Have you ever come home to find an Amazon package stolen from your porch? Or perhaps you‘ve received a notification that a delivery arrived, only to discover it‘s nowhere to be found. Porch piracy is frustratingly common, with over 210 million packages lost or stolen every year in the U.S. alone.
To solve this problem, Amazon created an innovative service called Amazon Key that eliminates package theft by delivering items directly inside your home, garage, or car. With Amazon Key, you can feel confident your orders will arrive securely – even when you‘re not around.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about how Amazon Key works, its security features, eligibility requirements, compatible devices, limitations, and more. You‘ll learn why it‘s one of the most convenient and safest options for receiving Amazon orders today.
What is Amazon Key and How Does it Help Shoppers?
Amazon Key is a secure delivery service exclusive to Prime members that enables packages to be delivered inside your home, garage, or vehicle at times when you aren‘t present.
It works by utilizing internet-connected smart locks and security cameras. This allows delivery drivers one-time access to unlock your door or garage, drop off the package indoors, re-lock the door, and leave – eliminating the risk of packages being exposed or stolen outside.
Amazon Key provides a number of potential benefits for online shoppers, including:
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Prevents package theft – Packages delivered indoors aren‘t left out in the open for porch pirates.
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Avoids weather damage – Packages are protected from rain, snow, wind, etc. when delivered inside.
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More delivery flexibility – Get packages delivered any day even if you aren‘t home.
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Accessibility – Those with limited mobility can receive deliveries without needing to open the door.
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Real-time notifications – App alerts keep you informed of the delivery‘s status.
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Live video access – Watch the delivery event via security camera for added peace of mind.
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Easy to control access – Temporary access codes protect your home‘s security.
For shoppers who frequently receive unattended deliveries, Amazon Key provides convenience and security unlike any other service on the market today. Keep reading to understand how it works.
How Does Amazon Key Work? A Step-By-Step Guide
Amazon Key involves specialized technology that connects your smart home devices with Amazon‘s cloud network to enable secure in-home and in-car deliveries. Here is an overview of how Amazon Key functions from start to finish:
Step 1. Select "Key Delivery" at Checkout
The first step is choosing Amazon Key delivery when you purchase an eligible item on Amazon. At checkout, simply select the "Key Delivery" option under shipping methods. This opts you in to allowing Amazon drivers one-time access inside your home or car to drop off your order securely.
Step 2. Receive Delivery Updates
On the morning of your scheduled delivery date, the Amazon Key app will notify you of your 4-hour delivery window. As the driver gets close, you‘ll receive additional alerts that they are arriving soon and approaching the door.
Step 3. Driver Scans Package Barcode
When the driver arrives at your home, they will scan your package‘s barcode using their app. This ensures they have the correct package and verifies the right delivery address.
Step 4. Amazon Grants One-Time Access
Next, Amazon‘s cloud servers communicate with your WiFi smart lock to temporarily unlock and grant access to the delivery driver. A secure authorization code is generated and transmitted to unlock the door just for this delivery event.
Step 5. Driver Delivers Package Inside
With the door now unlocked, the delivery driver will enter and place the package safely inside your home, garage, or car trunk.
Step 6. Driver Re-locks the Door
After dropping off the package, the driver exits and your WiFi smart lock automatically re-locks the door. The driver cannot move on to their next delivery until your door is confirmed to be locked again.
Step 7. Notifications Confirm Delivery Complete
Finally, you‘ll receive notifications confirming your package was delivered successfully and that your door was re-locked. If you have an indoor security camera, you can also view a video clip of the driver entering, dropping off the package, and exiting to have visual confirmation.
And that‘s it! With authorization happening at multiple points during the process, you can feel at ease letting delivery drivers securely enter your home when you‘re not there.
Is Amazon Key Safe? Breakdown of the Top Security Features
You may be wondering – is it really safe to allow strangers into your home, even if they are Amazon drivers? It‘s a fair question.
Amazon Key is designed with multiple layers of security to ensure only approved drivers have temporary access and customers stay in control. Here are some of the top safety features:
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Multi-factor authentication – Drivers must confirm identity by scanning official ID badges and delivery barcodes. Packages and addresses are verified at multiple points before unlocking doors.
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One-time access codes – Each delivery uses a new, secure digital key or access code. Codes expire immediately and cannot be reused.
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Encrypted networks – Your lock communicates with Amazon‘s cloud servers using AES 256-bit encryption. This is the same encryption banks use to secure financial data.
