Google Wallet can finally unlock doors with digital home keys

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="The Aqara u400 (pictured) is one of the few smart locks that currently supports Google Wallet’s digital home keys. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge" data-portal-copyright="Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/258229_Aqara_U400_Smart_Lock_JTuohy_0005.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> The Aqara u400 (pictured) is one of the few smart locks that currently supports Google Wallet’s digital home keys. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google has added digital home key support to Google Wallet, allowing Android users to open smart locks by tapping their phone against them or simply approaching. The feature is currently available in public preview for the Google Home app, and will roll out to everyone "over the coming weeks," according to <a href="https://support.google.com/googlehome/blog/477084054">Google's announcement</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This was a long time coming, given <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/887564/samsung-wallet-digital-key-smart-home-aliro">Samsung</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23434755/level-lock-plus-review-apple-home-key-smart-lock">Apple users</a> have had this convenience for a while now. While Google Home already has some unlocking functionality, this update allows users to leverage the Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tech in their phones with compatible smart locks. Multiple …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1032084/google-wallet-digital-home-key-smart-lock-rollout">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>