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Frequently Asked Questions

AggieAccess provides upgraded security for many in our campus community. We hope you find the answers to the majority of your questions in this FAQ. If you do not find the answer you are looking for here, please pose additional questions via our contact page.

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AggieAccess Basics 

  • Can AggieAccess credentials be used to deactivate the alarm at my building?
  • No. You will have to shift to utilize arm/disarm codes.
  • What do I do if I’m locked out of an area I need access to?
  • Contact your key control manager or supervisor.
  • Who is my key card manager?
  • Your key card manager is typically the person who issued you your metal key or key card. If you don't remember who this was or this person is no longer your key card manager, contact your department, supervisor, PI or lab manager to find out who your current key card manager is.
  • Why did the new card reader flash red at me?
  • A red flash means you do not have access to that particular door.  Contact your department key control manager to make sure you have the correct access assigned to you.

 

Credentials  

  • What are AggieAccess credentials? 
  • AggieAccess credentials acts as a key, granting the user electronic access to areas secured by AggieAccess. Credentials come in the form of an AggieAccess card or mobile credentials. 
  • How do I get my AggieAccess credentials?
  • If you require access to a secure area, you will receive an email invitation to install mobile credentials. To activate your mobile credentials, follow the instructions in the invitation. If you have received an email invitation for mobile credentials, but would prefer a physical AggieAccess card, fill out the webform. If you have filled out a webform but have not received a response, please contact your key control manager.
  • Can I have both a mobile credential and an access card?  Can I have more than one access card?
  • Not at this time.  The program is limiting the number of credentials to one per user due to security needs and long-term credential maintenance.  If you learn or work in a space where you need more than one credential, the AggieAccess Team will work with you and your key control manager.  Contact your key control manager for more information.
  • Where will my AggieAccess credentials work?
  • AggieAccess credentials will work at any AggieAccess-secured location, in accordance with the user’s access permissions.
    AggieAccess credentials do not provide access into student housing. 
  • Will AggieAccess credentials work for Student Housing?
  • No. The Student Housing access system is separate from the AggieAccess system. To access Student Housing be sure to carry your student ID with you.
  • I already have AggieAccess credentials, but need access to a new area. Do I need new credentials?
  • Nope! Just contact the key control manager for the area you need access to. If you don't know who the key control manager is, ask your supervisor or lab manager.
  • What happens to the services currently linked to my card, like AggieCash?
  • The new AggieAccess cards will have a mag stripe that will maintain most of these services including AggieCash and meal plans. Mobile credentials will not be linked to any of these services and can only be used for electronic access. To use these services, be sure to carry your student ID with you.
  • How do I get replacement credentials?
  • Complete this webform to request a new AggieAccess card or a replacement mobile credential.

Mobile Credentials

  • What are mobile credentials?
  • Mobile credentials are like a digital electronic access card. By downloading the HID Mobile Access app and activating your AggieAccess credentials you can gain entry to buildings or areas secured by AggieAccess by tapping your device to the card reader.
  • How do I activate my mobile credentials?
  • Check out our how-to page. If you have additional questions send them via the contact form.
  • How do I use mobile credentials?
  • Check out our how-to page. If you have additional questions send them via the contact form.
  • Can I immediately use my mobile credentials once I activate them?
  • Please allow one business day between activating your mobile credentials and accessing the areas secured by AggieAccess. Once access has been granted, you will be notified by your key control manager.
  • Will my device work?
  • Most likely, yes.  Many iOS and Android devices have compatibility with the system.  That being said, AggieAccess or HID cannot guarantee compatibility due to myriad possibilities.  Here is a consolidated compatibility list:
    iPhone 5c and newer: Yes
    Google Pixel and newer: Yes
    Samsung Galaxy and Note: Yes
    Not on the list?  See HID’s compatibility list at https://www.hidglobal.com/mobile-access-compatible-devices
  • Will the credentials work on my Apple Watch?
  • Yes.
  • How does my device talk to the reader and open the door?
  • For iOS devices, the app uses your device's Bluetooth Low Energy antenna to transmit the credentials to the reader. For Android devices, the app uses Near-Field-Communication to transmit the credentials to the reader.
  • Can I use mobile credentials on more than one device?
  • No.  You may only have one set of mobile credentials, and the credentials cannot be shared among devices.
  • My phone is jailbroken/rooted. Can I still use mobile credentials?
  • Unfortunately, rooted or “jailbroken” devices will not be able to participate in the program. Please add your credentials to a different device or request an AggieAccess card.
  • I don’t want my UC Davis email on my device.  How do I get the credentials to my device?
  • We understand the need to keep school, work, and personal life separated.  The app can be installed on a personal device but can only be installed once on a single device.  After receiving the invitation email in your UC Davis email account, forward the email to your personal email account on your device to start the installation process.  Just remember, your UC Davis email address will be tied to the credentials, not your personal email.
  • That’s great but I don’t like forwarding any UC Davis emails to my personal account.  Now what?
  • You can still use the app but you will need to enter information.  You will need your UC Davis invite email, your device, and the app installed on your device. 
    Download the HID Mobile Access App:
    From the App Store for iOS: http://appstore.com/hidmobileaccess
    From Google Play for Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hidglobal.mobilekeys.android.v3
    When activating the app, you will need the invitation code from the invite email.  Remember, this can only be used once and on the device of which the app was installed on.

 

Mobile Credentials Help

  • I opened the app but the door does not respond.  What do I do?
  • First, do not uninstall and reinstall the app.  This security feature cancels your credential and will remove any access you have been assigned, which can make this worse.  This is our first thought to fix apps since this will fix many apps but this process will remove your access on this app.

