Google Wallet On Android And Wear OS Supporting Aliro Smart Lock Standard

In November of 2023, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) announced Aliro as a new standard for smart locks, and Google Wallet is now adding support.

The CSA is the group behind Matter in smart homes. Aliro is a “standardized communication protocol between access readers [doors or other entry points] and user devices,” like smartphones and wearables.

At the time, the use of Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low-Energy (LE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) was mentioned. Aliro has four principles:

Simplicity – Lower barrier to implementation by reducing complexity for integration and streamlining troubleshooting.
Flexibility – Supports different types of installations or architectures, offering convenient access to both common and individual entry points.
Security – Foundation to implement state-of-the-art secured and trusted mobile access solutions.
Interoperability – Standardized communication protocol enables manufacturer-independent devices and readers to work together at the door.

It’s supported by the following companies: Allegion, Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Google, Infineon, Kastle Systems, Last Lock, NXP Semiconductors, Qualcomm, Samsung, and STMicroelectronics.

With version 25.11 of Play services, Google touts “support for Aliro protocol on NFC readers in Google Wallet” on Android phones and Wear OS.

Of course, it might be some time before you can actually use this given the lack of certified locks, assuming only new hardware is supported.