FAQ
Product & technology
What is EthyloKey?
EthyloKey is the world’s first touch-based alcohol detector. It detects ethanol released through the skin and provides a simple green, orange or red alcohol indication in about 20 seconds.
How does EthyloKey work?
Place your finger on the sensor. EthyloKey reads ethanol released through your skin together with temperature and humidity. Its proprietary classification model combines these signals to provide a green, orange or red indication.
Does EthyloKey really work without blowing?
Yes. EthyloKey works through skin contact. There is nothing to blow into and no mouthpiece is required.
How long does a test take?
A typical test takes around 20 seconds. Depending on testing conditions, the full measurement may take approximately 20–25 seconds.
What do the green, orange and red results mean?
EthyloKey classifies each reading into one of three indicative alcohol ranges:
- Green — Lower range
- Orange — Elevated range
- Red — Higher range
EthyloKey provides a range rather than an exact BAC value.
Does EthyloKey display my exact BAC?
No. EthyloKey uses a classification model rather than BAC regression. It provides a green, orange or red indicative alcohol range instead of an exact numerical BAC value.
Can my result change during the evening?
Yes. Alcohol levels can rise or fall over time. Each EthyloKey result is a snapshot at that moment, so checking again throughout the evening can help you follow how your indication evolves.
Has EthyloKey been tested outside the lab?
Yes. EthyloKey has been used in thousands of real-world tests and demonstrations across bars, afterworks, festivals, events and media demonstrations.
Why use EthyloKey instead of a traditional breathalyzer?
EthyloKey requires no blowing, mouthpieces or disposable consumables. It is reusable, shareable, requires no periodic laboratory recalibration and is designed to stay on your keys.
Does EthyloKey require recalibration?
No periodic laboratory recalibration is required for normal use.
Can EthyloKey be shared?
Yes. There is no mouthpiece or disposable consumable to replace between users. EthyloKey is ready for another test in about 30 seconds.
Does EthyloKey connect to an app?
Yes. EthyloKey connects via Bluetooth to the EthyloKey app, allowing you to follow your results over time and access connected features.
The device also works independently and displays its green, orange or red indication directly.
Do I need the app to use EthyloKey?
No. The app is optional. EthyloKey can perform a test and display the result directly on the device.
How long does the battery last?
A full charge provides approximately 100 tests, depending on usage conditions.
How do I charge EthyloKey?
Place EthyloKey on a compatible Qi wireless charger. A full charge takes approximately 45–60 minutes.
Is a wireless charger included?
No. EthyloKey is compatible with standard Qi wireless chargers, so a proprietary charger is not required.
Is EthyloKey waterproof?
Place EthyloKey on a compatible Qi wireless EthyloKey is not designed for immersion in water. Avoid full immersion and prolonged exposure to water or high humidity.
Where is EthyloKey made?
EthyloKey is made in France.
Safety & results
Can EthyloKey tell me if I am fit to drive?
No. EthyloKey provides an indicative alcohol range and does not determine fitness to drive.
Alcohol levels can continue to change after a test. Always follow local laws and never drive if in doubt.
Can EthyloKey replace a certified breathalyzer or blood test?
No. EthyloKey is a personal wellness and prevention device providing an indicative green, orange or red alcohol range.
It is not a certified legal alcohol test and should not be used as a substitute where a certified or evidential alcohol measurement is required.
Can EthyloKey results be used as legal evidence?
EthyloKey readings are not intended to serve as legal or forensic evidence.
Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction. Where an official or legally binding alcohol measurement is required, follow the applicable local requirements and instructions from the relevant authorities.
Is EthyloKey approved by authorities?
EthyloKey is designed to comply with applicable consumer product safety requirements, including applicable CE requirements in Europe.
This is separate from certification as an evidential or legally approved alcohol-testing device.
Orders & shipping
When will my EthyloKey ship?
Production Batch #01 is sold out and currently in production, with deliveries beginning from October 2026.
Current pre-orders are allocated to Production Batch #02, with estimated delivery between December 2026 and January 2027.
You’ll receive production and shipping updates by email.
What is a production batch?
EthyloKey is produced in limited manufacturing runs. Once the available units in one batch are allocated, new orders move to the following production batch.
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship internationally to eligible destinations. Available destinations and shipping options are shown at checkout based on your delivery address.
Our Kickstarter community already spans 67 countries.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your destination and selected shipping method.
Will I be charged customs or import fees?
Orders outside the European Union may be subject to local import duties, taxes or customs fees.
Where these charges are not collected at checkout, they are the responsibility of the recipient.
Can I change my shipping address after ordering?
Yes, as long as your order has not entered the fulfillment or shipping process.
Contact us at contact@ethylokey.com as soon as possible with your order details.
Payment, returns & warranty
When am I charged for a pre-order?
You are charged when you place your order. This reserves your EthyloKey in the applicable production batch.
What payment methods do you accept?
Available payment methods are displayed securely at checkout and may include major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Klarna and other local payment options.
Can I cancel my pre-order?
Yes. You can cancel your pre-order for a full refund before your EthyloKey ships, subject to our Refund Policy.
What is your return policy?
Our current return policy allows eligible products to be returned within 14 days of receipt.
Please see our Refund Policy for full conditions or contact us if you need help with a return.
Is EthyloKey covered by a warranty?
Yes. EthyloKey is covered by a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects and lack of conformity under normal use.
If you experience an issue, contact us at contact@ethylokey.com and our team will help determine the appropriate repair or replacement solution.