How to use the OwnerLock system

How to bind an item to your OwnerLock account
    1. Ensure you are using an NFC-enabled smartphone.
    2. The NFC chip embedded in your item contains a unique ID specific to that item.
    3. Tap the OwnerLock logo displayed on your item.
    4. When your smartphone recognises the NFC chip, a prompt may appear asking if you would like to open the website. Please accept this prompt. (Having trouble? Read the answer to the last question on this page or open this page in a new window.)
    5. You will be redirected to the OwnerLock page that corresponds to your item.

    Registration and Activation

    • To bind the item to your OwnerLock account, you must be registered and logged in. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll be prompted to do so directly from the page, without needing to navigate away.
    • Once registered, an activation code input field will appear. Enter the activation code provided.
    • If the activation code is valid and has not been previously used (note: each activation code can only be used once), a confirmation message will display, indicating that your item has been successfully bound to your OwnerLock account.
    • After a few seconds, you will be automatically redirected to your OwnerLock drawer, where your newly added item should now be visible.

    Good to Know:

    • Your OwnerLock drawer can store multiple items.
    • The OwnerLock system is utilised in a growing range of products.

Your activation code is typically located on a small card, similar in size to a business card. Please check both within the product packaging and occasionally inside the product itself. The card is clearly identifiable by the OwnerLock logo and contains your unique, one-time activation code.

If you are unable to locate your activation code, we recommend first contacting the retailer or supplier from whom you purchased the product. Should they be unable to assist, please contact us via our online contact form. Kindly attach a copy of your proof of purchase (receipt) so we can verify the details and provide further assistance.

Yes, the activation code is case-sensitive. Please ensure you enter it exactly as it is written on the card, paying careful attention to uppercase (capital) and lowercase (small) letters.

Once you have successfully used your activation code to register your item, it cannot be used again and is no longer required. For security reasons, we strongly recommend that you destroy the card containing the code. Please dispose of it securely, for instance by shredding it, just as you would with any other sensitive information.

In the event that your item is misplaced or stolen, increasing the likelihood of its return is often aided by providing an easy way for the person who finds it to contact you.

This is why the OwnerLock message is clearly displayed on your item.

When you report your item as lost or stolen, a special banner will be shown to anyone who scans the OwnerLock tag. This banner will inform them of the situation and provide a way to contact you via email. It is important to ensure that your email address is always up to date in your OwnerLock account and that you mark OwnerLock emails as safe in your email provider to prevent them from being directed to your Spam folder.

You can activate or deactivate this feature by selecting your item in your OwnerLock Drawer and, from the Owner’s menu, choosing the option “Report as Lost/Stolen.”

Once your item is recovered, you can mark it as “Retrieved” in the same location.

Good to Know:

  1. Even if you haven’t marked the item as lost or stolen, there is still a message displayed to anyone scanning the OwnerLock tag, allowing them to contact you via email. However, this message is less prominent than the alert displayed when the item is reported as misplaced.

  2. No personal information will be visible to the person scanning the tag, unless you have specifically enabled the Business Card feature in your profile.

To transfer ownership of your item, access the item through your OwnerLock Drawer and select the “Transfer Ownership” option from the Owner’s menu. You will be prompted to enter the email address of the new owner.

Once submitted, you will receive an email asking you to confirm the ownership transfer.

The new owner does not need to have an OwnerLock account at the time of transfer. An account will automatically be created for them once the ownership transfer is confirmed. They will then receive a notification with further instructions.

  1. Click on the Account button in the menu.
  2. On your Account page, click on the avatar/profile photo placeholder to view your profile.
  3. Then, click on the gear icon in the top right corner to edit your profile.

In this section, you will also find the option to activate the Business Card feature.

Note: If the Business Card feature is activated, all the information you add to your profile will be visible to anyone who scans any of the OwnerLock tags on items linked to your OwnerLock account.

Your profile remains private and is not visible to others unless you have chosen to display your Business Card. If enabled, your Business Card will be shown to anyone who scans any of the OwnerLock tags on items linked to your OwnerLock account.

What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It’s a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to exchange information when they are brought very close together (usually within a few centimeters). NFC tags contain small amounts of data (like a web link, contact info, or a command) that your phone can read.

Before You Scan: Essential Checks

  1. Device Compatibility: Ensure your smartphone has NFC capability. Most mid-range to high-end smartphones made in the last several years do. You can usually check your phone’s specifications online or in the settings.
  2. Enable NFC (Especially for Android):
    • Android: NFC usually needs to be manually turned ON.
      • Go to Settings.
      • Look for Connections or Connected Devices (this varies slightly by manufacturer).
      • Find NFC or NFC and contactless payments.
      • Make sure the toggle switch is ON.
      • Quick Tip: Many Android phones have an NFC toggle in the Quick Settings panel (swipe down from the top of the screen).
    • iOS (iPhone): NFC for reading tags is generally always available on compatible iPhones (iPhone 7 and newer) when the screen is on. You don’t need to toggle a specific setting just for reading tags. iPhones XS/XR and newer support “Background Tag Reading,” meaning you don’t even need an app open. Older models (7 to X) might require an app to initiate scanning or for the tag to trigger a notification.

Finding Your Phone’s NFC Antenna

This is crucial! You need to touch the correct part of your phone to the tag. The location varies:

  • iPhones: The NFC antenna is typically located on the top edge of the phone, near the back camera area.
  • Android Phones: This varies widely!
    • Often it’s on the back of the phone, towards the center.
    • Sometimes it’s near the camera module.
    • Some models might have it elsewhere.
    • Tip: If unsure, do a quick web search for “[Your Phone Model] NFC antenna location” or try slowly moving the back of your phone over the tag until it registers.

How to Scan the NFC Tag

  1. Unlock Your Phone: NFC scanning generally only works when your phone is unlocked and the screen is on.
  2. Locate the OwnerLock NFC Tag: Identify the OwnerLock NFC tag you want to scan. It is indicated with the OwnerLock and NFC label.
    • Hint, if you find it challenging to access with your device, you can scan it from the other side too – for example, if it is inside an attaché x briefcase, you can tap and hold your phone on the outer side in the same area. 
  3. Bring Your Phone Close:
    • iPhone: Bring the top edge (back) of your unlocked iPhone close to the NFC tag (within ~4 cm or 1.5 inches).
    • Android: Bring the back of your unlocked Android phone (specifically the area where you believe the antenna is) close to the NFC tag.
  4. Hold Steady: Keep the phone steady near the tag for a second or two. Don’t wave it around quickly.
  5. Look for Confirmation:
    • iPhone: A notification should pop up automatically at the top of the screen. Tap this notification to open the link associated with the tag.
    • Android: You might hear a sound, feel a vibration, and/or see a notification or pop-up on screen. Tap any notification if required.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • NFC Not On (Android): Double-check that NFC is enabled in your settings.
  • Wrong Spot: You might not be aligning the phone’s NFC antenna with the tag correctly. Try moving the phone slowly over the tag, focusing on the likely antenna location (top for iPhone, back-center/camera for Android).
  • Phone Case: Thick or metallic phone cases can interfere with the NFC signal. Try removing the case.
  • Too Far/Too Fast: Ensure you’re holding the phone very close and steady for a moment.
  • Tag Issue: The NFC tag itself might be damaged or faulty.

That’s it! Once you know where your phone’s antenna is and ensure NFC is ready, scanning tags is usually a quick and simple process.