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Real-time notifications – You receive alerts from the moment the driver is assigned your delivery through when the driver locks up after.
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Video recordings – Cloud Cam security camera captures clips of the driver entering, delivering package, and leaving that you can review later.
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Driver screening – Drivers undergo rigorous background checks and training on delivery best practices before being approved for in-home delivery.
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Mandatory door locking – Drivers can‘t indicate the delivery is complete until your door lock engages again, preventing them from forgetting to lock up.
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Access History – You can review a complete audit log of date, time, and details for all instances your door was unlocked.
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Police Partnership – Amazon established partnerships with police departments across the country to investigate any suspicious activities if reported.
With all of these security layers in place, customers can feel confident allowing vetted drivers brief, one-time access into their home to securely deliver packages.
Amazon Key vs. Other Smart Locks: Which is the Most Secure?
Other smart lock systems like August, Nest, and Schlage also allow locking/unlocking doors remotely. But how does their security compare to Amazon‘s Key service?
While individual smart locks may offer useful features, Amazon Key‘s end-to-end security vetting and protocols make it the most secure option for unattended deliveries available today.
| Security Feature | Amazon Key | Standalone Smart Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-factor authentication | Required | Optional add-ons only |
| One-time access codes | Auto-generated each delivery | Some support |
| Video recording | Cloud Cam integration | Requires separate camera |
| Identity verification | Robust for drivers | Minimal |
| Police collaboration | Yes | No |
| Delivery screening | Packages pre-approved | Any package can be left |
By leveraging Amazon‘s resources and data, Key goes beyond just smart access – it‘s an intelligent delivery ecosystem designed solely with security in mind.
Amazon Key Compatible Devices: What Do You Need?
To start using Amazon Key for in-home deliveries, you need:
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Amazon Prime membership – Key is currently only available for Prime members. You must have an active Prime account tied to your Amazon login.
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Amazon Key app – This connects your smart devices and allows remote control and notifications. Download for iOS or Android.
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Compatible smart lock – An internet-connected smart lock that supports remote locking/unlocking. Here are options:
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Yale Assure Lock SL
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Kwikset Obsidian
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Schlage Encode
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Other locks verified by Amazon
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Cloud Cam (Optional) – An Amazon security camera for video recordings of delivery events.
For garage access, you will need:
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WiFi garage door opener – Compatible openers include Chamberlain myQ models and AutoLink hub. This connects to the Key app to enable remote, temporary garage access.
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Smart garage camera (Optional) – For video, works with Ring and myQ models.
And for in-car deliveries, you need:
- Connected car service plan – Active OnStar plan for GM vehicles or Volvo On Call for Volvo vehicles. This allows doors to be unlocked and locked remotely through the Key app.
That covers the smart home devices and services needed. Next, let‘s go over the eligibility requirements.
Who Can Use Amazon Key? Amazon Prime Membership Requirements
Amazon Key is only available for Prime members located in eligible zip codes. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
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Amazon Prime membership – You must have an active Prime account in order to access Key as a delivery option. Can be a paid or free trial membership.
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Supported location – Your zip code must be within an area currently supported by Key. Check eligibility by entering your zip code [here](https://www.amazon.com/key/ eligibility).
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Eligible orders – Items must be sold and shipped by Amazon, under $500, and not require ID verification. See full list of qualified purchases here.
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Household sharing – Prime members can enable Key for anyone else in their Household to allow them to also take advantage of in-home, garage, or car deliveries.
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Garage and car access – You must have a compatible smart garage opener or connected car plan through brands like OnStar or Volvo.
As long as you have an active Prime account in an eligible zip code, you should be cleared to have packages delivered securely inside your home when you‘re away.
Privacy Concerns: Can Amazon See Inside Your Home?
For some people, privacy is a top concern when it comes to smart home devices and allowing access inside your home. What exactly can Amazon see and control with Key?
The short answer is: Amazon cannot actively view, livestream, or control your home‘s smart devices at any time. Here are some key facts about privacy and what Amazon can/cannot do:
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Amazon cannot access interior cameras or microphones, or view inside your home.
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They cannot control your smart lock system outside of delivery events.
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They can temporarily disarm and re-lock connected smart locks when making one-time deliveries.
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Optional Cloud Cam streams recordings to your personal account only, not Amazon.
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You have complete control to watch and download any recordings from in-home cameras.
