How I unlock my Nuki Smart Lock like Apple Home Key using NFC

I love smart locks, but I really dislike being forced into a vendor-specific ecosystem. It took me a long time to finally find a lock for my home. After seeing several friends and colleagues install smart locks, I started forming a clear list of what my ideal setup should include:

1. My iPhone should act as the key.

2. My daughter doesn’t have a phone yet, so she needs a way to unlock the door with her fingerprint.

3. The lock must work both automatically and manually, so it can open and close even without power or an app.

4. Long battery life, so I don’t have to worry about frequent battery changes or recharging.

5. A clean, modern design that fits nicely with the look of our house.

6. The lock has to be a European product, built to uphold strong quality and privacy standards.

Eventually, I came across Nuki, a European brand known for its minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired smart locks that blend seamlessly with any door and are simple to install.

The Smart Lock Ultra features an integrated Universal Cylinder, rated with the industry’s highest security mark (SKG***) and fully certified according to EN 1303 and DIN 18252 standards. Exactly what I want.

How I unlock my Nuki Smart Lock like Apple Home Key

The only feature that the Nuki smart lock misses is Apple Home Key support. To recreate the Apple Home Key entry experience, I sticked an NFC tag inside my doorbell housing so I can discreetly scan it with my iPhone.

How I set up the NFC tag: placement and pairing with my iPhone

I followed these simple steps to quicky unlock my door by swiping my unlocked phone against my Ring doorbell.:

1. I used an iPhone compatible NFC tag:

   • iPhone XR, XS, 11, and newer can read NFC tags in the background, while older models (7, 8, X) require an app to be open.

   • I confirmed that NTAG215 NFC tags are fully compatible with the iPhone.

2. I sticked the NFC tag behind my Ring doorbell and made sure it’s close enough for my phone to scan.

3. I used the Apple Shortcuts to pair my NFC tag: and I set up an automation with the Nuki App to send the "unlock" command.

How I created an Apple Shortcut Automation for my NFC Tag

Step 1: Create a New Automation

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

2. Go to the Automation tab → tap + → Create Personal Automation.

3. Scroll down and select NFC.

4. Tap Scan and hold your phone near your hidden NFC tag to register it.

5. Give the tag a name (e.g., “Front Door Unlock”) and tap Done.

Step 2: Add the Nuki Unlock Action

1. Tap Add Action → search for the Nuki App → select Nuki.

2. Tap Perform a lock action.

3. Now you can directly choose Unlock Door.

Step 3: Set Privacy settings

• Tab the icon at the bottom of the screen.

• Tab Privacy.

• Disable Allow execution on lock.

Step 4: Test Your Shortcut

• Scan your NFC tag with your iPhone.

• Your Nuki lock should unlock instantly.

• Adjust the shortcut if you want additional actions, like turning on lights or sending a notification when the door is unlocked.