Google Embraces Aliro Protocol in Wallet Update
Google has taken a major step toward redefining digital access control by integrating support for the new Aliro smart lock standard into Google Wallet for both Android smartphones and Wear OS smartwatches. The update arrives as part of Play Services version 25.11, opening the door—quite literally—for smarter, more secure entry experiences powered by mobile devices.
Aliro, introduced in late 2023 by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA)—the same group behind Matter—aims to standardize how smart locks communicate with user devices using technologies like NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
What Is Aliro and Why It Matters
Aliro is built on four core principles that make it a future-forward standard in smart access:
Simplicity: Easier integration and troubleshooting for developers and manufacturers
Flexibility: Works across various hardware types and installations
Security: Emphasizes trusted, mobile-first secure access
Interoperability: Ensures compatibility across different brands and ecosystems
Backed by industry leaders such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Qualcomm, and ASSA ABLOY, Aliro is designed to eliminate the current fragmentation in digital locks by creating a manufacturer-independent protocol.
When Will You Be Able to Use It?
While Google Wallet now officially supports Aliro on NFC readers, the real-world use of this functionality may still be a way off. Certified Aliro-compatible locks have yet to hit the consumer market in volume, and it’s likely that new hardware will be required to fully leverage the benefits of the standard.
Still, Google’s early adoption signals a strong commitment to Aliro’s rollout and a future where unlocking your front door might be as seamless as tapping your phone or smartwatch.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
