These steps and screenshots come from the iPhone (iOS) app. Android works the same way, with slightly different button placement.
When a visitor calls your unit from the gate intercom, your phone rings like a video call. You can see who's there, talk to them, and open the gate — all without getting up. Here's how to make sure calls reach you and how to handle one when it comes in.
1. Turn on the permissions that make it ring
An intercom call needs three things switched on the first time. If any is off, the call can't ring through or connect:
- Notifications — this is what wakes your phone and rings it when someone calls.
- Microphone — so your visitor can hear you.
- Camera — so you can show your face if you want to; the gate's video comes through either way.
If you tapped "Don't Allow" by accident when the app first asked, you can switch them back on in your phone's Settings under the community app.
2. Answer the call
When someone buzzes your unit, a full-screen call appears — even if your phone is locked. Tap Answer to open live video from the gate and start talking. Tap Decline if you can't take it; depending on your community's setup, a declined or unanswered call rolls to the guard or to another person on your unit.
3. Open the gate
Once you recognize your visitor, tap the Open Gate (unlock) button on the call screen. You'll see a confirmation that the gate opened, and you can stay on the call until they're through or simply hang up.
4. If you miss the call
Life happens. An unanswered call typically rolls to the guard or to another resident on your unit, so your visitor still gets help. You'll also see a missed-visitor entry in your history so you know someone came by.
Troubleshooting
Calls aren't ringing at all. Open your phone's Settings, find the community app, and make sure Notifications are allowed — including banners, sounds, and lock-screen alerts. Intercom calls specifically depend on notifications; if other alerts arrive but gate calls don't, this is almost always why.
A Focus or Do Not Disturb mode is silencing them. A Focus, Do Not Disturb, or Sleep schedule can quietly hold calls back. Add the community app to that mode's allowed apps, or turn the mode off when you're expecting a visitor.
You can see your visitor but they can't hear you. Check that the Microphone permission is on for the app, and that nothing is covering your phone's mic. Leaving and re-entering the call often clears it up.
The call rings on the wrong phone, or not on all of them. Keep the app installed and signed in on every phone that should ring, with notifications on for each. Only devices that are signed in will get the call.
The gate didn't open after you tapped Open. Wait for the on-screen confirmation before assuming it failed, and give the gate a few seconds to move. If it clearly didn't open, stay on the call and let your visitor know, then contact the guard so they can let them in.