Unlocking, Locking, and Your Phone

Your phone is the key. No physical keys to collect, no keys to return. Here’s everything you need to know.

Before you get to the vehicle

• Charge your phone. You need it to unlock, take photos, and end the rental. Bring a cable too — all Zelf vehicles have USB ports or more commonly now USB-C ports.
• Turn on Bluetooth. The vehicle talks to your phone over Bluetooth. Switch it on before you arrive. Good news: it works even without mobile signal.
• Open the Zelf app and go to your active booking.

Unlocking

Stand next to the driver’s door. Keep the app open. Tap Unlock. Listen for the click. That’s it — you’re in.

The photo walkaround

Before you drive, the app asks you to snap photos from all four sides. Takes about 30 seconds. This protects you — if there’s already a scratch or dent, it’s on record before your booking starts.

If you spot damage that isn’t already showing in the app, report it before you drive away. Tip: take photos in good light and get the whole panel in each shot.

Ending your rental

Park at your booked Zelf station (cars) or the booked depot (vans). Turn everything off. Grab your stuff. Open the app and tap End Rental. Take the return photos when prompted. Wait for the app to lock the doors. Give the handle a quick check before you walk away.

Important: parking the car doesn’t end your booking. You need to tap End Rental and finish the photos. Until you do, the clock is still running. Takes about 30 seconds.

Bluetooth playing up?

• Check Bluetooth is on in your phone settings (not just in the app)
• Stand within a couple of metres of the vehicle
• Close the Zelf app completely and reopen it
• Try turning Bluetooth off and on again

If none of that works, call us on 0345 034 3838. We’ll get you moving.