Google is integrating digital home keys into its Wallet app. This allows users to unlock a compatible smart lock with their Android smartphone without opening an app or entering an access code. Three Matter-enabled lock products are supported at launch: the Aqara U400, the Schlage Sense Pro, and the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC when used with a compatible Nuki smart lock.
The feature, called Google Wallet Home Keys (link), lets users unlock doors via NFC using the ‘Tap to Unlock’ feature. All they need to do is hold a compatible Android smartphone near the reader on the smart lock. This also works when the phone’s screen is locked, provided the device has been unlocked at least once within the past few hours. Alternatively, users can require an additional authentication step, such as facial recognition or another biometric method. This setting can be found in the Google Wallet app under ‘Require device unlock.’
Some smartphones and smart locks can also unlock the door automatically as the user approaches. They use Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a short-range wireless technology that can locate the smartphone and determine the direction of approach and whether the device is actually outside the door. The ‘Unlock on Approach’ feature is initially supported only by selected smartphones, including Google’s Pixel 10 Pro series and certain Samsung Galaxy models.
The technology is based on Aliro, an open standard for digital access solutions developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and released in February 2026. Apple and Samsung have already implemented it. Google Wallet now brings another Matter ecosystem into the picture. For more background, see the article ‘What Is the Aliro Standard?’.
One Key for Your Smart Home
Setup takes place directly in the Google Home app. Requirements include a Matter-enabled smart lock, a compatible Google hub with Thread Border Router functionality, and an NFC-enabled Android smartphone with the Google Home and Google Wallet apps installed. The digital home key is stored in Google Wallet and works with all compatible Aliro locks associated with the respective home in Google Home.
For now, the feature is available as part of Google Home’s Public Preview. It can be enabled in the Home app’s settings. Google plans to roll it out to all users over the coming weeks.
Nuki Supports Google Wallet at Launch
Nuki (link) announced its integration of Google Wallet Home Keys almost simultaneously. This allows Android users, regardless of their smartphone manufacturer, to use the NFC functionality of the Keypad 2 NFC. A Matter-enabled Nuki smart lock and a compatible Google hub are required. The key is set up through Google Home.
The Keypad 2 NFC now offers six ways to unlock the door without a traditional key: Google Wallet Home Key, Apple Home Key, Samsung Digital Home Key, Tap to Unlock via the Nuki app, fingerprints, and individual access codes. There is one limitation, however: automatic unlocking on approach via UWB is not supported by the Nuki keypad. Unlocking is limited to NFC-based tap-to-unlock functionality.
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