Google has integrated digital home key support into Google Wallet, enabling Android users to unlock compatible smart locks via NFC or Ultra-Wideband technology. The feature is currently in public preview within the Google Home app, with a full rollout scheduled for the coming weeks.
The system supports two primary methods: Tap to Unlock, which works by holding an NFC-enabled phone near the lock, and Unlock on Approach, which uses UWB for automatic access. Users can manage multiple locks with a single key, and all household members on a shared Google Home account can add their own keys to their personal wallets.
Compatibility requires a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, such as the 2nd-gen Nest Hub. Supported locks currently include the Aqara u400, Schlage Sense Pro, and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. Tap to Unlock functions on Android 9 or later, while hands-free UWB unlocking is restricted to specific devices like the Google Pixel 10 Pro series.
The technology is built on the Aliro open standard. Google noted that Wear OS smartwatches are not supported at the time of launch, though the company plans to expand the feature set and hardware compatibility in the future.
