Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 7 hrs ago
Google Wallet adds digital keys for compatible smart home locks
Google is adding digital home keys to Google Wallet for Android users with compatible smart locks connected to Google Home.
The feature is rolling out first to people in Google Home’s Public Preview, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks.
Users can tap a phone to unlock a door, while supported phones and locks can also unlock automatically as the user approaches.
The feature requires a Matter-enabled smart lock that supports Aliro, and Google lists the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC as compatible at launch.
One Wallet key can work with multiple compatible locks in the same home, because it is linked to the home in Google Home rather than to one lock.
A compatible Google Hub with a Thread border router is also needed, and phone requirements vary by unlocking method.
The new Wallet option builds on existing phone-based unlocking through Google Home or lock makers’ apps, while adding NFC and UWB support in Wallet.
Google is adding digital home keys to Google Wallet, allowing Android users to unlock compatible smart locks with a phone tap or, on some devices, by approaching the door.
The feature is rolling out to Google Home Public Preview users, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks.
At launch, it supports compatible Aliro locks from Aqara, Schlage and Nuki.
One Google Wallet key can work with multiple compatible locks linked to the same home in Google Home.
Setup also requires a Matter-enabled Google Hub with Thread border router support.
- Who
- Android users with compatible smart locks linked to Google Home.
- What
- Google Wallet is adding digital home keys for unlocking compatible locks by NFC tap or, with supported devices, UWB approach.
- When
- The rollout began on November 11, 2026, for Google Home Public Preview users; wider availability is expected in the coming weeks.
- Where
- At homes using compatible Aliro smart locks and a Matter-enabled Google Hub with Thread border router support.
- Why
- To let users add their Google Home digital home key to Google Wallet and unlock compatible doors more easily.
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Google began rolling out the feature to users in the Google Home Public Preview.
Google expects to make the feature available more widely.
- Launch locks
- Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro, Nuki Keypad 2 NFC
- NFC phone requirement
- Android 9 or later with NFC
- UWB phone support
- Pixel 10 Pro series and later, plus select UWB-enabled Samsung Galaxy phones
- Google Hub requirement
- Matter-enabled hub with a Thread Border Router
- Compatible hubs
- Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, Google TV Streamer
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Select UWB-enabled Samsung Galaxy phones