A Walmart shopper recently captured a new method employees are using to access locked items—via smartphone.
TikToker Lee (@leesbby) shared a video showing an employee unlocking a cabinet with a phone, which has since garnered over 2.1 million views and sparked thousands of comments.
While Lee seemed optimistic that this innovation might reduce wait times, reactions were mixed.
A New Unlocking Solution? “We got a new system. The phone,” Lee narrates off-camera as the employee holds a smartphone up to the locked cabinet. In an overlay, she writes,
“UPDATE…Walmart has a new system, no more waiting for a team member; they all have keys now…THE PHONE.”
A brief delay occurs, but then the worker successfully opens the cabinet, giving Lee access to her item.
Unlocking Access for Shoppers? Bloomberg Law reports that Walmart is testing phone access for employees across a few hundred stores. There’s potential for Walmart+ members to eventually unlock cases themselves.
This update arrives as Walmart continues to balance security with convenience amid rising theft, which CEO Doug McMillon said could affect store operations if unaddressed.
Less Waiting, but for Whom? The new unlocking feature may relieve some shoppers frustrated by locked items, especially after reports of customers abandoning purchases due to long wait times for basic items.
However, news that Walmart+ members might get exclusive access could irritate some shoppers, echoing recent discontent over paywalls and self-checkout restrictions.
Shoppers and Employees Respond In the comments, one user pointed out that Walmart still doesn’t accept Apple Pay, questioning the priorities behind tech upgrades. Another viewer shared, “Once I see it’s locked, I just walk out and order on Amazon.” A Walmart employee commented that not all workers have access to the phones, as access levels vary. Other commenters clarified that the phones are work-issued, not personal devices, used for scanning and other tasks.
The Phundi has reached out to Walmart and Lee for additional comments.
