Review: Nuki Keypad 2 NFC with support for Apple Home Key

With the Nuki lock you can make access to your home smart with your iPhone or Apple Watch. It is also possible to connect a numerical code pad to the Nuki lock. Previously there was a Keypad 2, which allowed you to use access codes and which also had a built-in biometric fingerprint scanner. There is now also a Nuki Keypad 2 NFC variant, with which you can open your Nuki lock by simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch against the keypad. However, some conditions apply to using Apple Home Key.

A few weeks before the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC was officially launched, we were already able to test the keypad in practice. You will find our findings in this review.

Why choose a Nuki Keypad?

For many people it is enough to open the Nuki lock via an iPhone or Apple Watch. Yet there are times when a keypad makes all the difference.

With a Nuki Keypad you can operate the lock with unique 6-digit codes, fingerprints or an NFC device. The keypad ensures a secure connection with the Nuki lock. This way you can easily set access codes for family members and guests. As soon as someone enters the correct code, the door unlocks automatically.

That is why a Nuki Keypad is ideal when you want to give access to, for example, a holiday home. But other situations are also possible: you can give neighbors temporary access when you are away, or grant emergency services access to the home of someone who needs it.

You can easily manage new access codes remotely via the Nuki app. This is useful if someone is at the door while you are still on the road.

Nuki Keypad 2 NFC

The new Nuki Keypad 2 NFC offers the same options as its predecessor: you can unlock a door with access codes and fingerprints. However, the main difference with the standard Keypad 2 is the built-in NFC reader. This means you can also use Tap-to-unlock.

You can then use your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock a Nuki lock, similar to checking in on public transport. You hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the keypad; the keypad reads the NFC signal and, once the signal has been validated, sends a command to the lock to unlock it.

To use the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC, you need a compatible Nuki Smart Lock. This applies to all Matter-compatible Nuki Smart Locks, including the Smart Lock Ultra, Pro, Go and the 4th generation Smart Locks.

The Nuki Keypad 2 NFC runs on four AAA batteries. With dimensions of 118 x 29 x 21 mm, it is the same size as the standard version 2.0. The keypad has an IP54 rating (splash-resistant), so you can also place it outdoors.

You attach the device to different surfaces with double-sided tape. It is best to avoid a metal surface, as it can disrupt the Bluetooth 5 (LE) signal. The keypad does not have to be placed directly next to the lock, but must remain within a range of 10 meters. If you want, you can mount the keypad in a less visible place.

The keypad is placed on a holder that you attach to the background with double-sided tape. There is no additional lock: someone with bad intentions can remove the keypad from the holder. However, this has little effect, because the configuration is protected by a code. In the context of vandalism resistance, we would have liked to see additional security available.

Access code and fingerprint configuration

Linking a Keypad to a Nuki lock is done via the Nuki app. You can connect one Keypad per Nuki lock. The pairing process is simple: in a few steps the Keypad is connected to the lock.

Once the Keypad is paired, you can add up to 200 access codes and 20 fingerprints. The access codes are not linked to user accounts and are set directly via the Keypad with access rights. This means that someone does not need to have a Nuki account to gain access.

This way you can easily create temporary codes and grant limited access. For example: you can set that a neighbor with an access code only has access on weekdays between 12:30 and 13:00, so that he can walk the dog. You can link a fingerprint to the code if you wish, but this is not mandatory.

Because the Keypad connects to the Nuki lock via Bluetooth, it is wise to place the device in the immediate vicinity of the lock or door. After entering the code or scanning a fingerprint, the door is automatically unlocked. This takes an average of 1 second.

The lock’s lock log allows you to view all actions, including attempts to open the lock with an unauthorized passcode or fingerprint.

Set Nuki Keypad 2 NFC function

When configuring the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC you will be asked whether you want to set up Tap-to-Unlock and, if so, how. You can choose from two options: Smart Home mode via Apple Wallet or Nuki app mode.

Smart Home mode

Smart Home mode uses the Tap-to-Unlock function via the Apple Wallet app (Apple Home Key). To use this, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must have a Nuki Smart Lock Ultra, Pro, Go or a Nuki Smart Lock from the 4th generation.
• Your home must have an Apple Home home hub with support for Matter, for example an Apple TV 4K or a HomePod.
• An iPhone XS or later with iOS 18.6 or later, and an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 11.6 or later.

If you meet the conditions above, unlocking will be a lot easier than in Nuki app mode. After setup, a digital house key is automatically added to your Wallet, after which the express mode is activated.

This means that the digital key works without you having to first identify yourself via Face ID or an access code. Express mode also ensures that the digital key remains available for 5 hours, even if your iPhone needs to be charged.

The Tap-to-Unlock function is extremely simple: you simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the NFC reader on the keypad and the linked Nuki lock is automatically unlocked.

Nuki app mode

If you don’t have an Apple Home home hub, you can unlock the lock via the Nuki app mode using NFC. This method does not require Matter integration. It is slightly less comfortable than the Smart Home mode, because you have to perform more steps, but it is certainly a good alternative.

In Nuki app mode, you must first unlock your iPhone, then hold the device against the keypad and tap the notification to launch the Nuki app. The Nuki lock will then unlock automatically via the app.

If you have an Apple Home home hub, the Smart Home mode is clearly easier to use than the Nuki app mode.

Lock Nuki lock with Keypad

With the Keypad you can not only operate the Nuki lock, but also lock it. Close the door and briefly press the triangle icon next to the number nine to close the lock. The keypad then sends a signal to the Nuki lock to lock it.

The NFC use in practice

Because we have an Apple TV with Matter support at home, we mainly use the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC in Smart Home mode. Once you have added the digital key in the Wallet app on your iPhone and/or Apple Watch, unlocking the Nuki lock is very easy. Anyone who belongs to your Home can use the digital house key via Wallet.

Operation is as simple as holding your device against the NFC reader of the keypad: the lock opens immediately. This is extra useful when your hands are full; You can also hold your Apple Watch near the reader to unlock the door.

Of course you may wonder why you don’t opt ​​for fingerprints. In principle it goes just as fast. You have to remember which finger you use and add your fingerprints in advance via the Keypad.

No matter which unlocking method you use, passcode, fingerprint, and NFC worked flawlessly in our testing.

You cannot share the digital key (Home Key) in the Wallet app with people who are not part of your home. This is mainly intended for residents. If someone needs access occasionally, it is better to use an access code. You can grant access to people who enter regularly, for example neighbors to walk the dog, via a fingerprint. Of course, you make your own choices here.

Points for improvement

The Nuki Keypad, Nuki Keypad 2 and the Nuki Keypad 2 NFC lack an extra lock. The keypad is easy to remove from the mounting bracket. It is of no use to a thief, because the keypad is protected with a PIN code, but still: why not an extra Torx screw with a pin, so that the keypad is less easy to remove? If the keypad is stolen, you can get a new one from Nuki if you can submit a report.

By pressing and holding the arrow key on the keypad until all LEDs light up, anyone can place the device in configuration mode. However, when the keypad is in maintenance mode, you cannot use the keypad and you have to wait until this mode is automatically exited after a certain time. In our opinion, a hidden button that must be pressed with a pen, for example, is a better solution to activate maintenance mode. This also prevents this mode from being accidentally activated and the keypad always remains available.

Purchase Nuki Keypad 2 NFC

The Nuki Keypad 2 NFC is available in the webshops below; the suggested retail price is €179.

Nuki Keypad 2 NFC