Google Wallet now supports digital house keys, letting Android users unlock compatible smart locks via NFC or Ultra‑Wideband as the feature enters public preview.
Google Wallet adds digital house keys
Google has begun rolling out digital house keys through the Google Wallet app as part of a public preview of Google Home. The feature is expected to become widely available in the next few weeks after the initial rollout. Apple introduced a similar capability in Apple Wallet in 2021, while Samsung added digital keys to Galaxy phones earlier this year. Google’s move brings Android users into the same convenience bracket as iOS and Samsung ecosystems.
Users first configure a compatible smart lock in the Google Home app, then add a digital key to Google Wallet alongside payment cards, car keys and other passes. The key is stored securely and can be managed independently of other credentials. Once added, the key appears as a selectable item in the wallet interface, ready for use at the door. This integration aims to consolidate everyday digital credentials into a single, easy‑to‑access location.
How unlocking works
The feature offers two unlocking methods. The NFC option requires the phone to be held near a supported lock; the device does not need to be unlocked if it was accessed within the last few hours, though users can enable extra verification to prevent unauthorized entry. This mirrors the tap‑to‑unlock experience already familiar from contactless payments.
The second method relies on Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) technology, branded by Google as Unlock on Approach. When enabled, a UWB‑compatible lock detects the phone as the user approaches and opens the door automatically. Activation of this hands‑free mode must be turned on manually in Google Wallet, giving users control over when the feature is active.
Compatibility and supported devices
NFC‑based unlocking works on Android phones running Android 9 or later, but requires a Matter‑certified smart lock that supports the Aliro standard and a Google Home hub with Thread Border Router capability. Currently supported locks include the Aqara U400, Schlage Sense Pro and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC.
Hands‑free UWB unlocking is limited to phones equipped with UWB hardware, such as the Pixel 10 Pro series and newer models. Wear OS smartwatches are not supported at launch, though future updates may add support, following Apple Watch’s earlier implementation of similar functionality.
TechTimes analysis
TechTimes sees Google Wallet’s digital key rollout as a critical step toward a unified smart‑home credential ecosystem on Android. By supporting both NFC and UWB, Google covers a broad range of lock manufacturers while encouraging adoption of Matter‑compatible devices. The requirement for a Thread‑enabled hub may slow early uptake, but it also pushes the market toward newer, more secure standards. Competitors such as Apple and Samsung already offer comparable features, so Google’s entry could intensify competition and accelerate innovation in the digital‑key space.