smartphone.
You can set your SmartFob app to alert you when you are leaving a tagged object behind.
In the app: Individual SmartFob > Details > Separation Alert you can set the following:
In the top right corner of the SmartFob app dashboard is a camera icon. Tap it to access the selfie feature which lets you use your SmartFob as a remote control to your smartphone camera - perfect for group pictures: place the phone far enough to get everyone in the frame and click the button on your SmartFob. Smile and share your pictures using #smartfob
Your SmartFob is linked to your account, meaning you only have to log in to the Keycare app on another one of your smart devices and you’re good to go.
Your SmartFob is configured at a set volume that cannot be adjusted at this time. We will keep you updated should anything change.
SmartFob is based on a Bluetooth® LE chipset. The range configuration of SmartFob is typical of Bluetooth range operating at 0 dBm output power. The effective range is approximately 30 meters. Various parameters such as WIFI, microwave, or concrete walls, may affect the range.
When you are in vicinity of your SmartFob, your app automatically updates and shows that it’s in range. Remember to always have your Bluetooth turned on.
If your app says “Out of Range”, it means your SmartFob is outside of the area in which your phone can detect it. The best way to find your SmartFob is to find the Last Seen location and start your search there.
Your SmartFob app may show you your fob is “out of range” or “out of sight”. There are different possible reasons for this:
Left behind: You may have lost or left behind your SmartFob whilst your app was running in the background with Bluetooth on. This is exactly what SmartFob is there for; check the map and see where the last known location was and try to re-trace your steps, ask around, etc.
Low Battery : It’s important to keep an eye on your SmartFob’s battery life. This can be monitored in the App under “Details” in the single fob view and when it gets critical it is shown on the main screen. Your SmartFob’s location won’t be updated when the battery is dead, and you won’t be able to call it until you’ve replaced the battery.
Error : It shouldn’t happen but it’s not unheard of that your SmartFob is right next to your phone, but the app says it’s out of range. In this case, check if your Bluetooth is on - ideally turn it off and on again. Check fob is still alive by holding the button for a few seconds; light and/or sound indicates your SmartFob works. Close (not just minimise) your SmartFob app and open it again and give two minutes to find your SmartFob. If problems persist, please send an error log through the app.
Important: Ensure your location preferences are set to Always.
Your SmartFob app uses a Bluetooth connection to monitor the proximity between your fob and your smartphone.
If your SmartFob app is not displaying the correct location of your fob on the map, this may be due to the accuracy of the map plug-in, which is a third-party service. Here are some potential solutions:
Keep your device up to date: Please update your smartphone software, and the SmartFob app to the most current versions.
Enable Location Services: You need Location Services on for both your phone and the app.
iOS device: Settings > Privacy > Location Services (On) > Scroll down to "SmartFob and make sure "Allow Location Access" is set to "Always". This will ensure SmartFob’s locations are kept up to date whilst the app is running in the background.
Android device: Note that exact settings may differ between phone models. Basic functionality may be accessed in Settings > search for or tap on "Location" > make sure the setting is "On" and that SmartFob has permission.
Ensure you have a secure Network Connection: WIFI or cellular data.
Battery Savings Options: To save its battery, your phone’s settings might slow location updates or stop locations from updating; adjust these settings so that the SmartFob app is continually updating your fob’s location.
If the tips listed above do not improve location reporting, please sign out and then sign back into your account.
Note: Please bear in mind that map/location service providers depend on your phone’s GPS signal strength and a number of other factors, and leading map services are typically accurate within 30-50ft (10-20m).
In case you’re wondering, SmartFob doesn’t use your location without needing to, nor is it sending your location to external marketers, the government or spouse. iOS devices from iOS 13 let you monitor how apps use location services by sending you reminders of which apps have access to specific services. This is nothing to be concerned about; just make sure your location preference for SmartFob is set to Always.
Your SmartFob should normally pair easily when you first register it and thereafter. Should your new SmartFob not connect whilst setting it up, please make sure you follow the instructions on SmartFob app screen precisely. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and you give the app all the permissions it asked for.
