What works offline
These features function fully without any internet connection:| Feature | Offline behavior |
|---|---|
| Timed locks | Timer continues counting down locally |
| Lock/unlock mechanism | Physical lock engages and releases |
| Menu navigation | All menus accessible |
| Button controls | Full functionality |
| Sleep modes | Automatic and manual sleep work |
| Emergency unlock | Can be used locally (if enabled) |
| State persistence | Lock state survives restarts |
What requires WiFi
These features need an active WiFi connection:| Feature | Why WiFi is needed |
|---|---|
| Pairing | Device must register with dashboard server |
| Firmware updates | Downloads from update server |
| Dashboard sync | Receives keyholder commands |
| Time synchronization | Gets accurate time from NTP server |
| Activity logging | Sends events to dashboard |
| Public voting | Receives vote updates |
| Keyholder unlock | Remote unlock commands |
Time display when offline
When your device isn’t connected to WiFi and hasn’t synchronized time, the lock screen shows:“Connect Wi-Fi to see time remaining”
Why this happens
The device needs to know the current time to calculate “time remaining.” Without an NTP sync:- The device knows the lock duration
- The device doesn’t know what time it is now
- Therefore, it can’t calculate remaining time
Local play mode
When you start a lock directly on the device (not from the dashboard), it operates in “local play” mode:Local play characteristics
- Lock duration is stored locally on device
- Timer runs independently of server
- No keyholder involvement required
- Lock ends when timer expires
Dashboard locks
When a lock is started from the dashboard:- Settings sync to device over WiFi
- Break schedules are received
- Emergency unlock can be remotely disabled
- Keyholder can modify lock remotely
Local locks (started on device) cannot be modified from the dashboard. Dashboard locks can be modified by your keyholder even when you’re offline—the changes sync when you reconnect.
State persistence
Your device preserves its state across:- Restarts
- Power cycles
- WiFi disconnections
- Deep sleep
| Data | Storage |
|---|---|
| Lock state (locked/unlocked) | Non-volatile memory |
| Lock end time | Non-volatile memory |
| Session settings | Non-volatile memory |
| WiFi credentials | Non-volatile memory |
| Calibration data | Non-volatile memory |
Even if your device loses power completely, it will return to its locked state when powered on.
WiFi reconnection behavior
When WiFi disconnects during operation:- Immediate: Device continues operating normally
- Every 30 seconds: Automatic reconnection attempt
- On reconnection: Syncs state with dashboard
Manual WiFi setup
You can reconfigure WiFi at any time through:- Main Menu → Settings → WiFi Settings
- Lock Menu → WiFi Settings (while locked)
Offline scenarios
Scenario 1: WiFi goes down during lock
- Lock timer continues normally
- “Connecting” indicator shows on status bar
- Auto-reconnect attempts every 30 seconds
- Lock unlocks when timer expires (no WiFi needed)
Scenario 2: Starting lock without WiFi
- Navigate to Lock in menu
- Set duration with encoder
- Press Enter to confirm
- Lock engages locally
- Time display shows “Connect Wi-Fi to see time remaining”
- Timer still counts down correctly
Scenario 3: Travel to location without WiFi
- Device works normally
- Dashboard cannot send commands
- Local emergency unlock still available (if enabled)
- On return to WiFi, state syncs automatically
Scenario 4: Deep sleep disconnects WiFi
- WiFi disconnects in deep sleep (power saving)
- Lock state unchanged
- On wake, WiFi reconnects automatically
- Pending dashboard commands received
Dashboard sync details
When online, your device periodically syncs with the dashboard:Outgoing (device → dashboard)
- Lock state changes
- Button presses
- Sensor readings
- Emergency unlock usage
- Break timing
Incoming (dashboard → device)
- Lock commands
- Unlock commands
- Break schedule updates
- Session setting changes
- Time display preferences
Sync happens via MQTT for real-time responsiveness. Commands typically arrive within seconds when online.
Troubleshooting offline issues
Time remaining not showing
Time remaining not showing
Connect to WiFi to sync time. The lock is still running—you just can’t see the countdown until time syncs.
Can't receive keyholder commands
Can't receive keyholder commands
Your device must be online to receive dashboard commands. Check WiFi connection status in the status bar.
Lock ended but dashboard still shows locked
Lock ended but dashboard still shows locked
The dashboard updates when your device reconnects. Connect to WiFi and the status will sync.
WiFi won't reconnect automatically
WiFi won't reconnect automatically
Go to Settings → WiFi Settings to manually reconnect. Your lock state is unaffected.