Google has officially announced the rollout of hands-free unlocking support for compatible smart locks and Android phones, allowing doors to open automatically as users walk toward them. The new functionality, designated as "Unlock on Approach," is currently available within the Google Home app public beta and is slated to roll out to the broader public over the coming weeks. Until this update, similar hands-free convenience had been exclusively restricted to iPhone and Apple Home ecosystem users since the feature first debuted earlier in the year with hardware like the Aqara Smart Lock U400.
The underlying technical framework relies on the Android phone's Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio combined with Aliro, a newer smart lock standard. Aliro was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the organization responsible for creating the universal smart home standard Matter, of which Google is a member. When a user carrying an Aliro UWB-compatible device approaches their door, the smart lock identifies the proximity and automatically unlocks. Google notes that Pixel 10 Pro and newer devices support this capability, though Wear OS smartwatches are completely unsupported at launch. Meanwhile, Samsung previously announced plans in March to incorporate support into its own devices, though that implementation has not yet materialized.
Key takeaways
- Google introduced hands-free smart lock unlocking utilizing UWB radio and the Aliro standard.
- The feature is currently live in the Google Home app public beta and expanding to all users.
- Hardware requirements include a compatible smart lock, an Aliro UWB Android phone, and a Thread border router.
- Wear OS smartwatches lack support at launch, while Pixel 10 Pro and newer devices are supported.
Operating the Unlock on Approach feature requires a specific hardware ecosystem. Users need an Aliro Ultra-Wideband compatible Android phone, a compatible smart lock, and a Thread border router. Approved Thread border routers include the Nest Hub 2nd generation, Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, and the Google TV Streamer. Furthermore, users must verify that both their Google Home and Google Wallet applications are fully updated to ensure proper functionality. Samsung's expected integration for its ecosystem devices remains delayed, leaving current hardware support focused primarily on Google's own Pixel lineup.
For owners of Android smartphones that lack an Aliro-capable UWB radio, alternative access options remain accessible. Users can utilize Near Field Communication (NFC) as a fallback, which requires holding the smartphone in close physical proximity to the smart lock, similar to standard tap-to-pay retail transactions. When setting up an Aliro-compatible smart lock inside the Google Home application, the software triggers a prompt encouraging the user to save a digital home key straight into the Google Wallet app. Additional household members added to the Google Home network are also able to store their own digital keys, and keys can be added at a later time by accessing the Home settings menu within the Google Home app.
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