TL;DR
Google Wallet is gaining digital home keys that let compatible Android phones unlock doors by tapping a lock or, on supported devices, approaching it. The feature is in public preview through Google Home, with a wider rollout expected over the coming weeks; it requires compatible locks and, for these capabilities, a Matter-enabled Google Hub with Thread support.
Google Wallet is adding digital home keys that let Android users unlock compatible smart locks by tapping a phone against the lock or, with supported hardware, approaching the door. Google says the feature is in public preview through the Google Home app and will roll out to everyone “over the coming weeks,” bringing a phone-based unlocking option to Google’s ecosystem.
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The feature offers two ways to unlock. Tap to Unlock uses NFC: 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 interaction. Unlock on Approach can open a door automatically when the system detects the user walking up, but it must first be enabled in Google Wallet and depends on compatible Ultra-Wideband hardware.
A single Google Wallet home key can work with multiple compatible locks. People linked to the same Google Home account can also add their own keys to their personal Wallets, according to Google. The company’s announcement names the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC as supported locks, while saying more will follow. Google says the Schlage model supports NFC at launch, with UWB support to come.
Access depends on more than having an Android phone. Google says users need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub. Tap to Unlock requires an NFC-capable phone running Android 9 or later. Hands-free unlocking is limited to Aliro UWB-compatible Android phones, including the Google Pixel 10 Pro series and newer. Wear OS watches are not supported “at launch,” Google says.
Phone Access Comes to Google Homes
Digital keys can make coming home easier by letting people use a device they already carry instead of a separate key or entering a code. The feature also gives households a way to provide individual Wallet keys to people associated with their Google Home account, rather than relying on one person to share a physical key.
For now, the practical reach is limited by the small list of compatible locks and the additional hub and phone requirements. Unlock on Approach is more convenient than tapping, but it also depends on UWB support and must be deliberately enabled. The announcement adds a new option for Android users, but it does not mean that every smart lock or Android device can use it.
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How Google Home Unlocking Expands
Google Home already offered some ways to control or unlock smart locks. The Wallet integration adds the ability to use NFC and Ultra-Wideband in compatible phones as the key itself, including tap-based access and hands-free unlocking on supported devices.
Google says the new capabilities are built on Aliro, an open standard intended to let smartphones work with smart locks across brands. The standard’s stated aim is broader interoperability, but the limited number of currently supported locks means that compatibility remains a practical constraint. Google has not provided a date for each listed lock’s availability or a schedule for adding others.
“The feature will roll out to everyone “over the coming weeks.””
Compatibility and Rollout Still Developing
Google has not given a firm date for the general rollout or said how quickly it will reach users in different regions. It also has not named additional supported locks or specified when UWB support will arrive for the Schlage Sense Pro.
The phrase “at launch” suggests Wear OS support could be considered later, but no watch rollout has been confirmed. Compatibility may also vary by phone, lock and hub: the announcement’s requirements mean that having a recent Android device alone may not be enough to use every unlocking method.
Broader Access and More Locks
Google says Wallet home keys will move from the public preview to a wider release over the coming weeks. Users will need to check whether their lock, phone and Google Home hub meet the requirements before relying on the feature. Google has said more lock models are coming, but has not published a list or timetable.
Further updates may clarify when the Schlage model receives UWB support and whether Wear OS devices will gain digital keys. Until those details are announced, the confirmed offering remains limited to the listed locks and compatible Android hardware.
Key Questions
How do Google Wallet home keys unlock a door?
With Tap to Unlock, hold the back of an NFC-enabled Android phone near the lock reader. On supported devices, Unlock on Approach can unlock the door as the user walks up, after the option is enabled in Wallet.
Which smart locks are supported?
Google currently lists the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. Google says more locks are planned, but has not named them.
What phone and hub do I need?
Tap to Unlock requires an NFC-enabled phone running Android 9 or later. Google also says users need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub. Hands-free unlocking requires an Aliro UWB-compatible Android phone.
Can I use a Wear OS watch as a home key?
Not at launch. Google has not confirmed when or whether Wear OS support will be added.
Source: theverge.com
