Digital Keychain

A free app for iOS devices could save you time and money the next time you find yourself locked out. Called KeyMe, it works by storing photos of your keys in the cloud which can later be used to create physical copies at locksmiths or KeyMe kiosks.

To scan a key, it must be placed flat on a white background and photographed front and back from four inches away. The photo, key type and serial numbers are stored for free, but access to the information costs $10-$15 (a bargain compared to the cost of a locksmith). At a kiosk, your key can be duplicated from blanks stored inside the machine. If you don’t have access to a kiosk, you can have a locksmith make one for you, or you can order duplicates through the mail, which takes two to three weeks.

Keys can also be shared with family members and friends. For security, KeyMe uses advanced encryption, password protection and email alerts of account activity. The system does not ask for address-related information except in the case of mail orders. The app also protects images from “flyby” photography.