Aqara has announced a major update for the Smart Lock U400, becoming the first smart lock to support the Aliro digital key standard through Samsung’s ecosystem. Starting March 2, Samsung Galaxy users can unlock the Aqara U400 using NFC via Home Key in Samsung Wallet, enabled through SmartThings.
This allows users to simply tap their Galaxy smartphone against the lock to gain entry, creating a convenient, app free unlocking experience without relying on traditional keys.
Samsung Wallet’s Digital Home Key adopts the Aliro standard, an industry standardised communication protocol developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) to enable secure and interoperable digital keys for smart locks. Samsung is working with several major smart lock brands to expand support for Digital Home Key, including Aqara, Schlage and Xthings.
Aliro
Digital Home Keys are stored securely within Samsung Wallet and protected by Samsung Knox, Samsung’s security platform, with protection aligned to EAL6+ grade certification standards. Users retain control of their keys even if a device is lost, with remote access management available through Samsung Find. Biometric or PIN authentication within Samsung Wallet also ensures only authorised users can manage or use home keys.
The Aqara U400 is designed as an Aliro ready smart lock, positioning it for future advancements in digital access. Samsung says UWB based hands free unlocking for Samsung Galaxy smartphones is expected to arrive in April 2026, enabling users to unlock their doors automatically as they approach. Aqara said that they will enable the feature sometime in Q2 2026.
With support for SmartThings, Samsung Wallet and future Aliro features, the Aqara U400 marks an important step toward a more universal, secure and ecosystem agnostic digital key experience across the smart home.
