Android users can finally unlock compatible smart door locks by tapping their phones or walking up to the entrance as Google Wallet introduces digital home keys.
Apple has offered a similar feature through Apple Wallet since 2021. Samsung also brought digital home keys to Galaxy smartphones earlier this year.
The feature is currently rolling out through the Google Home Public Preview program. Wider availability is expected over the coming weeks.
Users set up their compatible smart lock in Google Home first. They can then add a digital key to Google Wallet, alongside their payment cards, car keys, and other passes.
There are two ways to unlock a door using the new feature. The first method uses Near Field Communication, where users hold their Android phone near a compatible smart lock.
The phone does not even need to be unlocked, provided it has been unlocked within the last few hours. Google also lets users enable additional verification if they do not want anyone with their phone getting through the door.
The second method relies on Ultra-Wideband, which allows compatible smart locks to detect the phone and unlock the door automatically as the user approaches. Google calls this Unlock on Approach, and it needs to be enabled manually through Google Wallet.
Users can access multiple compatible locks in the same house using a single digital key. Other household members can add their own keys to their personal Google Wallet accounts as well.
NFC-based unlocking works on Android phones running Android 9 or newer. Users also need a Matter-certified smart lock supporting the Aliro standard, alongside a compatible Google Home hub with Thread Border Router functionality.
The supported hardware list currently includes the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro, and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. Hands-free unlocking requires a compatible UWB phone, such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro series or newer supported models.
Wear OS smartwatches are not supported at launch. Apple Watch already offers similar functionality.