Potential issues:
Dead Battery : The easiest way to test whether your SmartFob works, press and hold the button for three seconds - a chirp means the fob works. Later on, it’s important to keep an eye on your SmartFob’s battery life. This can be monitored in the App under “Details” in the single fob view and when it gets critical it is shown on the main screen. Your SmartFob’s location won’t be updated when the battery is dead and you won’t be able to call it until you’ve replaced the CR2032 battery.
Error : It shouldn’t happen but it’s not unheard of that your SmartFob is right next to your phone, but the app says it’s out of range. In this case, check if your Bluetooth is on - ideally turn it off and on again. Check fob is still alive by holding the button for a few seconds; light and/or sound indicates your SmartFob works. Close (not just minimise) your SmartFob app and open it again and give two minutes to find your SmartFob. If problems persist, please send an error log through the app.
Important: Ensure your location preferences are set to Always.
You can access your SmartFobs on more than one of your devices as long as you log in to the SmartFob app using your own email address and password linked to your SmartFob account. You can only be logged in to your account on one smartphone or tablet at a time.
Don’t worry, the SmartFob app doesn’t drain your phone’s battery any more than other apps would and we don’t sell your location data to the highest bidder, so please keep the app running in the background or you won’t be able access all SmartFob features.
The maximum number of SmartFobs per user account is currently limited to five. This may change, and we will keep you posted through the app.
SmartFob lets you toggle on and off what we call sleep mode and set a time during which the app won’t alert you when the Bluetooth signal drops in order to not disturb you at night, school, work, etc. This feature also helps you save battery life.
In order to increase your chances of finding your SmartFob and anything attached to it, you should always have the locate in background feature enabled.
SmartFob collects location data to provide and improve our services even when the app is closed or not in use. This is to help you find your items and we won’t use your data for advertising purposes or sell it to third parties.
SmartFob needs your permission to:
Android:
iOS (Apple):
This app collects location data to enable the “Map” and “Report Lost” features even when the app is closed or not in use, This is needed so that you can find your keys and so that you know where you might have lost them, which is important when making a claim through your key cover.
To receive location updates it is vital that your permissions are set to Allow all the time (Android) or Always (iOS), and you would get very limited functionality out of the SmartFob app otherwise. You would still be able to call (ring) your SmartFob when it’s nearby if the location preferences are not set to Always but you won’t be able to find your fob’s location on the map.
“When using the App”:
“Never”
Android:
Note: As each Android phone may vary, you may want to refer to your phone's documentation or support site to learn more about your model-specific location services settings.
iOS (Apple):
Whilst the SmartFob app is running in the background it still collects location data in order help you find your items. Learn more about our privacy policy.
More Info
Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about permissions when it comes to SmartFob by contacting us through smartfob@keycare.co.uk.
SmartFob is specifically designed to help you protect items (keys) and it is not recommended to attempt to “track” persons (it won’t work).
Bluetooth is safe to use on an aircraft and you do not need to turn off your SmartFob during a flight but do switch your smartphone or tablet to flight safe mode. The replaceable battery in your SmartFob does not have to be removed for the flight.
The SmartFob system has features in place to update a fob’s location even if it has moved from the location where it was last connected to your phone, however, there are limitations and there is no guarantee that the app can update the location through the network. The Bluetooth-based SmartFob is not a GPS tracker and therefore doesn’t allow for real-time tracking.
Alerts can be customised in the single fob screen > Details > Alerts
You can replace the CR2032 battery: carefully open the SmartFob along the side and replace the battery. Ensure right polarity (+ facing toward you).
General Information & Safety Instructions
Before making a claim under the insurance policy, try re-tracing your steps, where you have been, and where you might have lost your keys. You should always keep your Bluetooth on to prevent losing your keys in the first place or being able to see on the map where you might have lost them.
If you have lost your keys and cannot find them anywhere, please follow these steps:
If you ever encounter a problem, please first check:
In the event of technical issues with the SmartFob system, please report through the app:
Should the issues persist:
Email smartfob@keycare.co.uk
call us on 0345 040 1001
You will find the Contact Us option through the ‘Menu’ setting within your app. Fill in as much detail and background info. as you can, so our engineer can help with the diagnosis. Your device id is included when you send us a log report.
You can reach our App Development Team at: smartfob@keycare.co.uk