Nuki Smart Lock Now Supports Apple Home Key
▼ Summary
– The Nuki Keypad 2 NFC is a new accessory that adds tap-to-unlock functionality via Apple Home Key and Samsung Digital Home Key to the Nuki smart lock.
– Aliro is an open smart lock standard that allows any smartphone to unlock compatible locks using a digital key stored in the phone’s wallet.
– The Nuki lock is a retrofit device that replaces a door’s interior thumb turn, making it suitable for renters and leaving no smart components visible outside.
– Unlike the Aqara U400 lock, the Nuki keypad only supports NFC for tap-to-unlock and does not enable hands-free unlocking via Ultra Wideband.
– The keypad operates in two modes: Smart Home Mode for use with Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings via Matter, and Nuki App Mode for platform-independent use.
A major retrofit smart lock system has just gained a significant upgrade in convenience and cross-platform compatibility. The Nuki Keypad 2 NFC has launched, bringing Aliro-compatible tap-to-unlock functionality to the popular Nuki smart lock. This allows users to unlock their doors by simply tapping a compatible smartphone or smartwatch against the keypad, mirroring the familiar experience of contactless payment.
This move integrates Nuki into the emerging Aliro smart lock standard, an open framework backed by major tech platforms and phone makers. The goal of Aliro is to create universal access, letting any smartphone securely unlock any compatible smart lock without needing a brand-specific app. The standard works by storing a digital key in your device’s mobile wallet, which communicates via NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Ultra Wideband technology.
The Nuki system itself is designed as a retrofit smart lock. It installs by replacing the interior thumb-turn on an existing deadbolt, leaving the exterior hardware unchanged. This design makes installation straightforward and is particularly appealing for renters or those who prefer not to replace their entire lock mechanism. Because the smart component is only on the inside, an exterior keypad is essential for enabling keyless entry from outside.
The new $179 Keypad 2 NFC mounts on the door’s exterior and links to the interior lock unit via Bluetooth. It is important to note that this keypad utilizes NFC for the tap-to-unlock function, unlike some newer locks such as the Aqara U400 which also supports Ultra Wideband for hands-free unlocking. Consequently, the Nuki keypad does not offer a completely hands-free approach.
Users can configure the keypad in one of two operational modes. Smart Home Mode integrates the lock with Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings ecosystems via the Matter protocol. Since the Nuki lock uses Thread for communication, this mode requires a compatible Matter-over-Thread hub from Apple or Samsung. Alternatively, Nuki App Mode provides platform-agnostic access, allowing tap-to-unlock with any NFC-enabled smartphone using only the Nuki app.
As with any new standard, Aliro interoperability is still developing. According to Nuki’s Martina Stix, current functionality allows simultaneous use of Apple Home Key and Samsung Digital Home Key, but only if Apple Home is set up first, followed by Samsung SmartThings. The company is actively collaborating with mobile wallet providers to enhance system compatibility, though specific timelines for improvements are not yet available.
Beyond the new tap feature, the Keypad 2 NFC continues to offer traditional fingerprint and PIN code unlocking. The physical key for the original deadbolt also remains functional as a backup. While the keypad itself lacks UWB for automatic unlocking, the Nuki mobile app can provide a similar proximity-based feature. The keypad is now available for purchase and works with existing Nuki smart lock units.
(Source: The Verge)