Google Wallet adds digital keys for compatible smart locks
Android users can now use Google Wallet to unlock compatible smart locks by tapping their phone or, with an optional setting enabled, approaching the door. The feature is in public preview through the Google Home app, with a wider rollout expected “over the coming weeks,” Google said.
The update lets phones use Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to interact with supported locks. A single digital home key can control multiple locks, and members of the same Google Home account can add their own keys to their personal Google Wallets.
Tap to Unlock works when users hold the back of an NFC-enabled Android phone near a lock reader; the phone does not need to be unlocked. Unlock on Approach must be enabled manually in Google Wallet and can open the door automatically when the phone detects that its user is walking up.
Compatibility is limited for now. The feature is built on Aliro, an open standard intended to let smartphones unlock smart locks. Google’s current list includes the Aqara u400, Schlage Sense Pro—supporting NFC at launch, with UWB to follow—and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. Google said more locks are coming.
Users also need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the 2nd-gen Nest Hub. Google’s addition follows similar digital home-key features available to Samsung and Apple users.
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