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Amazon retains access history showing dates/times of one-time unlock events for security audits if needed.
So while Amazon facilitates temporary access for deliveries, they cannot actively monitor your home. Customers remain completely in control of their home‘s security, video footage, and privacy.
Can You Change Your Mind? How to Block Amazon Key Access
Even if you opt for in-home delivery, there may be times you need to block access – like if you will be home after all. Not to worry, the Amazon Key service makes it easy to revoke access or reschedule a delivery if needed.
You can block access in a few ways:
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In the Amazon Key app, toggle the setting to block access which will deny entry for upcoming deliveries. This is useful for extended away periods.
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On the morning of delivery, use the Amazon Key app to reschedule a 4-hour delivery window for a time you know you‘ll be away.
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When you receive the "Driver is arriving" notification, you can select the option to block access for just that delivery.
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Contact Amazon customer support to revoke access temporarily or indefinitely.
Amazon states that customers can cancel Amazon Key at any time without penalties or fees. You maintain full control.
Limitations and What‘s Not Allowed with Amazon Key
While extremely useful, there are some limitations on what can be delivered via Amazon Key:
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Age-restricted items requiring ID verification like alcohol or spray paint cannot be delivered, even if you‘d be home to show your ID.
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Bulky or extremely heavy items like appliances requiring two people to move are not eligible.
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Hazardous materials like car batteries and cleaning chemicals pose safety risks so aren‘t allowed.
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Perishable goods like meat and dairy that require refrigeration within a short time period after delivery cannot be left unattended.
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Outside of cars, deliveries must be made indoors in a garage or inside a home, not left on a porch or patio area.
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Customers cannot dictate where in the home packages are left – drivers will place them inside the front door.
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Third party sellers cannot fulfill Amazon Key deliveries – items must be sold and shipped by Amazon directly.
While there are restrictions, the vast majority of everyday Amazon purchases should qualify. Just check for the "Key delivery" option at checkout.
Troubleshooting Common Amazon Key Problems
Like any new technology, you may encounter an occasional hiccup with Amazon Key. Here are troubleshooting tips for common issues:
Can‘t enable Amazon Key at checkout: Make sure you‘re logged into your Amazon account that has an active Prime membership. Enter your zip code on Amazon‘s website to confirm Key is available in your area. Only certain qualifying purchase types will display the in-home delivery option.
App connectivity issues: Check that your smart lock and any cameras are connected to WiFi with adequate signal strength. Try restarting the devices and router if connectivity seems to drop. Update to the latest firmware if available.
Access logs show incorrect entries: It‘s possible for the access log to display an entry even if no delivery took place. You can verify by checking if you received a package or watching Cloud Cam footage for confirmation. False positives in logs are rare but can occur.
Driver can‘t close door: If your door sticks or has other hardware issues that prevent it from locking smoothly, this may block the driver from completing the process. Try applying lubricant, adjusting door hinges, or replacing old weather stripping to improve functionality.
The best source for troubleshooting specific issues is to contact Amazon‘s customer support team. They can walk you through potential causes and solutions to get Amazon Key working properly again.
How Much Does Amazon Key Cost?
One of the best parts about Amazon Key is that there are no additional fees beyond your normal Prime membership cost. All you need is:
- Amazon Prime membership – $14.99 per month or $139 annually
- Amazon Cloud Cam – $59.99 (optional for video recording)
- Compatible smart lock – Price varies, often $100-$250
The locks and cameras are one-time purchases that enable unlimited use of the Key service. Overall, it‘s a very affordable way to ensure security and convenience for your Amazon deliveries.
Amazon Key: Next Steps
As you can see, Amazon Key provides peace of mind that your packages will arrive safely and securely with you aren‘t home. The high-tech delivery process ensures convenience without compromising security.
If you are interested in trying out in-home, garage, or car deliveries, here are some recommended next steps:
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Confirm your Prime membership is active.
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Check eligibility for Amazon Key in your zip code.
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Select a compatible smart lock and optional security camera.
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Install devices and connect them to the Key app.
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Enable Key on future Amazon orders you want delivered inside your home.
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Monitor deliveries in real-time and review video clips at your convenience.
With Amazon Key, you‘ll never need to worry about lost or stolen packages again. Now you can take advantage of Amazon‘s ultra-fast shipping without needing to wait at home for deliveries to arrive. Try this innovative service today to enhance your online shopping experience.
