Samsung’s Digital Home Key will work with UWB and NFC smart locks

Source: 9to5Google

Overview

Samsung is adopting the Aliro smart‑lock standard—run by the same team responsible for Matter. A new Digital Home Key function in Samsung Wallet will let users unlock compatible smart locks using NFC and Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) technology.

Compatibility

• The feature works with locks that support the Aliro standard, an open protocol managed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization behind Matter.
• Samsung notes that the Digital Home Key will roll out in select regions this month and later expand to additional “leading smart lock brands.”
• No specific lock brands are mentioned in the announcement.

Adding a Digital Home Key

1. Initiate the lock‑setup process in Samsung Wallet.
2. Follow the on‑screen instructions to add the Digital Home Key to your wallet.
3. Once added, you can unlock the door using either NFC or UWB, depending on the lock’s capabilities.

Unlocking Methods

NFC

• Works like contactless payments: tap your phone against the lock for instant access.

UWB

• Allows proximity unlocking—the door unlocks automatically when an authorized device approaches.
• Samsung claims this method is secure, though the concept of unlocking without a deliberate action may feel unsettling to some users.

Security and Convenience

• Using NFC or UWB removes the need to unlock your phone or invoke a digital assistant (e.g., Google Gemini, Bixby) before opening the door.
• Proximity unlocking can be faster than pulling out a physical key or manually tapping the lock, especially when your phone is already unlocked.

Availability

• The Digital Home Key feature is expected to launch in select regions this month.
• Future updates will add support for additional smart locks from various manufacturers that adopt the Aliro standard.

Source: Samsung press release