getnews.online

Your Android phone can unlock your smart lock from Google Wallet

Google Wallet adds digital keys for compatible smart locks set up in Google Home, by tapping or walking up to the lock.

3locks at launch

Hype check

Hype3
Real4
As advertised

The noise matches the real change.

Your call: hype or real?

Real = it will matter in daily use. Hype = louder than it is. One vote, and it can’t be changed.

Why it matters

You can drop the key or door code, but the first list of supported locks is short.

For most people

Watch: the key lives in your phone, and the list will grow.

The details

  • Tap to Unlock uses NFC on Android 9 or later and works with the screen locked by default; you can require screen lock or biometrics in Wallet settings.
  • Unlock on Approach uses UWB with an Aliro-compatible phone and lock, including the Pixel 10 Pro and newer and some Galaxy phones.
  • Locks at launch: Aqara u400, Schlage Sense Pro (NFC now, UWB later) and Nuki Keypad 2.
  • Keys are added from the Google Home app and sync across Android phones on the same Wallet account.
  • Wear OS watches are not supported at launch; the rollout starts with the Google Home Public Preview, then reaches everyone over the following weeks.
WatchWatch: the source does not list the countries covered, so check availability in your region.

Receipts

One trusted outlet reports it. Not confirmed yet. Open the sources and check us.

Written with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources above. How we work

Get the daily brief by email

One email each morning. Unsubscribe with one click.

See a mistake? Tell us and we’ll fix it.