Google Wallet is adding digital home keys for compatible smart locks, allowing Android users to unlock their doors with a phone tap or, with supported hardware, automatically as they approach.
Google announced the feature on November 11, beginning with Google Home Public Preview users and promising a wider rollout over the coming weeks. Access depends on compatible locks, phones and home-network hardware, rather than a Wallet app update alone.
The feature uses Aliro, an open digital-access standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance. In its official announcement, Google said it helped develop and standardize Aliro as part of its work toward a more interoperable smart home.
Google Wallet home keys support tap and hands-free unlocking
Tap to Unlock uses near-field communication, or NFC. A user holds the back of a compatible Android phone near the lock reader, without opening an app or entering a door code.
Google says the key works even when the phone screen is locked. Users can adjust verification settings in Google Wallet.
Unlock on Approach is a separate feature requiring both an Aliro ultra-wideband-compatible Android phone and an Aliro UWB-compatible lock. Users can enable it in Wallet to unlock automatically as they walk toward the door.
Having NFC support does not establish UWB compatibility. A phone-and-lock combination that supports tapping may therefore lack hands-free access.
Supported locks have different launch capabilities
Google lists the Aqara u400 with NFC and UWB support, the Schlage Sense Pro with NFC at launch and UWB to follow, and the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. More supported locks are planned.
The Schlage distinction matters: support for home keys at launch is not the same as immediate support for every unlocking method. Buyers should check the capabilities available for their specific lock and phone.
CNET reported on November 12 that the feature brings Android users a digital-wallet option comparable in purpose to Apple’s home keys. Its hands-on discussion of Schlage’s approach unlocking should not be taken as confirmation that Google’s Schlage UWB integration is already available.
A compatible hub is part of the requirements
Google says users need a Matter-certified smart lock supporting Aliro, a Matter-enabled Google hub with a Thread Border Router, and a compatible NFC-enabled Android phone with the latest Google Home and Wallet apps.
Its hub examples include Nest Hub, second generation, Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro and Google TV Streamer. CNET and The Verge report that NFC tapping requires Android 9 or later; approach unlocking has the additional UWB requirements.
When a new compatible lock is set up in Google Home, users are prompted to add the home key to Wallet. For an existing setup, Google also provides a Google Wallet key option in Home settings.
One home key can cover multiple compatible locks
The key is linked to the home in Google Home, rather than to one lock. Google says each compatible Aliro lock in that home can work with the same Wallet key.
Household members can add their own keys to their personal Wallet accounts, and keys automatically sync across compatible Android phones signed into the same Google Wallet account.
Guests and visitors use passcodes rather than receiving their own Wallet home keys, according to CNET’s account of Google’s guidance. The Verge also reports that Wear OS watches are not supported at launch.
The initial release is a Public Preview rollout, not a claim of universal availability. Google has not given a specific date for its planned expansion to everyone over the following weeks.
