For members to access your facility using the access control, they will need either a Bluetooth Access Token or a Key Fob linked to their account. As with all access methods, Bluetooth access is always linked to the member’s current account status, which means:
- Members can only enter during the door access times allowed by their active membership or casual booking
- Members with failed billing attempts, account holds, expired memberships, or cancelled memberships will be denied access until the issue is resolved.
Assigning Bluetooth Tokens Automatically
You can automate token assignment in two ways.
1. Assign on First Booking
Go to Settings > Advanced Configuration > General
Enable Assign a Bluetooth access token when booking
The system will assign a token the first time a member makes an online booking.
2. Assign by Membership Category
Go to Settings > Membership Types > Categories
Edit the relevant category
Enable Assign a Bluetooth Access Token (online and staff sign-up)
Any member placed on that category — whether signed up online or by staff — will automatically receive a Bluetooth token.
Assigning a Bluetooth Access Token Manually
Open the member’s profile in GymMaster
Click the button next to Key Fob / Token
Select New Mobile ID
Click Save
The system generates a unique identifier for that member. The token is now active and linked to their account.
Using Bluetooth Check-In in the Member App
Members must download the GymMaster Member App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
To check in:
Enable Member App Bluetooth Access in Settings > Advanced Configuration > Doors & Readers
Members log into Member App using their email and password
Switch on Bluetooth and allow Bluetooth permissions when prompted
Tap Check-In at the top of the app when near the reader
The Check In icon will only appear if the facility supports Bluetooth access and the member has Bluetooth Access enabled on their account. The app will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth door readers. When a reader is detected, the reader will indicate the result:
- Green: access granted
- Red: access denied
Members need to be within a couple of metres of the reader for it to be detected. It is recommended that they do not hold their phone directly against the reader.
So long as the member has:
An active Bluetooth Access Token
Valid membership or booking access
The door will unlock and the visit will be recorded on the Visitors page.
If there are issues, see our Member Denied Entry troubleshooting page
Q: Why are some members experiencing Bluetooth access issues?
Check that the member:
- Has Bluetooth enabled on their phone
- Has a Bluetooth Access Token assigned
- Is using the latest version of the GymMaster Member App
- Logs out and back into the app to refresh their session
Some phone brands, models, or older devices may also contribute to connection issues.
Q: Why does the Bluetooth reader sometimes stop working during access attempts?
In many cases, rebooting the GateKeeper resolves the issue. If problems persist, older Bluetooth readers (e.g. Cidron models) may be the cause. These can occasionally exhibit reliability issues.
GymMaster’s Bluetooth Sentinel readers offer significantly improved reliability and support both Key Fob and Bluetooth access. If your Cidron reader is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a free upgrade. Contact us to confirm and discuss installation.
If you have a Cidron reader, GymMaster can upgrade to Sentinel if still under warranty.
Q: Why don’t recent changes seem to fix a door access issue?
Changes made in GymMaster need to synchronize with the Member App, which may take up to 10mins.
- Log out and back into GymMaster
- Ask member to fully close and reopen the Member App, then log in again
- If this doesn't work, wait for 10mins, allowing app to re sync
Q: How can we prevent members sharing Bluetooth access
To prevent members from sharing access across multiple devices, a device limit can be configured at Settings > Advanced Configuration > General > Maximum number of authorized member app devices.
This setting restricts member app access to the specified number of devices per member, and therefor restricts bluetooth access.
If the limit is set to 1, the first device used to access Bluetooth will be registered as the authorized device.
The Member device reset limit option allows members to change their authorized device within a defined timeframe. This supports legitimate device changes (for example, when a member gets a new phone) while preventing frequent switching or access sharing across multiple devices.
To view or manage devices associated with a member account, go to Member Page > Details tab > Manage Devices. Staff can remove previously authored devices here to allow a member to register a new device if required.
Q: Can Bluetooth access be disabled?
Globally: No.
For future members: Yes.
To disable Bluetooth access for future sign ups:
- Go to Settings > Advanced Configuration > General and disable Assign Bluetooth Access Tokens by default
- Then go to Settings > Membership Types > Category > Edit Category and disable Assign a Bluetooth Access Token for each relevant category
To re-enable access, turn these options back on and assign Bluetooth Access Tokens to your existing members.
Q: Why shouldn’t a phone be placed directly on the reader when using Bluetooth?
Placing a phone directly on the reader can confuse the device, as it may attempt to read both RFID and Bluetooth signals at the same time.
This can result in a failed entry attempt. Members should initiate Bluetooth access from the Member App while standing approximately 1–2 metres from the reader.
Q: What is the typical time delay when using Bluetooth access?
First-time access for a new member may take up to 7 seconds.
In most cases, regular check-ins take around 3–4 seconds. Delays can vary depending on phone model, brand, and age.
Common Questions this Covers
- How to enable Bluetooth access
- How to allow members to use mobile phone to access club
- How to allow members to use cell phone to access club
- How to grant Bluetooth access per membership
- Can we automatically allow Bluetooth access to new members