Google is expanding Google Wallet beyond contactless payments by introducing digital home keys that let Android users unlock compatible smart locks with their smartphones.
Announced on November 11, 2026, the feature brings digital home keys directly into Google Wallet through the Google Home app. Instead of carrying a physical key or entering an access code, users can simply tap their NFC-enabled Android phone against a compatible smart lock to unlock their doors.
For supported devices, Google is also introducing hands-free unlocking, allowing the door to open automatically when the user approaches. The feature is initially rolling out through the Google Home Public Preview program, with wider availability expected over the coming weeks.
Google Wallet Expands Into Smart Home Security
Google Wallet has traditionally been used to store payment cards, boarding passes, event tickets, and other digital credentials. With the addition of digital home keys, Google is bringing another everyday convenience into its mobile wallet.
The digital key is connected to the user’s home configured in Google Home rather than being assigned to just one smart lock. This means households with multiple compatible locks can use a single digital key to access them.
Household members can also add their own digital keys to their personal Google Wallet accounts using their Android smartphones. This makes managing access more convenient, particularly for families and households that already use Google’s smart home ecosystem.
Two Ways to Unlock Your Door
Google is introducing two unlocking methods, depending on the smartphone and smart lock hardware. The first is Tap to Unlock, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC). Users simply hold the back of their Android smartphone near the compatible lock’s NFC reader. The phone does not necessarily need to have its screen unlocked, although users can enable additional verification requirements through Google Wallet.
Google is introducing two unlocking methods, depending on the smartphone and smart lock hardware. The first is Tap to Unlock, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC). Users simply hold the back of their Android smartphone near the compatible lock’s NFC reader. The phone does not necessarily need to have its screen unlocked, although users can enable additional verification requirements through Google Wallet.
The second option is Unlock on Approach, which uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. When enabled, the smart lock can recognize a compatible smartphone as its owner approaches, allowing the door to unlock without requiring a physical tap.
However, hands-free unlocking requires UWB support on both the smartphone and the smart lock. Google identifies the Pixel 10 Pro series and newer supported models, including Fold and XL variants, among compatible devices. Select UWB-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones are also supported.
Compatible Smart Locks at Launch
Google is initially supporting selected Matter-certified smart locks that use Aliro, an open standard for digital access credentials.
Google is initially supporting selected Matter-certified smart locks that use Aliro, an open standard for digital access credentials.
The supported products announced at launch include:
- Aqara U400: Supports both NFC and UWB unlocking.
- Schlage Sense Pro: Supports NFC unlocking initially, with UWB support planned.
- Nuki Keypad 2 NFC: Supports NFC-based digital home key access.
More compatible smart locks are expected as manufacturers adopt the Aliro standard. Users should note that owning an NFC-enabled Android smartphone does not automatically guarantee compatibility. The smart lock must also support the required technology and work with Google Home.
Aliro Aims to Make Digital Keys More Universal
One of the more important aspects of Google’s announcement is its adoption of Aliro, an access standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization also responsible for Matter.
One of the more important aspects of Google’s announcement is its adoption of Aliro, an access standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization also responsible for Matter.
Aliro aims to establish a common way for smartphones, smart locks, and access control devices to communicate securely. This could help reduce compatibility problems between different manufacturers. Rather than relying entirely on proprietary applications and digital key systems, manufacturers can build products around a shared standard.
For consumers, wider Aliro adoption could eventually make it easier to use different brands of smartphones and smart locks without worrying as much about ecosystem restrictions.
What You Need to Use Google Wallet Home Keys
Using the feature requires more than simply installing Google Wallet. Users need a Matter-certified smart lock that supports Aliro, a compatible Google Home hub with Thread Border Router functionality, and an Android smartphone with NFC.
Using the feature requires more than simply installing Google Wallet. Users need a Matter-certified smart lock that supports Aliro, a compatible Google Home hub with Thread Border Router functionality, and an Android smartphone with NFC.
Google lists devices such as the Nest Hub (2nd generation), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, and Google TV Streamer as compatible Google Home hubs for the required setup. For Tap to Unlock, the smartphone must have NFC and run Android 9 or later. Hands-free unlocking has additional UWB hardware requirements.
Users also need the latest versions of Google Home and Google Wallet. To add a digital home key, users can configure a compatible smart lock through Google Home. During setup, the application provides an option to add the home key to Google Wallet. Existing compatible installations can also access the option through Home settings and the Google Wallet key section.
Security and Access Management
Google provides additional controls for managing how digital home keys work. By default, users can tap their phones against compatible locks without first unlocking the screen, provided the phone was unlocked within the previous few hours. Those who prefer additional protection can enable Require device unlock, which requires screen-lock or biometric verification before granting access.
Google provides additional controls for managing how digital home keys work. By default, users can tap their phones against compatible locks without first unlocking the screen, provided the phone was unlocked within the previous few hours. Those who prefer additional protection can enable Require device unlock, which requires screen-lock or biometric verification before granting access.
Hands-free Unlock on Approach is also disabled by default and must be manually enabled through Google Wallet. Household members can receive their own digital keys, while temporary visitors can be given guest access through passcodes managed in Google Home. These controls are important because smartphones are increasingly becoming replacements for physical keys, payment cards, and other personal credentials.
Availability and Requirements
Google started rolling out digital home keys through the Google Home Public Preview program on November 11, 2026. A wider rollout is expected over the following weeks. However, Google has not published a definitive country-by-country availability list. Philippine availability has therefore not been independently confirmed.
Google started rolling out digital home keys through the Google Home Public Preview program on November 11, 2026. A wider rollout is expected over the following weeks. However, Google has not published a definitive country-by-country availability list. Philippine availability has therefore not been independently confirmed.
Android users in the Philippines should also consider the hardware requirements before purchasing a compatible smart lock. The feature requires supported Aliro hardware and a compatible Google Home hub, not just an NFC-equipped smartphone. Wear OS smartwatches are also not supported at launch.
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