Feature Overview

The Long Press feature in Airfob (Suprema Mobile Access) allows users to unlock doors or gates from a distance of up to 5 meters. This feature enhances convenience in areas where direct access to a reader is impractical, such as parking gates or restricted entrances.


How to Use Long Press

  1. Open the Airfob App and select the mobile credential (badge) for your location.
  2. Hold your finger down on the badge for two seconds.
  3. Your phone will attempt to connect to a nearby Suprema reader via Bluetooth, activating the access point up to 5 meters away.


Intended Use

The Long Press feature is best suited for environments with single, hard-to-reach readers, such as:

  • Gates
  • Parking barriers
  • Other access points where direct proximity to the reader is impractical


Why Long Press May Not Work as Expected

Proximity and Multiple Readers

Long Press detects the first available reader within range, not necessarily the closest one. In environments with multiple readers nearby, it may activate an unintended reader due to Bluetooth’s signal reach and environmental factors.


Signal Interference

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals can be affected by physical barriers such as:

  • Concrete walls
  • Metal doors
  • Other structural obstacles

These factors may impact the effective range and cause variations in activation distance.


Variable Connection Distances

The BLE algorithm adapts based on past interactions with the reader. Over time, the activation distance may decrease, eventually stabilizing at approximately 5 cm. This natural variance means BLE is not ideal for applications requiring precise, fixed activation distances (e.g., exactly 20-30 cm).


Alternative Access Methods

If your environment requires precise distance control or consistent performance in multi-reader setups, consider using mobile credentials in a conventional manner—bringing the phone close to the reader. For hands-free access, facial recognition-based authentication may be a more suitable alternative.