Does deleting or expiring a Paste & Purge secret link disable the garage keypad code?

No. This is a very important distinction: Paste & Purge only handles the safe transmission of the code to the recipient without leaving it in text history. It does not communicate with or control your garage door opener or keypad hardware. To revoke physical access, you must change or delete the code on your physical keypad or through your smart door app.

How do temporary guest codes work on modern smart locks and keypads?

Many modern keypad systems (such as Chamberlain myQ, Schlage, Yale, or August) allow you to create guest PINs that automatically expire after a specific date, work only during certain hours, or can be deleted with a tap in your phone app without affecting your primary family code.

Why shouldn't I just text my garage code to my dog walker or house cleaner?

When you text a physical access code, it stays in that person's message history indefinitely. If they change phones, sell an old device without wiping it, or have their phone borrowed by others, your home address and door code remain accessible in their search history.

Why is having one single master code for everyone a security risk?

If you give the same master 4-digit PIN to your family, babysitter, contractor, and delivery driver, you have no way to remove access for one person without disrupting everyone else. If one person leaves or finishes their job, you are forced to re-program the keypad and teach the new code to all family members.

What is the best way to send a garage code to a visitor who is arriving today?

Create a temporary secret link set to 1 view and a 1-hour expiration. Send the link in your text message. Your guest taps the link to view the code when they arrive, memorizes or inputs it, and the link automatically disappears from the server.

How often should homeowners change their garage keypad code?

If you use a shared master code, it is good practice to change it at least once or twice a year, or immediately after major home renovations, contractor work, or tenant changes. If you use temporary individual guest codes, you simply delete the guest code when their service is complete.

Home & Family Security Guide

How to Share a Garage Door Code Safely With Family, Guests, and Service Workers

Published by Paste & Purge·Home Access Management·8 min read

It happens all the time: a plumber is coming by while you are at work, a neighbor is feeding your cat over the weekend, a dog walker arrives for an afternoon walk, or a friend is dropping off a package.

They ask: "What is the garage code?"

Sharing your garage keypad PIN is one of the most common physical security handoffs homeowners make. But unlike a digital streaming password, a garage code grants direct physical entry into your home, tools, vehicles, and living space.

Why Physical Access Codes Are Unique

When we think of cybersecurity, we usually picture online accounts and passwords. But your garage keypad is essentially a physical password for your house.

Long-Lived Code Habits

Most families pick one 4-digit code when they move in and never change it for five, ten, or fifteen years.

Accumulated Visitor Access

Over time, that single code is given to dozens of contractors, cleaners, painters, and delivery workers.

Practical Steps for Safer Access Sharing

1. Prefer Temporary or Guest Codes

Most modern smart garage openers and electronic door deadbolts support multiple user PINs or temporary guest passes. If your system supports this, generate a dedicated temporary PIN for your contractor or visitor rather than giving them your primary family code.

2. Send the Code Through an Expiring Link

When sending the code to a service worker or guest, use a single-view, expiring secret link. They tap the link when they arrive at your driveway, read the code, and the link automatically self-destructs. Your home address and entry code don't remain saved together in their message history.

3. Confirm Who You Are Sending To

Always double-check that you are sending the code to the verified phone number of your contractor or friend. Never reply to unexpected messages or unknown numbers asking for entry codes without verifying by phone.

4. Delete the Guest Code or Reset the Keypad After Work Finishes

When a contractor finishes their job or a rental guest checks out, take 30 seconds to delete their guest PIN or re-program the keypad. This closes the loop and ensures your home stays private.

Important: Sharing the Code vs. Revoking Keypad Access

Using an expiring link on Paste & Purge protects the code during transmission—it prevents your entry code from sitting in text messages or email threads forever.

However, expiring or burning a link does not change your physical garage door opener. To revoke access, you must change or delete the code on your physical keypad or smart lock app.

Access Sharing by Visitor Type

Visitor Type	Recommended Access	Transmission Method
Family Members	Primary family code	In-person teaching
Babysitter / Pet Sitter	Dedicated guest PIN	Expiring Secret Link
Repair Contractor	One-day temporary code	1-View Secret Link (delete code after)
Short-Term Rental Guest	Scheduled guest pass	Expiring link with check-in instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Send Door & Garage Codes Cleanly

Create a 1-view secret link for your visitor. Once they view the access code, the link is permanently destroyed. Keep your physical access details out of long-term chat threads.