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 |
Common Questions
Q: How do I add my room key to my Wear OS watch?
A: During the "Add to Google Wallet" flow on your phone, you'll be asked to choose a device. Select your watch at that step. Once added, hold your watch near the door reader to unlock.
🗒️ Note: Google Wallet allows one active key per phone and one per watch.
Q: My key isn't showing on my Google Wallet home screen. Where is it?
A: Google Wallet doesn't automatically pin new hotel keys to the home screen. To find and pin it:
Open Google Wallet and tap View more at the bottom.
Find your hotel key.
Tap the star icon to favourite it — it'll then appear on your home screen.
Q: How many devices can I add my room key to?
A: You can add your key to one phone and one paired Wear OS watch. This limit is set for security and cannot be changed.
Q: Can I still use my key if my phone battery dies?
A: No. Google Wallet requires your phone to be powered on. If your battery runs out, visit the front desk for a physical keycard and charge your phone when you can.
⚠️ Important: Unlike Apple Wallet, Google Wallet does not work when a phone is out of battery. Keep your phone charged.
Q: Can I share my room key with another guest in my room?
A: No. Google Wallet hotel keys cannot be shared. Only the person who received the "Add to Google Wallet" link can add the key to their device. Other guests in your party should ask the front desk for their own key or a physical keycard.
Q: What should I do if my phone or watch is lost or stolen?
A: Take these steps straight away:
Go to google.com/android/find and remotely lock or erase your device. This disables your Google Wallet keys immediately.
Call the hotel front desk so they can revoke your digital key from their systems.
Q: I can't add or use my room key. What should I try?
A: Work through these steps in order:
Check that NFC is turned on (Settings → Connections → NFC).
Update the Google Wallet app and your Android OS to the latest version.
Confirm a screen lock (PIN or biometric) is set up on your phone.
Make sure your Google Account is properly signed in.
Restart your phone — this can fix temporary sync issues and won't affect other cards or passes.
Try clearing the Google Wallet cache: Settings → Apps → Google Wallet → Storage → Clear cache. This won't remove your existing cards.
If none of these work, contact the hotel front desk for a physical keycard.
Q: What does the "Use hotel key across Google" toggle do?
A: When turned on, your key and reservation details can be used by other Google apps:
Google Assistant can remind you to check in and share your room number when you arrive.
Google Maps can show your hotel's address and contact info automatically.
Your key is ready to use on your phone or watch without opening the Wallet app first.
When turned off, your key stays entirely within the Google Wallet app — it won't be used anywhere else.
Q: Why is the room key option not available at my hotel?
A: Your hotel needs NFC-compatible door locks and a supported lock system (Example: Assa Abloy or Dormakaba) to offer Google Wallet room keys. Not every property has this yet. Check with your hotel before you arrive if you're unsure.
Q: Where can I use my digital key?
A: Anywhere a physical keycard would work — your room, elevators, the main entrance, fitness centre, pool areas, and other shared spaces. Access to specific areas depends on your hotel's setup.
ℹ️ Info: Access to specific areas may vary by hotel location.
Q: Can I use my key for multiple rooms?
A: 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.
Q: How secure is my room key?
A: 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.
Q: How is a Google Wallet room key different from other digital keys?
A: 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.