Google Wallet just turned your Android phone into a digital house key – how it works

Google has introduced digital home key support to Google Wallet for Android users, enabling them to unlock compatible smart locks using their NFC and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. The feature, currently in public preview for the Google Home app, will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks. This update allows users to control multiple locks using a single digital home key and grants access to all household members linked to the same Google Home account.

To unlock, Android users can tap their NFC-enabled phones near the lock reader or enable the "Unlock on Approach" feature, which automatically unlocks the door when it detects the user walking up. Supported locks include the Aqara u400, Schlage Sense Pro, and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC, with more locks expected to follow. Users will need a Matter-enabled Google Hub with Thread Border Router, such as the 2nd-gen Nest Hub, and NFC-enabled phones running Android 9 or later for tap-to-unlock functionality.

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