Google Wallet can now store digital home keys created through Google Home, giving supported Android phones a way to unlock compatible doors with NFC or, in some cases, automatically as the user approaches. The rollout begins for participants in the Google Home Public Preview, with broader availability planned in the coming weeks.
The new “unlock on approach” option uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to open a door as a compatible phone nears the lock, without needing to take the handset out of a pocket. It requires compatible hardware, including Galaxy S22 and S23 models, the Pixel 10 Pro, or later supported devices. Automatic unlocking is off by default, and it is not currently available on Wear OS watches.
NFC unlocking remains available by holding a phone close to the lock. It can work with the screen off if the device has been unlocked within the previous few hours. Users can also require the phone to be unlocked before its digital key can be used.
Google is introducing support for the open Aliro standard. Compatible products at launch include:
- Aqara U400 — NFC and UWB support.
- Schlage Sense Pro — NFC support initially, with UWB support planned later.
- Nuki Keypad 2 NFC.
The setup also requires a Matter-compatible Google hub with Thread border-router functionality. A single digital key can work across all compatible Aliro locks in the same home, while family members can add their own keys to Google Wallet. Those keys automatically sync among compatible Android phones tied to the same Google Account.
