Apple Home Key | How It Works, Setup, Requirements, and Express Mode

Apple Home Key lets you unlock a supported smart lock by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near it. The key is stored in Apple Wallet and is added automatically when you pair the lock in the Apple Home app. This guide explains how Home Key works, what you need, and how to set it up.

What is the Apple Home Key?

Apple Home Key is a digital house key stored in Apple Wallet on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple introduced it with iOS 15. Instead of using a physical key, you can hold your device near a supported lock to unlock the door.

Home Key only works with locks that specifically support it. Not every lock that works with the Apple Home app or Matter supports Home Key, so it is important to check compatibility before choosing a lock.

How Does Apple Home Key Work?

Apple Home Key uses NFC, the same short-range technology used for contactless payments. Your iPhone or Apple Watch communicates securely with the NFC reader in the lock.

To unlock the door, hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the lock’s reader. When the door unlocks, a tick mark and “Done” appear on your screen.

Express Mode

With Express Mode, you can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock to unlock the door. You do not need to wake or unlock your device, open Apple Wallet, or use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Require Face ID or Passcode

If you prefer an extra security check, you can choose this option instead. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before the door unlocks.

Does Home Key Work When Your iPhone Battery Is Dead?

On supported iPhone models, Express Mode keys can keep working for up to 5 hours after the iPhone shuts down because of a low battery. You can press the side or Home button to check whether your keys are still available. This feature does not work if you manually turn off your iPhone.

Does Home Key Need the Internet?

No. Unlocking happens directly between the lock and your device, so you can use Home Key without an internet connection. However, internet access and iCloud are needed when you first set up the key and when you share access.

What Do You Need to Use Apple Home Key?

• An iPhone with NFC running iOS 15 or later.
• A paired Apple Watch, if you want to unlock the door from your wrist.
• The Apple Home app. Home Key is set up through the Home app.
• A lock that specifically supports Apple Home Key. A lock can work with the Home app or Matter without supporting Home Key.
• A home hub such as an Apple TV or HomePod if you want remote lock control, automations, or guest access.

Which Locks Work With Apple Home Key?

You need a lock that specifically supports Apple Home Key. The Schlage Encode Plus and Aqara A100 are two examples. The Aqara A100 also requires an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub.

For a full list of compatible options and comparisons, see our guide to Apple Home Key compatible locks.

How to Set Up Apple Home Key

Before you start, make sure two-factor authentication is turned on for your iCloud account. Then follow these steps:

The Home Key is automatically added to Apple Wallet on your iPhone during setup. It also syncs to your paired Apple Watch, so you do not need to set it up separately.

How to Share Home Key Access

Everyone in your household gets the Home Key in their Apple Wallet automatically once it is set up. If you remove someone from your home in the Home app, their key is removed too.

For guests such as a dog walker or service worker, you can create an access code. In the Home app, go to Accessory Settings, then Manage Access, then Add Guest.

How Safe Is Apple Home Key?

The unlock happens locally between the lock and the Secure Element in your device. Setting up a Home Key requires two-factor authentication on your iCloud account.

If you want an extra layer of security, choose Require Face ID or Passcode so the door only unlocks after you confirm it is you. If someone leaves your household, removing them from the Home app also removes their Home Key.