December 9, 2025

Why Your Apartment’s Buzzer Is Broken (And What to Do About It)

Old apartment buzzers fail residents and delivery drivers alike, causing missed deliveries and security risks. Discover why traditional systems break and how EnterKey’s smart buzzer solution solves these problems with temporary PINs and remote access.

Why This Problem Matters

Apartment residents, delivery drivers, and property managers alike face constant frustration due to outdated and broken apartment building buzzer systems. Delivery drivers unable to get in, packages left vulnerable, and residents forced to run downstairs to buzz visitors in—these daily hassles add up to a broken access experience, affecting everything from security to convenience. Old buzzers and intercoms that fail intermittently or don’t provide remote access leave residents stuck waiting and couriers stranded outside.

This is more than a minor annoyance; it impacts the safety and trust residents place in their building’s entry system. Deliveries containing perishable food, critical medications, or important documents often go missed or arrive late. Package theft inside lobbies is on the rise, creating a security nightmare that shared PIN codes and permanent buzzers only worsen. These challenges frustrate residents and delivery workers and force property managers to juggle an outdated system that can’t keep up with today's delivery volume.

Modern residents expect convenience, security, and simple access control—without having to manage keys or endless codes. Failing buzzers directly affect resident satisfaction, security, and even property values. The problem matters because access is foundational to apartment living, especially as delivery demand soars and remote lifestyles become the norm.

Real Examples: What Actually Happens

Delivery drivers frequently find themselves stuck at locked gates or non-functioning entry buzzers. On popular forums, Amazon drivers share tales of calling residents who don’t pick up—leading to packages abandoned outside in rain or snow and delivery attempts marked undelivered despite best efforts. Food delivery drivers report crowds jammed outside buildings during peak times, no working intercoms, and bounced calls to residents who are often unavailable or reluctant to buzz strangers in.

Residents report buzzer systems that only work sporadically—sometimes only on certain days—and intercoms so quiet or distorted communication makes answering pointless. “Buzzer bombing,” where delivery drivers buzz every unit until someone lets them in, is a growing concern, especially in older buildings lacking video intercom functionality. This creates both security risks and annoyance as strangers roam the hallways.

Many residents express frustration with having no remote way to let in deliveries while at work or on vacation. Packages frequently sit in the lobby unattended, ripe for theft, or require rushing home to avoid missed deliveries. Shared building PIN codes add further insecurity: once given out, they’re almost impossible to revoke. Former tenants, contractors, and delivery services often retain access indefinitely, putting everyone at risk.

What’s Wrong With Traditional Systems

Old apartment buzzers and phone intercom systems rely heavily on physical hardware prone to breakage, vandalism, or bugs. Analog intercoms often lack video, preventing residents from seeing who they’re letting in. Wired callboxes can malfunction, and many systems restrict buzzing to specific phones or floors, limiting flexibility. Intercom speakers are imperfect—sometimes too quiet or too loud—making communication unreliable.

The traditional shared PIN or buzzer code system is insecure by nature. Everyone often has the same code, which stays with former residents, contractors, or delivery workers, making it impossible to control or audit access after distribution. Deliveries must be manually buzzed in, requiring residents to physically respond or give out permanent keys or codes to services.

Many buildings lack front desks or doormen, meaning no staff can receive packages or vet visitors. Efforts like installing package lockers only partially solve the problem and don’t address issues like food deliveries, off-hours access, or large or irregular packages. The result? A broken, inconvenient, and insecure process that leads to missed deliveries, theft, and resident dissatisfaction.

Modern Smart Access: Industry Trends

The apartment entry system market is rapidly evolving into cloud-based, mobile-first solutions that eliminate outdated hardware reliance. Smart buzzers now offer temporary, one-time Use PINs for delivery drivers, ensuring limited and controlled entry without shared codes or permanent keys. These PINs can expire after a single use or a limited timeframe, eliminating security risks associated with traditional systems.

Mobile access apps allow residents to remotely buzz visitors in from anywhere, eliminating the need to run downstairs or answer unreliable intercom calls. Some systems integrate QR codes for quick courier access and provide video intercom features delivering live audio-visual communication. Cloud-managed access enables property managers to monitor who enters the building and when, revoke access rights instantly, and generate audit trails in real-time.

Remote doorman and virtual concierge services add a layer of verification and control for buildings lacking front desk staff. This growing trend reflects how delivering convenient, secure access solutions meets modern residents’ demands while also reducing property management workload and enhancing building security and reputation.

How EnterKey Solves This Problem

EnterKey transforms any apartment buzzer into a smart buzzer system without expensive hardware upgrades. By replacing shared codes with secure, temporary PINs, delivery drivers gain one-time access tailored to each delivery event. This approach prevents “buzzer bombing” because every access is logged and time-limited, enhancing security for residents.

EnterKey offers a free plan that includes up to 5 buzzes per month, making it easy to try with no risk or upfront cost. Residents and property managers can remotely buzz open doors from their phones anywhere, avoiding missed deliveries due to unavailable residents or broken intercoms. The delivery-friendly design supports all major services, including DoorDash, UberEats, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, improving delivery success rates and resident satisfaction.

No new hardware installation is necessary since EnterKey works with existing buzzers and intercom systems, making adoption zero-cost and hassle-free. The app allows sharing guest or roommate access securely, providing flexibility without compromising safety. Real-time audit trails empower property managers to monitor building entry and revoke access instantly when needed.

EnterKey bridges the gap between old apartment entry systems and modern demands seamlessly. By integrating temporary PINs, remote buzzing, and cloud management, it offers convenience, security, and peace of mind all in one solution suited for apartments and condos of all sizes.

Takeaway

Broken apartment buzzers and outdated entry systems cause security risks, missed deliveries, and resident frustration. EnterKey provides a smart buzzer solution that replaces shared codes with secure, temporary access controlled remotely from your phone. This modern approach improves delivery success, enhances security, and delivers convenience for residents and property managers alike.

Call to Action

Is your apartment buzzer failing you? Don't miss another delivery or struggle with broken intercoms. Try EnterKey free today and experience how easy smart access can be. Get up to 5 free buzzes a month, no building cooperation required, and start opening your door from anywhere with just your phone. Join thousands of residents who have transformed their apartment entry systems and never miss a delivery again. Sign up now to turn your buzzer into a smart, secure entry solution with EnterKey.