Google Wallet adds digital home keys
Android users can now store digital home keys in Google Wallet, allowing them to unlock compatible smart locks with a simple tap of their phone. Google began rolling out the feature to Google Home Public Preview users on November 11, with a wider release expected over the coming weeks, according to Android Authority.
This integration changes how Android manages smart locks, which previously relied on manufacturer-specific apps or Google Home commands. Apple users have had access to similar functionality since 2021, when the company introduced Home Keys with iOS 15, ZDNET reported.
How tap-to-unlock and approach features work
The new system offers two distinct ways to access a property. Users can utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) by holding their phone near the lock, or they can enable “Unlock on Approach,” which uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to open the door automatically as the user nears the lock. While the NFC tap works even when the phone is locked—provided it was unlocked within the last few hours—the UWB hands-free feature must be manually enabled in Google Wallet.
Security remains a priority for the implementation. “This ensures that if someone gets hold of your phone, they can’t unlock your door later without first knowing the passcode to your phone,” Android Authority noted regarding the device unlock requirements.
hardware and system requirements for Aliro compatibility
Compatibility at launch is limited to specific hardware that supports the Aliro open standard. Currently, the list includes the Aqara U400, the Schlage Sense Pro, and the Nuki Keypad 2, according to Google’s announcement. Users also need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with Thread Border Router functionality, such as the 2nd-gen Nest Hub or the Google TV Streamer, to facilitate the connection.
Because the key is tied to the Google Home ecosystem rather than an individual device, a single digital key can control multiple compatible locks within the same home. Household members linked to the same Google Home account can also add the key to their own personal Google Wallet.
Pro tip: While NFC-based unlocking works on Android phones running Android 9 or later, the automatic “Unlock on Approach” feature requires a UWB-compatible device, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro series or select Samsung Galaxy models, according to Digital Trends.
unlocking phones and using Wear OS for digital keys
Do I need to unlock my phone to use the digital key?
No, you do not need to unlock your phone for standard NFC tap-to-unlock, provided the device has been unlocked within the last few hours. However, users can toggle an “Required device unlock” setting in Google Wallet if they prefer added security.
Can I use my Wear OS watch to unlock the door?
Not at this time. Google confirmed that Wear OS smartwatches are not supported at launch, though the company did not rule out future compatibility.
What happens if I have multiple smart locks in my house?
You do not need to manage multiple keys. The digital home key is linked to your home within the Google Home app, meaning one key will automatically work for all compatible Aliro-supported locks installed in your residence, Android Authority noted.
The rollout follows a broader industry trend toward standardizing digital access, with Samsung also introducing digital home keys to its own wallet earlier this year, Android Authority noted.
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