Guide to Amazon Key

As the world evolves, technology becomes a more significant part of our everyday lives. One of the biggest technological trends today is online shopping. Purchasing an item that may not be in your local store and having it delivered appeals to consumers.

Amazon is one of the most popular online retailers. In 2022, Amazon’s revenue was almost $514 billion, and there were 168 million Amazon Prime users in the U.S. in the same year. Since there are millions of Prime subscribers, Amazon frequently updates the benefits so the membership remains enticing. 

A relatively new benefit for Prime members is Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. This service allows couriers to deliver packages to your garage.

What Is Amazon Key and How Does It Work?

Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery aims to provide a secure transit between sellers and buyers. Although granting strangers access to your garage may raise privacy concerns, Key’s main benefit is protecting your property. Simply put, Amazon hopes to help you reduce your risk of package theft or other property damage by asking you to give their delivery team authorization to enter your garage.

In 2022, 49 million Americans were victims of package theft. Despite a penalty that includes fines and up to five years in prison, package theft continues to be a major problem for consumers. Considering this, online retailers are eager to find more secure methods of ensuring an item reaches its intended target. By granting entrance to your garage, you ensure your packages are delivered to a secure location.

While delivery security is the primary push for Key, Amazon also touts the everyday utility of the service. Because users receive a notification when their garage door is opened, Amazon Key serves as an extra level of security. It can let parents know when their children come home and alert homeowners of unwanted guests. Additionally, it can even provide peace of mind on busy mornings, quickly putting to rest the worry of whether you’ve forgotten to close the garage door.

How Does Key Work?

The service itself is simple. First, customers link their myQ garage to Key in the Amazon shopping app. At checkout, you choose “free Key delivery” instead of “doorstep delivery.” You’ll receive shipping and delivery updates on your item. When the driver arrives with your package, they scan it so a company representative can verify the time and other confirmation details and grant them temporary access to your garage. 

Once the delivery is complete, the same employee will remotely close the entrance. After the employee delivers the package and locks the garage, you will receive a confirmation message that the process is complete.

What Are the Installation Requirements for Amazon Key?

While the service is simple, a few requirements exist for setting up Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. If you already have some of the starting pieces — such as an Amazon Prime account or a Wi-Fi-compatible door opener — the installation process will be easier. Moreover, professionals may be able to assist in guiding you through the selection process, ensuring you get the appropriate materials for your needs.

Here is a basic rundown of the tools you’ll need to operate Amazon Key:

• Prime membership: First, to be eligible for delivery services, you will need an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 per year. Prime membership is Amazon’s customer service bundle, which includes free two-day shipping on most items, access to video and music streaming and perks for Alexa smart speakers.
• MyQ–compatible garage door opener or hub: If you do not currently have a garage door opener with Wi-Fi capabilities, you’ll need to upgrade it. Be sure your equipment is myQ compatible so that you’ll have no issues using the Amazon app.
• Amazon Key App: As always, there’s an app for that. The free Amazon Key app is your remote access point. It’s available for both Android and iOS, though only in U.S. app stores. You can also access In-Garage Delivery through the Amazon Shopping app.
• Ring app: You can use the Ring app to add a compatible camera, such as the Ring Indoor Cam and the Ring Stick Up Cam, to watch your deliveries in real time. You do not need a camera for In-Garage Delivery services.
• Professional Installation: Continental Door can upgrade your garage door opener to ensure myQ compatibility and set up Amazon Key.

Amazon Key FAQ

While there are clear positives to using Amazon Key, new technology always brings its share of concerns. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery: 

1. Is Amazon Key Only for Prime Members?

Amazon Key is only available to those with an Amazon Fresh, Amazon Prime, Amazon Household and Prime Student subscription or a free trial of these subscriptions. You also need to be in an eligible location for In-Garage Delivery.

2. Is Amazon In-Garage Delivery Safe?

People view the home as a safe place. For those with a garage that is not a part of the house or those with a locked exterior door separating the two, In-Garage Delivery may be fine. However, if your home is easily accessible through the garage, you’ll want to take extra precautions to safeguard your entrance. 

Aside from the physical danger of an intruder, it’s reasonable to consider what a delivery person might do once they have access to your garage. If your garage contains expensive hobby equipment, motorcycles or valuable items, granting permission for a stranger to enter while you’re not home may feel like an invitation for trouble. 

Amazon runs comprehensive background checks on the drivers before their first delivery. They verify the driver, location and package before granting them access to your garage. The drivers can only go 5 feet into your garage when delivering the package.

You can use a security camera in conjunction with Key to monitor the delivery. A security camera gives you evidence if you discover something amiss. And, if you change your mind about in-garage delivery before the delivery day, you can block access to your garage and switch to doorstep delivery.

3. Can I Store Camera Footage?

The compatible Ring cameras allow you to record your videos if you have a Ring Protect Plan. Without the Ring Protect Plan, you can access Live View to monitor the delivery.

4. What if My Garage Won’t Close?

Drivers must leave your garage as they found it. So, if your garage was closed, they must close it before they can leave. Similarly, if you leave your garage door open, the delivery driver will not close it before leaving. If you leave your door closed, but the driver cannot close it after delivering your package, customer support will contact you and have a technician come and close your door.

Professional Installation for Amazon Key

Packages disappear off customers’ doorsteps daily. To prevent this, many people utilize Amazon Key. With the right setup and equipment, you can enjoy increased security and comfort when you’re expecting your next delivery. Continental Door can install and maintain your myQ System for Amazon Key. For over 15 years, we have provided high-quality services, including 24/7 emergency repair service, and products to our customers in the greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas. Contact us today for a free quote to set up Amazon Key.

Updated: 05/22/2019