We tried out the Nuki KeyPad 2 NFC, a spin on the previous model that lets you open your lock by simply tapping your phone against it. While that new trick has its limits, the device itself is well worth a look.
Back in 2025, when I reviewed the Nuki Smart Lock Pro, I ended with a wish list for the next iteration: “we can hope for the use of Ultrawide Band […] and the equivalent of Tap to Unlock for Android smartphones”. That’s what you call a good hunch. On 26 February 2026, the Connectivity Standards Alliance introduced Aliro, a standard for smart-home digital keys designed to secure NFC-based door unlocking. A month later, Nuki announced the KeyPad 2 NFC, built to make the most of that technology.
The KeyPad 2 NFC isn’t a revolution as such. It’s essentially a redesign of the 2022 model, with NFC added. Paired with a Nuki smart lock, it lets you unlock your home using a code, a fingerprint, or NFC. In other words, it’s an add-on that gives a plain old front door a lot more ways in.
One caveat: this is a €179 accessory and it only works with a Nuki smart lock. Don’t expect it to pair with a different brand (even if you might find a keypad made specifically for that ecosystem).
A casing that’s (perhaps too) easy to install
As usual, Nuki has designed the KeyPad so that practically anyone can fit it. Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, a tradesperson or a weekend DIYer, installation is straightforward. Clean the surface, peel off the 3M adhesive strip, press the KeyPad firmly onto the door frame (not too far from the lock, as they communicate over Bluetooth), and you’re done. No drilling, no wiring, no electrician required. The rear plate is now firmly attached by your door, and if you want extra security you can also fix it with two screws.
The keypad unit itself then slides onto that plate, which means the device isn’t physically secured to the frame. The upside is convenience: it’s easy to remove for setup or to change the batteries (4x AAA supplied, with a claimed 12-month battery life). The downside is that it’s also easy for someone to steal from a high-traffic area. In a block of flats, it’s still unlikely a neighbour would pinch your keypad just to stick it outside their own door the next day-it would be rather obvious. On top of that, Nuki says it will replace the unit free of charge if you can provide a copy of a police report. That’s a genuinely reassuring gesture.
The enclosure is made in Europe, but it’s plastic. It feels sturdy at first glance, yet it’s only rated IP54, meaning protection against dust and splashes of water. In theory, it should cope with outdoor conditions, provided it isn’t exposed to heavy water ingress.
Setup is the next step-and it’s about as painless as it gets. The Nuki app walks you through adding the accessory to your system in just a few minutes. You set a code, scan your fingerprint as you would on a new phone, and the KeyPad is ready. The slowest part may be choosing a code, largely because the keys run from 1 to 9. With no 0, picking something like a date of birth becomes almost impossible-which, in fact, is why Nuki says it didn’t include that option. You’ll need to come up with a sequence that’s easy enough to remember, but not so obvious that it’s guessable.
Security measures that meet expectations
More than the locks themselves, what you’re paying for with Nuki is the brand’s security know-how. You obviously don’t want just anyone walking into your home-and you also don’t want your biometric data floating around unsecured.
Nuki’s protocols are designed for high security levels. Your fingerprints, for instance, are stored locally on the KeyPad (and encrypted, of course). As for Aliro-the major addition here-it relies on modern cryptographic methods, with a private key encrypted locally on your phone. If you have a Matter bridge (Apple TV or a Samsung Hub), you can even register it directly in your Apple/Google Wallet and avoid using the Nuki app altogether.
For the PIN code, six digits from 1 to 9 amount to more than 500,000 combinations. And because the keypad locks itself for several minutes after five failed attempts, it would take roughly a year of non-stop trying to run through every possibility. Or, alternatively, an extraordinary stroke of luck. Either way, it’s best to avoid anything too simplistic such as 111111 or 123456.
