Home Key Reader

Personal project

The idea

Apple Home Key lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on a lock like a hotel key card, but compatible locks are expensive and limited. I wanted the same experience on my own front door, with hardware I build and understand myself.

What I built

• Custom hardware: an ESP32 with an NFC reader that speaks the Apple Home Key protocol, so it shows up as a real Home Key lock on my phone and watch.
• A 3D-printed housing: designed to fit the reader and electronics neatly by the door.

What I learned

This project brought embedded hardware, an existing protocol and product design together in one small object. Getting the electronics working was only half of it: the housing has to fit everything and look like it belongs at a front door.