TL;DR
Google Wallet is adding digital home keys that let compatible Android phones unlock supported smart locks by tapping the phone or, with compatible hardware, approaching the door. The feature is in public preview through Google Home and is due to roll out to everyone over the coming weeks, but lock and phone compatibility is limited.
Google Wallet is adding digital home keys that let Android users unlock compatible smart locks by tapping their phone against a reader or, with supported devices, approaching the door. The feature is in public preview through the Google Home app, with Google saying it will roll out to everyone over the coming weeks.
Get home appliances delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The new capability uses NFC (Near Field Communication) for Tap to Unlock. Users hold the back of an NFC-enabled Android phone near the lock reader; Google says the phone does not need to be unlocked for this method. A single digital home key in Wallet can control multiple supported locks, and household members linked to the same Google Home account can add their own keys to their personal Wallets.
A second option, Unlock on Approach, can open a door automatically when the user walks up. It must be enabled manually in Google Wallet and requires a phone with compatible Ultra-Wideband (UWB) hardware, as well as a lock that supports Aliro UWB. Google identifies the Pixel 10 Pro series and newer as examples of compatible phones for hands-free unlocking.
Google says the initial supported lock list includes the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. The Schlage lock supports NFC at launch, with UWB support to follow, according to Google. The company says more locks are coming, but has not provided a complete schedule for adding them.
Digital keys come to Google Wallet
Compatible Android phones can unlock supported smart locks by tapping or, with the right hardware, approaching the door. Availability is limited by phone, lock and Google Home requirements.
Two ways to unlock
Both options depend on compatible hardware.
- Hold the back of an NFC-enabled phone near the lock reader.
- The phone can remain locked.
- Unlocks as you approach the door.
- Requires compatible UWB phone and Aliro UWB lock; enable it in Wallet.
Initial lock support
Google’s launch list names three models.
What a household needs
Check each requirement before relying on Wallet for entry.
Use a compatible model; more locks are planned, with no schedule announced.
Tap requires NFC and Android 9 or later. Approach unlocking needs compatible UWB hardware.
A Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router is required, such as the second-generation Nest Hub.
Availability and household access
The feature is in public preview through Google Home, with wider rollout expected over the coming weeks.
Personal keys
People linked to the same Google Home account can add their own keys to their personal Wallets.
Phones only
Wear OS watches are not supported at launch; Google has not said when that might change.
Android Phones Become Home Keys
Wallet support gives Android users another way to access their homes without carrying a separate physical key or opening a smart-lock app at the door. Tap-to-unlock can work while the phone remains locked, which may make entry quicker, while hands-free unlocking offers a different option for people with the required UWB phone and lock.
The feature also extends digital access across a household: each person linked to a Google Home account can add a personal key to Wallet, rather than relying on one account holder to use their phone. In practice, its usefulness will depend on whether a household has a compatible lock, a suitable Google Home setup and phones that meet the requirements. The small initial list means the announcement does not yet make Wallet home keys available to every smart-lock owner.
Products Worth Considering
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and Ultra Subwoofer Bundle
Dyson Ball Allergy Upright Vacuum
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Aliro and Google Home Requirements
The feature is built on Aliro, an open standard intended to let smartphones communicate with compatible smart locks. Google says its new Google Home capabilities use that standard, but compatible lock hardware remains limited. The initial list spans models from Aqara, Schlage and Nuki; support for additional products is promised but not yet dated.
Users also need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub. For Tap to Unlock, the phone must support NFC and run Android 9 or later. Hands-free access has the narrower requirement of an Aliro-compatible UWB phone and lock. Google says Wear OS watches are not supported at launch, leaving the initial Wallet feature focused on phones.
Google Home already offered some ways to unlock smart locks. This announcement adds Wallet-based access using phone hardware such as NFC and UWB. Digital home-key features have also been available to users of Apple and Samsung devices, making Google’s rollout a new option for Android users rather than the first such feature across mobile platforms.
“The feature will roll out to everyone “over the coming weeks.””
Lock Support and Rollout Timing
Google has not specified exactly when the feature will reach all users, whether availability will vary by country, or when more smart locks will be added. The current Aliro-compatible selection is limited, and the stated future expansion has no named products or dates.
It is also not clear whether or when Google will add Wear OS support. Google’s description says watches are unsupported at launch, but does not confirm a later update. Hands-free unlocking depends on the specific combination of UWB-capable phone and lock, so the feature should not be assumed to work across all Android devices or compatible-looking smart locks.
Broader Availability and More Locks
Google says it plans to move the feature from public preview to general availability over the coming weeks. Users will need to check that their lock, Android phone and Google Home hub meet the requirements before relying on Wallet for entry. The supported-lock list may expand, but Google has not announced when or which models will be next.
Further updates would clarify regional availability, the rollout schedule, additional Aliro lock support and whether Wear OS devices will gain digital home keys. Until those details are announced, the confirmed scope is limited to compatible phones and the locks and home-network equipment specified by Google.
Key Questions
How do Google Wallet home keys unlock a door?
Tap to Unlock uses NFC when a user holds the back of a supported Android phone near the lock reader. Google says the phone does not need to be unlocked. Unlock on Approach can open the door as a user approaches, but requires compatible UWB hardware and must be enabled in Wallet.
Which smart locks work with the feature at launch?
Google lists the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. The Schlage model supports NFC at launch, with UWB support to follow. Google says more locks are planned but has not named them.
What Android phone and hub are required?
Tap to Unlock requires an NFC-enabled phone running Android 9 or later. Hands-free unlocking requires an Aliro UWB-compatible Android phone, such as a Google Pixel 10 Pro series device or newer. Users also need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub.
Can a Wear OS watch unlock a door with Google Wallet?
Not at launch. Google has not announced whether or when Wear OS support will be added.
When will Google Wallet home keys be available to everyone?
The feature is currently in public preview through Google Home. Google says it will roll out to everyone over the coming weeks, but has not given a specific date.
Source: theverge.com