A Smart Lock issue, unexpectedly solved
Oddly enough, the KeyPad ended up filling a gap in the Smart Lock experience for me-one I wasn’t expecting it to address. Sometimes my door doesn’t line up perfectly with the openings of my three-point locking system. If I don’t pull the door properly when leaving, not all the bolts align and the locking sequence doesn’t fully complete. As a result, I can’t rely on Auto Lock without risking a notification just as I’m leaving the building, warning me the door hasn’t actually locked. So I force myself to lock manually every time I go out-either via my phone or my watch-but that still means hunting for the right widget or the correct button, if not the phone itself.
Once the KeyPad 2 NFC was installed, I found myself complaining that Nuki hadn’t added a dedicated button to lock the door with a single press on the way out. Only after several days did I realise that’s exactly what the arrow-shaped key does (and yes, the feature is mentioned during setup). If you’re as absent-minded as I am, it’s easy to miss.
A big day-to-day change?
There are several scenarios where the KeyPad makes perfect sense. If you have children who don’t have a smartphone and you’re worried about them losing keys, for example. If you regularly rent out your home or use home-swapping platforms, it’s also a practical way to offer access by code, Bluetooth or NFC, depending on the guest. That versatility is the KeyPad’s real strength. In total, you can register up to 20 fingerprints, 35 virtual keys and 200 access codes.
Still, in everyday use, if you already own a compatible Smart Lock (4th or 5th generation), it may not transform your routine. During my test, I realised it was unnecessary for most of my own use cases. With Auto Unlock enabled on my phone, the door opens before I even reach my landing. I simply don’t need to type a code, use the fingerprint sensor, or “tap” my phone.
The person I live with, and share the flat with, is far more sold on it. Because she turns off location and Bluetooth when she doesn’t need them, Auto Unlock doesn’t work for her. Unlocking by placing a finger on the KeyPad-without having to find her phone-saves time and effort. Even so, she doesn’t use NFC, because that would still mean taking out the smartphone when her hands are full.
In truth, by offering so many ways to get in, the KeyPad 2 NFC is a strong ally for anyone who frequently has visitors. Cleaners, short-term rentals, contractors, family-each person can have their own NFC key, their own code and/or a stored fingerprint. The app also lets you set precise access time windows and check an activity log.
On performance, responsiveness is good: on average it takes one to two seconds to open the door, whether you use a fingerprint or NFC. That’s quicker than pulling out a bunch of keys and unlocking the door manually.
What still needs improving
Despite an overall positive experience, I think there are two areas Nuki should improve on the next KeyPad. First, it needs backlighting. My stairwell is well lit, but it could just as easily be installed in a darker spot, making it harder to enter a code.
An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor would also be a major upgrade. Right now, if your hands are wet or very dirty, the sensor becomes far less reliable and less responsive. You can always fall back on the code or NFC, but it’s still a shame.
As for battery life, we only had two weeks to observe it. The battery status has stayed at “sufficiently charged”, just as it was during initialisation. A slightly more precise indicator would have been welcome, although that isn’t easy with disposable batteries. Perhaps an estimate could work.
Presse-citron’s verdict on the Nuki KeyPad 2 NFC
If you live in a busy shared household, the Nuki KeyPad 2 NFC is an excellent addition to your door. It helps compensate for the occasional Auto Unlock hiccup and gives every resident and guest an entry method that suits their needs-and yours.
There is, however, a sticking point: the price. At €179, it’s €20 more than the non-NFC model, which was already twice the cost of the first generation. Add the price of the lock itself (€269 for the Smart Lock Pro, €349 for the Smart Lock Ultra), and it quickly becomes a significant outlay for many households.
If you rent out your home regularly, or you have a large family and the budget to match, the KeyPad 2 NFC is a comprehensive solution that adds features and reduces everyday friction. Otherwise, its price may simply be too hard to justify.
Nuki KeyPad 2 NFC
Price: 179 €
Overall score: 8.5/10
Overall rating
8.5/10
What we like
- The flexibility of the different access methods
- Installation takes just a few minutes
- A comprehensive Nuki app
- Responsive fingerprint sensor (with a dry finger)
What we like less
- No backlighting
- Fingerprint sensor performs poorly with a wet finger
- Water resistance limited to splashes
- The price
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