Samsung’s digital wallet can now unlock doors: Just days after the launch of the Aliro standard, the company announced the rollout of its Digital Home Key (link). With this move, Samsung is extending its digital key functionality – previously limited to vehicles – into the home. Galaxy users with a compatible smart lock can unlock it using their smartphone, without the need for a physical key.
How The Digital Home Key Works
The feature is based on Aliro, an open communication protocol developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) – the same organization behind the cross-vendor smart home standard Matter. Aliro defines how digital keys are securely exchanged and authenticated between a mobile device and a lock. Setup requires SmartThings and Matter: Users first install their smart lock via Matter in the SmartThings app and, during this process, can add a Digital Home Key to the Samsung Wallet on their Galaxy device. Once configured, the door can be unlocked in three ways:
- NFC: The smartphone is held directly to the lock to open it.
- UWB (Ultra-Wideband): Selected smartphones open contactlessly via proximity sensor.
- In-app: Alternatively, the unlock process can also be triggered manually in the Wallet app.
A compatibility list outlining which smartphone models technically support NFC and UWB is available online (link). According to the manufacturer, the Ultra-Wideband feature will be enabled in April 2026.
Protection Against Unauthorized Access
The digital keys are stored locally on the device and protected by Knox, Samsung’s mobile security platform. If the device is lost, access can be remotely disabled via Samsung Find. In addition, use of the key is secured through biometric authentication or PIN entry within the Wallet app.
The rollout is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and will proceed in phases. Samsung has not specified which smart locks will support the system but in its announcement refers to “leading lock manufacturers.” One widely anticipated candidate is Nuki. The Austrian smart lock specialist presented an Aliro showcase with a Galaxy smartphone at IFA 2025 and announced the launch of an NFC keypad for March 24, 2026. It is likely to be one of the first products to work with Samsung’s Digital Home Key.
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