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Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 for Pixel

Google Wallet now supports digital home keys for Android phones, allowing users to unlock compatible smart locks with a tap.

14sources
23articles
22velocity
+72%since first seen
3d agofirst detected

🌍 Cross-language spread

This story first appeared in 🇮🇹 Italian coverage — 1.9 hours before PULSE detected it in English news.

🇬🇧 English Nov 10, 21:20 UTC
🇮🇹 Italian Nov 10, 19:29 UTC · TuttoAndroid

Detected by matching proper nouns and figures that survive translation. Times reflect when each edition's coverage was first indexed.

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The brief

Google is bringing digital home keys to Google Wallet, allowing Android users to unlock compatible smart locks with their phones, as reported by Beebom Gadgets. Apple introduced home keys in Apple Wallet in 2021, and Samsung added them to Galaxy phones earlier in the year. Now Google is offering digital home keys to let users unlock compatible smart locks.

According to the official Google Support page cited by Beebom Gadgets, users can unlock their doors in two ways after adding a home key to Google Wallet. By default, Tap to Unlock operates even when the phone screen is locked, provided the user unlocked it within the last few hours. Users seeking heightened security can modify their Google Wallet settings to mandate a screen lock or fingerprint verification before the door opens, preventing unauthorized access if someone else holds the device.

Additionally, a single home key is not restricted to one lock. One key in Google Wallet functions with all compatible locks throughout a home and syncs across every Android phone signed into the same Google Wallet account. Other household members can also incorporate their own keys into their respective Google Wallet accounts.

Utilizing home keys requires a smart lock that is Matter-certified and supports the Aliro standard, along with a compatible Google Home hub operating as a Thread Border Router. Google notes that more lock models will receive support in the near future. However, Wear OS smartwatches do not have support at launch, meaning users cannot currently unlock doors using their watches.

Beebom Gadgets reports that the feature is initially rolling out to Google Home Public Preview users, with a wider release for everyone else scheduled over the coming weeks. Google has not yet specified which countries will receive the feature.

Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 9h ago.

Quick answers

What is required to use Google Wallet home keys?

You need a Matter-certified smart lock that supports the Aliro standard and a compatible Google Home hub acting as a Thread Border Router.

Can I use my Wear OS smartwatch to unlock my door?

No, Wear OS smartwatches are not supported at launch.

How do I get the new home key feature right now?

The feature is rolling out first to Google Home Public Preview users, and to everyone else over the coming weeks.

Coverage (23)

Topics

Google Wallet Android Google Home Matter Aliro

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