Apple Home Key — tap-to-unlock with iPhone and Apple Watch

Updated: 2026-08-23.

Home Key stores an encrypted key in Apple Wallet. Holding an iPhone or Apple

Watch near the lock unlocks it (Express Mode works even with a dead phone

battery on supported locks). Requirements:

• A Home Key-capable lock (NFC), listed below only where the listing or

manufacturer documents the capability.

• A Apple Home hub (HomePod or Apple TV) for remote control and automations;

Thread-based locks additionally want a Thread border router.

• iOS 15+ / watchOS 8+.

Home Key locks also work as regular smart locks in other ecosystems unless the

vendor restricts them — several models below simultaneously support Alexa or

Google. Codes and fingerprints remain available on keypad/fingerprint models,

so household members without iPhones are not locked out.