Smart Locks That Work With Google Home and Nest

Smart Locks That Work With Google Home and Nest

Google Home and Nest have become the dominant smart home ecosystem for Android-first households. If your home already runs on Google, you want a smart lock that integrates cleanly with the Google Home app, responds to voice commands, and works in automation routines. Here are the best options in 2026.

How Google Home Integration Works

Smart locks integrate with Google Home in two ways:

1. **Native integration** — the lock is listed in Google Home's supported devices catalog and pairs directly through the Google Home app
2. **Matter** — the new universal protocol that Google Home supports; any Matter-certified device connects without waiting for manufacturer integration

Once connected, you can:

• **Lock/unlock via voice:** "Hey Google, lock the front door"
• **Check status:** "Hey Google, is the front door locked?"
• **Use in routines:** Include lock state in Google Home automation routines
• **Monitor in the app:** See lock status and activity in the Google Home dashboard

Important note: Google Home currently restricts voice unlocking by default for security reasons. Locking via voice works without restriction; unlocking requires enabling in settings and may require a PIN spoken aloud or through the Nest doorbell authentication flow.

Best Smart Locks for Google Home in 2026

1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall

The Encode Plus is Matter-certified, which means it connects directly to Google Home as a first-class device without requiring any manufacturer cloud bridge. Matter devices communicate locally, which means:

• Faster response times
• Works even if Schlage's cloud servers are down
• No dependency on Schlage's future business decisions

2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Ecosystem Support

Yale's Assure Lock 2 simultaneously supports Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings — the most complete platform support of any lock. For mixed-platform households (some people use Android, some use iOS), this is the most practical choice.

• Matter certified for direct Google Home connection
• Capacitive touchscreen performs well in all weather conditions
• Apple Home Key for iPhone tap-unlock (simultaneous Google + Apple household)

3. Kwikset Halo — Best Budget Google Home Lock

The Kwikset Halo provides clean Google Home integration at the lowest price point of any reliable Wi-Fi smart lock. It lacks Matter support (as of 2026) but connects via the Kwikset Google Home integration reliably.

• Works with Google Assistant voice commands
• Remote lock/unlock via Google Home app
• No hub required
• Price: ~$119–$139

4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — Best for Renters

For renters or homeowners who can't or don't want to replace their exterior hardware, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock integrates with Google Home through the August Google Home integration.

• Google Assistant voice control for lock/unlock
• Retrofit installation (keeps existing keys and exterior hardware)
• DoorSense door position sensor visible in Google Home
• Price: ~$179–$199

Google Home Automation Examples

Once your lock is connected to Google Home, you can build automations:

Routine: Leaving Home

1. When you say "Hey Google, I'm leaving" or use the **Leaving Home** routine trigger:

Routine: Good Night

1. Trigger: "Hey Google, good night" or set a time:

Routine: Someone Arrives

1. Trigger: A family member's phone arrives home (requires location permission):

Nest Doorbell and Lock Integration

If you have a Nest Hello or Nest Doorbell, you can create automations combining video verification with lock control:

• See who's at the door on your Nest Hub display or phone
• Remotely unlock for verified visitors
• Receive combined notifications: "Nest Doorbell: Person detected + Front door locked"

This isn't fully automated (Google doesn't auto-unlock on face detection for obvious security reasons) but the workflow is smooth when viewing the Nest app.

Matter: The Future of Google Home Integration

Matter is the most important smart home development in years. For smart locks:

• **Matter locks connect locally** — no cloud dependency for basic operation
• **Any Matter hub works** — Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple Home, SmartThings all support Matter
• **Auto-discovery** — Matter devices appear in the Google Home app automatically after initial setup
• **Future-proof** — as Google Home evolves, Matter devices get improvements without manufacturer updates

The Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 are both Matter-certified and the best long-term investment for a Google Home household.

Setup Steps for Google Home

1. Install and set up your lock using its native app first (Schlage Home, Yale Access, August app)
2. Open the **Google Home app** on your Android phone
3. Tap **+** → **Set up device** → **Works with Google**
4. Search for your lock's brand
5. Authorize the connection with your lock's account credentials
6. Assign the lock to the correct room in Google Home

For Matter devices, instead choose + → Set up device → New device — Google Home discovers Matter locks automatically over your local network.