TL;DR
Google has added digital home key support to Google Wallet, letting compatible Android phones open supported smart locks by tap or, on some devices, by approaching the door. The feature is in public preview through Google Home and is expected to roll out more broadly over the coming weeks, but it requires compatible locks, phones and a Google Home hub.
Google Wallet can now store digital home keys that let Android users unlock compatible smart locks by tapping a phone against the lock or, on certain devices, approaching the door. Google says the feature is available in public preview through the Google Home app, with a broader rollout planned over the coming weeks.
Get kitchen gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The update adds two ways to unlock a door. Tap to Unlock uses near-field communication (NFC): users hold the back of a supported phone near the lock reader, and the phone does not need to be unlocked. Unlock on Approach can open a door automatically when the system detects its user walking up, but must first be enabled in Google Wallet.
A single digital key can control multiple compatible locks. Other household members connected to the same Google Home account can add their own keys to their personal Google Wallets, according to the announcement. The feature is built on Aliro, an open standard intended to support unlocking smart locks with smartphones.
Google’s initial compatible-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. Google says more locks are coming, but has not provided a broader list in the supplied announcement. Users also need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub.
Phone Keys Reach Google Wallet
Adding home keys to Wallet brings door access into an app many Android users already use for digital credentials and payments. It could make entering a home more convenient: a resident may be able to tap a phone instead of carrying a separate key, while the approach feature offers hands-free entry on supported devices and locks.
The practical reach is limited for now by the several pieces of compatible hardware required. A Wallet key alone is not enough; the lock, phone and Google Home setup must meet the relevant requirements. The feature also gives household members a way to keep separate digital keys tied to a shared home account, rather than relying on one person’s phone.
Products Worth Considering
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Saucepan, 2.25 qt., Cerise
Instant Pot Pro Plus 6-Quart 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, Onyx Black
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
A Later Arrival for Android
Digital home-key features are already available to some users in other mobile ecosystems, including Apple and Samsung. Google Home has also offered some lock-unlocking capabilities, but this announcement brings Wallet-based access using NFC and Ultra-Wideband on compatible hardware.
Aliro is the technical foundation Google cites for the new capabilities. Although the standard is designed to allow phones to work with smart locks across products, the currently listed lock support remains narrow. Google’s announcement says the list will grow, but it does not give dates or name additional models.
““over the coming weeks””
Compatibility and Watch Support
Availability varies by device and lock. Tap to Unlock requires an NFC-enabled Android phone running Android 9 or later. Hands-free Unlock on Approach requires an Aliro-compatible UWB Android phone; Google gives the Pixel 10 Pro series and newer as examples. The announcement does not say how many other phone models qualify.
Wear OS smartwatches are not supported “at launch,” according to Google, but the company has not confirmed whether or when that might change. The public preview’s availability, the full rollout schedule, and the timing of support for additional locks are also not specified in the supplied material.
Broader Rollout and More Locks
Google says Wallet home keys will reach more users over the coming weeks. Residents interested in using the feature will need to check whether their lock, Android phone and Google Home hub meet the requirements before relying on it for entry.
Further developments to watch include additions to the compatible-lock list, the promised UWB support for the Schlage Sense Pro, and whether Google later adds Wear OS support. Google has not announced dates for those changes.
Key Questions
How can an Android phone unlock a Google Wallet home key?
With a compatible lock, users can tap an NFC-enabled phone near the reader. Tap to Unlock does not require the phone to be unlocked. On supported UWB devices, users can also enable Unlock on Approach in Wallet for hands-free entry.
Which smart locks are supported at launch?
Google lists the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. Schlage Sense Pro supports NFC at launch, with UWB support expected to follow. Google says more locks are coming but has not named them in the supplied announcement.
What other hardware is required?
Users need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the second-generation Nest Hub. Tap to Unlock also needs an NFC phone running Android 9 or later; Unlock on Approach requires a compatible UWB Android phone.
Can a smartwatch unlock the door?
Wear OS watches are not supported at launch, according to Google. The company has not confirmed whether smartwatch support will be added or when.
When will the feature be available to everyone?
Google says a public preview is available through Google Home and expects a wider rollout over the coming weeks. It has not provided a specific date in the supplied announcement.
Source: theverge.com
