Google has finally introduced digital home keys in Google Wallet, allowing Android users to unlock compatible smart door locks by simply tapping their phones or walking up to the door. Apple has been offering a similar feature through Apple Wallet since 2021, while 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, with wider availability expected over the coming weeks. Once users have set up their compatible smart lock in Google Home, they can add a digital key to Google Wallet, alongside their payment cards, car keys, and other passes.
How Google plans to replace your house keys
There are two ways to unlock your door using the new feature. The first uses Near Field Communication (NFC), where users simply need to hold their Android phone near a compatible smart lock. The interesting part is that the phone doesn’t even need to be unlocked, provided it has been unlocked within the last few hours. Google also lets users enable additional verification if they don’t want anyone with their phone getting through the door.
The second method relies on Ultra-Wideband (UWB), which allows compatible smart locks to detect your phone and unlock the door as you approach. Google calls it Unlock on Approach, and it needs to be enabled manually through Google Wallet.
Notably, Google also lets users 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.
What about device compatibility?
Google says NFC-based unlocking works on Android phones running Android 9 or newer. However, users will 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 Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro, and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. As for hands-free unlocking, you’ll need a compatible UWB phone, such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro series or newer supported models. Wear OS smartwatches aren’t supported at launch, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see the feature arrive later, considering Apple Watch already offers similar functionality.
