Private Mode vs. Public Mode Guide

Discover the difference between private and public mode lockers — and which suits your setup best.

Private Mode Locks

Private mode is made for permanent or long-term users. Each locker is assigned to a specific person — for example, a staff member, student, or regular gym member — who keeps the same code, key, or access card. The lock remains programmed until it’s manually changed or reset by an administrator.

Private mode is ideal for workplaces, schools, offices, or team changing rooms where individuals use the same locker daily and security consistency matters more than turnover speed.

Public Mode Locks

Public mode is designed for shared or temporary use. In this setting, any user can claim a free locker, set their own code or use a card/fob for a single session, and then release the locker once finished. The code is automatically cleared, ready for the next person to use.

This mode is perfect for gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, spas, and visitor changing rooms — anywhere users need short-term, flexible access. It keeps lockers turning over efficiently and removes the need for staff to manually reset locks between uses.

Feature Private Mode Public Mode
Best For

✅ Designed for assigned-use lockers in workplaces, offices, schools, and universities, where each user keeps the same locker long-term.

✅ Ideal for shared-use lockers in gyms, swimming pools, spas, and leisure centres, where lockers are reused throughout the day.
User Access

✅ Each user has a fixed code or card for ongoing personal access, ensuring consistent security.

✅ Users can set a temporary code or use an RFID card or fob for one-time access, perfect for high-traffic areas.
Management

❌ Requires manual setup by an admin to add or remove users or reset codes when people leave.

✅ Low maintenance – lockers automatically reset after use, keeping them ready for the next user.
Turnover Rate

❌ Low turnover – lockers stay allocated to one person for longer periods.

✅ High turnover – lockers become free immediately after use, ideal for busy facilities and public changing rooms.
Security Level

✅ Higher long-term security – access remains fixed to one person, offering enhanced personal protection.

✅ Reliable for short-term security – auto-reset stops forgotten codes from blocking access.

Which Mode Suits Your Environment Best?

For gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, and spas, public mode locker locks are the best option. They allow constant locker turnover, easy access for visitors, and minimal management for staff. Because the code resets automatically after each use, you avoid problems like forgotten combinations or occupied lockers between sessions.

For workplaces, offices, schools, or team changing areas, private mode locker locks are the smarter choice. Each user can store their personal items securely every day, knowing their locker is always reserved for them. This setup reduces code sharing and enhances individual security.

If your site includes both types of users — for example, a fitness club with staff lockers and member lockers — consider a mix of public and private mode locks to get the best of both worlds.

Our Recommendation

If you’re managing a busy gym, leisure centre, or public changing area, public mode locker locks are usually the best choice. They allow fast locker turnover, easy visitor access, and minimal staff involvement, making day-to-day operation simple and efficient. For more permanent setups such as workplaces, schools, and offices, private mode locker locks are the smarter option. They give each user their own secure, assigned space for long-term storage. Many modern electronic locker locks can switch between public and private modes, offering the flexibility to adapt as your facility’s needs change over time.