Permissions Required: Guest — no special permissions are needed. You just need a confirmed reservation and a compatible Android device.
What is a room key in Google Wallet?
A room key in Google Wallet is a digital version of your hotel keycard. It lets you tap your Android phone or Wear OS watch on a door lock to access your room and other secure areas of the hotel, such as elevators, the fitness centre, and pool areas.
It is a secure, contactless way to move through the property without carrying a physical keycard.
How do I set up my room key?
Make sure the Google Wallet app is installed and up to date on your Android phone.
Sign in to Google Wallet with your personal Google Account.
After you complete online check-in, look for the "Add to Google Wallet" button on your itinerary or within the hotel app.
Tap the button and follow the on-screen prompts to add your key.
Your key will automatically activate once your room has been assigned.
💡 Tip: You must download and sign in to Google Wallet before you try to add your key.
How do I use my room key?
Wake your phone screen (press the power button or tap the screen so it lights up).
Hold the back of your phone near the door lock.
The door will unlock — no need to open an app first.
🗒️ Note: For most interactions, you only need to wake your screen. You do not need to fully unlock your phone with a PIN or fingerprint every time. However, Google Wallet may occasionally ask you to unlock the device after a certain number of uses or a period of inactivity.
What do I need to use this feature?
Requirement | Details |
Phone | Android 9.0 or higher with NFC enabled |
Wearable (optional) | Wear OS watch |
App | Google Wallet — installed and updated |
Account | A personal Google Account signed in on the device |
Screen lock | A PIN, pattern, or biometric lock must be set up on the device |
Can I use my key in areas other than my room?
Yes. Your digital key works in the same hotel spaces as a physical keycard. This typically includes elevators, main entrances, fitness centres, and pool areas.
🗒️ Note: Access to specific areas may vary by hotel location.
Can I use my key for multiple rooms?
Yes. If your reservation covers multiple rooms, your digital key will grant access to all of them — provided the hotel's lock system supports multi-room access on a single digital credential.
How many devices can I add my key to?
You can add your room key to one phone and one paired Wear OS watch. Google limits the key to one active mobile device at a time for security.
Note: Google limits the key to one active mobile device at a time.
How do I add a room key to my Wear OS watch?
When you go through the "Add to Google Wallet" flow on your phone, you will be prompted to choose a device. Select your watch at that step to add the key to it.
How secure is my room key?
Your room key is stored securely on your device within Google Wallet. Google does not track when or where you use your key.
For added security, your device must have a screen lock set up (PIN, pattern, or biometric) to use the digital key.
Can I still use my key if my phone battery dies?
No. Google Wallet keys require the device to be powered on. If your battery runs out, you will need to use a physical keycard or charge your device before you can use the digital key again.
Can I share my room key with other guests?
No. Sharing is currently not available for Google Wallet hotel keys. Only the primary guest who receives the "Add to Google Wallet" link can add the key to their device.
Other guests in your party should use physical keycards or their own digital keys if the hotel supports individual issuance.
What should I do if my phone or watch is lost or stolen?
Go to google.com/android/find and use Find My Device to remotely lock or erase your device. This will prevent anyone from using the keys in your Google Wallet.
Contact the hotel front desk immediately so they can revoke the digital key in their system.
Why is the room key option not available at my hotel?
The hotel must have NFC-compatible locks and a supported lock integration (such as Assa Abloy or Dormakaba) to offer Google Wallet room keys. Not all hotels have this hardware in place yet.
How is a Google Wallet room key different from other digital keys?
Google Wallet keys use NFC (Near Field Communication) for a fast, tap-and-go experience — similar to using Google Pay. You simply wake your screen and tap.
Other digital keys often use Bluetooth (BLE) and require you to find and open a specific hotel app before unlocking a door.
What does the "Use hotel key across Google" toggle do?
This toggle in Google Wallet allows your digital key and reservation data to be shared with other Google services like Google Maps and Google Assistant. When turned on, it can provide:
Automatic reminders — Google Assistant can notify you when it's time to check in or provide your room number when you arrive.
Integrated travel info — Your stay details (hotel address, contact info) can appear in Google Maps for easier navigation.
Seamless access — Your key stays ready on your phone or watch without needing to manually open the Wallet app.
If this toggle is off, your hotel key data stays strictly within the Google Wallet app.
Common Questions
I cannot add or use my room key. What should I do?
Try these steps:
Open your phone's connection settings and make sure NFC is turned on.
Update the Google Wallet app and your Android OS to the latest version.
Check that you have a secure screen lock enabled (PIN, pattern, or biometric).
Make sure your Google Account is properly signed in on the device.
If the key is stuck (cannot be added or removed), try restarting your device. A reboot will not affect other cards or passes in your wallet.
If the problem persists, try clearing the Google Wallet app cache: go to Settings → Apps → Google Wallet → Storage → Clear cache. This will not remove any cards already in your wallet.
💡 If none of these steps work, please contact the hotel front desk for a physical keycard or further technical assistance.