Google Catches Up to Apple, With Digital Wallet Keys for Your Physical Home Lock

Google is now offering digital keys for smart locks through its Google Wallet, catching up to Apple in the process. These digital keys are built on Aliro, a new smart lock standard. When testing an ultrawideband (UWB) smart lock called the Schlage Sense Pro, it was able to unlock the door as the user approached without needing to tap their phone or wave it near the lock.

The lock could also differentiate between the owner approaching and someone else just walking by. Compatible locks include the Schlage Sense Pro, Aqara u400, and Nuki Keypad 2 NFC lock. Google's "unlock on approach" feature for digital wallet keys is just one benefit of this upgrade, with other advantages including NFC unlocking, multi-lock compatibility, and syncing across devices.

While UWB locks may not have a physical key slot, Google advises users to keep a keypad access code handy in case of emergencies. To use these digital keys, users need an NFC-enabled Android phone running Android 9 or later, a Matter-enabled Google Hub with a Thread Border Router, and updated Google Wallet and Google Home apps.