Mobile access control: A 2026 guide

Mobile access control refers to opening doors with a mobile credential that is stored either inside a smart device’s wallet or in a dedicated app. The technology is a major trend in access control and has prompted vendors to roll out various solutions. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the latest mobile access control solutions in the market, listed in alphabetical order by company name.
 

Acre

 
Acre’s mobile access control solution, known as Acre Wallet, supports various digital wallet applications including Apple, Google and Samsung Wallet and offers benefits for users and admins alike.
 
“For users, there is no separate app download required. By leveraging the mobile wallets users already trust, Acre Wallet eliminates friction and accelerates adoption without the burden of separate app management. For administrators, it changes the day-to-day work. When someone joins, leaves, or changes roles, access can be updated immediately, across every location, without sending anyone to a site,” said Kumar Sokka, CEO of Acre Security.
 
According to Sokka, Acre Wallet is built for the mix most organizations actually run. Whether the environment is cloud, on-premises, or a combination, it works with platforms like Acre Access Control, ACT365, and ACTpro, and supports Omnis, Access It!, DNA Fusion, and SiPass. With Acre’s multi-tech readers, customers can add mobile credentials to what they already have, rather than replacing their infrastructure to get there.
 

Alert Enterprise

 
Alert Enterprise is an identity and access platform, and mobile credentials are one part of a broader system that also covers workforce identity, physical access governance, and visitor management. The solution supports both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet and is deliberately credential-provider agnostic: the platform works across multiple credential technology providers, rather than locking a customer into one ecosystem.

“Depending on the model, we either act directly as the Credential Manager with the Tech Giants, or operate through the our partner providers. Either way, the customer keeps the choice rather than inheriting one vendor's lock-in,” said Matt Bennett, SVP of Digital Transformation at Alert Enterprise.
 
What makes Alert Enterprise stand out is its integration capability. “We sit connected live to the access control system and to the identity and HR systems, so provisioning and revocation are automated and happen in real time instead of manually,” Bennett said.
 
The solution works with standard NFC readers that support the Apple and Google wallet protocols, including the major reader families already in the field, so in most cases customers can use the readers they already own. The solution mainly targets large, regulated enterprises across financial services, healthcare, and similar sectors, and is delivered to mid-market organizations through channel partners.
 

Allegion

 
Allegion’s Schlage Mobile Credential solution supports Apple and Google Wallet. Schlage devices aside, the solution also works with other manufacturer’s products – including Assa Abloy, RFIdeas, Illumia, and more. “We are proud to be a manufacturer that allows customer choice,” said Olivia Renaud, Group Product Manager of Credentials at Allegion.
 
For those looking for mobile access control based on BLE, the company also has a BLE mobile credential solution. “We have several ways for partners and customers to use our mobile credentials in this model – using our ‘off the shelf’ Fix and Flex licenses through our Engage platform, integrating our API and SDK into their mobile app, or leveraging our mobile app and integrating with our API,” Renaud said. “Our investments will continue as we improve not only our mobile credential product but also the services that allow partners and customers to more easily adopt our readers and credentials portfolio.”
 

Armatura

 
Armatura’s mobile access control solution supports multiple mobile credential technologies, including BLE-based mobile access, NFC/wallet-based access in supported configurations, and dynamic QR code access. Highly flexible, the solution allows users to access different interaction modes such as Card Mode, Remote Mode, QR Code Mode and other scenario-based mobile access functions. This allows the system to support different environments from standard office doors to speed gates.
 
One thing that makes Armatura stand out is its hardware ecosystem. “Armatura readers such as the EP10C, EP20 series, EP30 series and VG10 series can support BLE mobile credential functions depending on reader configuration. With the appropriate wallet-capable RFID module configuration, supported models can also be used for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet scenarios,” said Raymond So, GM of Armatura, adding standalone terminals including OmniAC20, OmniAC30 and FT10 series models can also support mobile credential functions when equipped with the required mobile credential module configuration.
 
According to So, the solution mainly targets organizations that require secure, scalable and user-friendly access control. These include education, multinational corporations, government-related facilities, financial institutions, and commercial buildings.

Genetec

 
Genetec’s mobile access control solution is built on an open architecture and delivers a consistent experience with leading mobile credential providers, ensuring the same capabilities regardless of the credential type chosen.
 
According to Julia Bruzzese, Product Marketing Manager at Genetec, whether deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or anywhere in between, mobile credential capabilities can be achieved across both Genetec’s Security Center and Security Center SaaS. “This flexibility allows organizations to adopt mobile credentials on their own terms, seamlessly combining them with existing technologies such as physical cards and biometrics, or remain ready to adopt when the time is right,” she said.
 

HID

 
HID Mobile Access supports both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, as well as a dedicated app so organizations can accommodate users on whatever device or experience they prefer.
 
“Powered by multiple credential technologies, standards certifications and compliant with strict privacy legislations, HID Mobile Access is trusted by the world's leading brands and iconic properties. We see particular strength in higher education, healthcare, enterprise real estate and critical infrastructure, and the platform is built so mobile credentials and physical cards can work side by side,” said Sanjit Bardhan, VP and Head of Mobile at HID.
 

Interface Systems

 
Interface delivers mobile access control as a fully managed service. Access is part of an integrated security stack that includes video, alarms, and managed network, all monitored from the company’s interactive Security Operations Centers (iSOCs) in Dallas and St. Louis. For a distributed retail, restaurant, or commercial brand, that means one provider can manage access across every site, with credentialing, monitoring, and support all taken care of.
 
According to Aaron McGhee, Senior Product Manager at Interface Systems, the company offers a variety of access control systems to meet customers’ specific needs. “Such flexibility extends to mobile, where Interface offers multiple mobile access options that can operate from a mobile wallet or a dedicated app, allowing the customer to choose the model that works best for them,” he said.
 
McGhee adds Interface mainly targets multi-site operators in retail, restaurants, and commercial business environments, where high turnover and multi-locations make remote provisioning and revocation a daily operational need rather than an occasional one.

Verkada

 
Verkada’s mobile access control solution allows users to unlock doors using a smartphone, Apple Watch, or even their face, depending on what they prefer. The solution supports the following: Bluetooth with Intent Unlock, which is commonly used across Verkada door readers , intercoms and wireless locks  enabling hands-free entry by pairing mobile or wearable Bluetooth credentials with an intentional action at the door; Mobile NFC, which is another option supported across Verkada readers and provides a simple tap-to-unlock experience using a smartphone or Apple Watch; and Face Unlock, which enables seamless hands-free authentication at the point of entry using facial recognition.
 
“All of these credential types run across the same Verkada access ecosystem – including door readers, wireless locks, and video intercoms – so organizations can mix methods across different doors without needing separate systems,” said Manas Baba, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Verkada.