After Apple introduced home keys through Apple Wallet in 2021 and Samsung followed suit for Galaxy devices earlier this year, Google has finally officially launched digital door lock keys in Google Wallet. In the future, Android users will no longer need to pull out a physical key or open an app; they can simply tap their phone against the door lock—or even just walk up to their front door—to unlock it.
Google Wallet officially supports “digital door lock keys,” automatically unlocking when you approach.
This new feature is currently rolling out gradually through the Google Home Public Preview program and is expected to reach general users over the next few weeks. After users pair a compatible smart lock in Google Home, they can add a digital key to Google Wallet and manage it alongside credit cards, digital car keys, and various passes in one place.
Google offers two proximity unlock mechanisms for digital keys, balancing convenience and security:
- NFC tap-to-unlock: just bring an Android phone close to the smart door lock to open the door. Notably, as long as the phone has been unlocked within the past few hours, it can be tapped directly even if it is currently on the lock screen; for users with higher security requirements, they can also manually enable an “extra identity verification” mechanism to prevent others from breaking in if the phone is lost.
- UWB Ultra-Wideband “Proximity Unlock”: Using precise UWB spatial positioning technology, the door lock automatically unlocks when it detects your phone approaching, enabling a truly hands-free, seamless experience (this feature must be manually enabled in Google Wallet).
In addition, a single digital key can simultaneously support multiple compatible door locks within the same home, and the system also allows family members to add their own dedicated keys to their personal Google Wallet accounts.
To experience this seamless door-opening technology, the following hardware and software requirements must be met:
| project | Specifications and support requirements |
| System requirements | Devices running Android 9 or later (UWB functionality requires a model with an ultra-wideband chip, such as the Pixel 10 Pro series or newer). |
| Ecosystem protocol | The door lock must be Matter-certified and support the Aliro digital key standard. |
| Central equipment | Requires a compatible Google Home smart home hub with Thread Border Router functionality. |
| First wave of supported door locks | Aqara U400、Schlage Sense Pro、Nuki Keypad 2 NFC |
The only downside at present is that Wear OS smartwatches were not included in the initial launch’s supported devices. However, matching the tap-to-unlock experience the Apple Watch has long offered, Google is expected to add wearable support soon through a subsequent update.
Source: KOCPC Chinese