    Second, make sure you have enabled Bluetooth in your iOS or Android device settings.  Refer to your device's instruction manual on how to modify these settings.
    For Android Only:  If your device is equipped, you may enable NFC in your device settings for use by your mobile credential for a better user experience.  The Android app also lets you adjust your Bluetooth sensitivity.  Change this setting by opening the app, tap the upper-left menu button (the button that looks like a hamburger), tap Settings, tap Bluetooth sensitivity, and then tap the Normal radio button.  

    Third, restart your phone.  Our devices do a lot of work for us and sometimes need to clear memory.  Restarting your device will clear memory, and then reopening the HID Mobile Access app will reenable the credential.  Make sure you have strong cellular or Wi-Fi signals.

    Fourth, make sure you have updated the app and your device's software.  Refer to your app store and device settings on how to do this.

    Lastly, we're here to help.  Contact you department key control staff for assistance.
  • What should I do if my device is lost or stolen?
  • Notify your key control manager as soon as possible to deactivate your credential.  Request a replacement credential by completing this webform.  
  • I needed to wipe my device.  Can I still use the app?
  • Unfortunately, no.  Wiping the device also wipes the credentials as a security feature. Request a replacement mobile credential by completing this webform.
  • I have a new smartphone. How do I set it up new mobile credentials?
  • Mobile credentials don't transfer from one device to another, even if you backup your old device and restore it on the new device.  If you replace your device, request a replacement mobile credential by completing this webform.
  • The HID Mobile Access app is frozen on my screen. What should I do?
  • Restart your device and reopen the app.

 

AggieAccess Cards

  • How do I get an AggieAccess card?
  • Please wait to request an AggieAccess card until after you receive an email invitation for mobile credentials. If you have received an invitation and wish to use an AggieAccess card instead of mobile credentials, fill out this webform to opt-out of the mobile credential program. If you have filled out the webform but have not received a response, please contact your key control manager.
  • My Card was lost or stolen, what should I do?
  • See: How do I get replacement credentials?
  • I’m a new employee. Where do I get my AggieAccess credentials?
  • New employees will receive an AggieAccess card or mobile credentials from Shared Services through the onboarding process. Students will obtain their cards or credentials through the Office of the Registrar.

 

Privacy and data

  • Does the HID Mobile Access app use my mobile data?
  • HID Mobile Access uses the data to maintain the credentials as the app updates its status with the manufacturer. This keeps the credentials active or deactivates it, when appropriate. When on campus, connect your device to Eduroam, the campus Wi-Fi service, to save data. For the most consistent access, keep the app running in the background while on campus and close it after leaving campus.
  • Does the HID Mobile Access app require location permissions?
  • Location services do not need to be turned on for the app to function; however, the app is more responsive and easier to use with location services on.
  • How does the HID Mobile Access app use location services?
  • The HID Mobile Access app uses location services to detect nearby, supported card readers.
  • How does the HID Mobile Access app use Bluetooth/NFC permissions?
  • For iOS devices, the app uses your device's Bluetooth Low Energy antenna to transmit the credentials to the reader. For Android devices, the app uses Near-Field-Communication to transmit the credentials to the reader.
  • What happens to my location data?
  • Location data collected through the HID Mobile Access app is deidentified and stored separately from user data to prevent correlating user data with location data. HID Mobile Access does not share your location data with the UC Davis Police Department. Check out the privacy policy for more details.
  • How can I make my device more secure to protect my data?
  • We use our phones everywhere, making everyday life more convenient.  Practice these steps to make your device more secure:
    Keep your phone locked with a PIN, passphrase, fingerprint, or facial recognition.  It adds a step to using your phone but is worth it if you lose your phone.  If you use a PIN or passphrase, use a unique number or phrase only you know.  Thieves already know 1234 and password.
    Only install verified apps from an app store.  Rooting, or “jail breaking” a device, or sideloading apps, places your security in the hands of another developer and not the manufacturer.
    Don’t share passwords.  If your password is stolen, then the attack will be limited to the one app.  Never reuse your Kerberos password- only use it for UC Davis.  Use a password manager to help keep your passwords organized. 

 

Glossary 

  • AggieAccessAggieAccess is the consolidation of disparate electronic access systems across the UC Davis campus that makes electronic access more secure and easier to manage.
  • AggieAccess ID card – A physical key card that can be used at card readers to grant access into areas secured by AggieAccess.
  • AggieAccess credentialsAggieAccess credentials acts as a key, granting the user electronic access to areas secured by AggieAccess. Credentials comes in the form of an AggieAccess card or mobile credentials.
  • AggieAccess mobile credentialsAggieAccess mobile credentials act as digital key cards, which can be used at card readers to grant access into areas secured by AggieAccess.
  • Electronic access system – An electronic access system is an alternative to a traditional lock and key, through which doors are locked and unlocked digitally.
  • HID Mobile Access app – The HID Mobile Access app allows you to use your phone or other device as a “key.”
  • Jailbroken – Jailbreaking is a process that removes limitation placed on a device by the carrier or operating system, specifically in regards to Apple devices
  • Key Control ManagerAn employee assigned to manage access to a building or area. This person is responsible for approving requests for credentials. If you do not know who your key card manager is, contact your department, supervisor, PI or lab manager to find out.
  • Lenel OnGuard – Lenel OnGuard is the software used by key control managers to manage access permissions.
  • Rooted - Jailbreaking is a process that removes limitation placed on a device by the carrier or operating system, specifically in regards to Android devices.