Google Wallet unlocks your home door. Just tap your phone, with the right lock, not even that

You might soon no longer need to type codes into a keypad at your door. Google Wallet has learned to store a digital home key, and you can unlock a smart lock just like you pay in a store. Google is currently rolling out the feature to users of the Google Home app public preview; others will receive it within a few weeks, according to the company. However, it has not yet specified in which countries.

Just tap your phone, or simply walk to the door

You can add the key in the Google Home app, either directly when setting up a new lock or later in the home settings. Then, all you need to do is tap the back of your NFC-enabled phone to the lock’s reader. This works even with a locked screen if you’ve unlocked your phone in the last few hours. For added security, you can enable mandatory fingerprint or code verification in Google Wallet for each unlock.

Even more convenient is unlocking upon approach. The doors unlock automatically as soon as you walk up to them, but this feature requires UWB technology in both the phone and the lock. Among the locks mentioned so far, only the Aqara U400 will support it at launch. Among phones, only the Pixel 10 Pro series and newer models with Android 17 can do it.

Other household members can also add their keys to Wallet, and Google Home offers shared codes for visitors. However, according to Google’s help, it’s best to keep a physical key as a backup.

Not many compatible locks

The entire solution is based on the open Aliro standard from the CSA alliance, which is also behind the now quite well-known Matter. Google currently names only a handful of devices and promises more: Aqara U400 locks (NFC and UWB) and Schlage Sense Pro (NFC only for now, UWB will be added later), and the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC. For tap-to-unlock, an NFC-enabled phone with Android 9 or newer is sufficient.

In addition to the lock, you will also need a Google hub with Matter and Thread support, specifically the Nest Hub second generation, Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, or Google TV Streamer.

We wrote about Android phones replacing home keys five years ago. As The Verge points out, iPhone and Samsung phone owners have been using similar keys in their wallets for some time now. Google is thus largely catching up with the competition.

Would you let your phone let you into your home?

Sources: Google Home, Google Wallet Help, Android Police, The Verge