The average smartphone today can be used for a variety of things. It’s even been integrated into the automobile industry and culture, as drivers rely on their phones for music, navigation, and communication.
One feature that may change how vehicles are manufactured is the digital key. It’s one of the latest innovations in the smartphone and automobile industry, as digital keys allow car access using only your phone.
You can use your smartphone to function like a regular car key, hence the term “digital key.” Your phone lets you unlock your vehicle doors, start the engine, and share access to your vehicle with other users.
This means you can have multiple digital keys as long as someone you trust owns a smartphone compatible with the brand.
For example, BMW digital keys require an iPhone, while Hyundai digital keys work with Google Android devices. Some car manufacturers have systems that work with both operating systems, such as Lincoln.
You need to set up the digital key using the smartphone app associated with your vehicle to use a digital key. Some cars require you to hold the phone near the vehicle, similar to traditional keys.
While you only need to press buttons for other models. Digital keys use near-field communication and low-energy Bluetooth connection to transmit signals to the vehicle.
Different digital keys also have varying limitations. For example, the Lincoln Phone doesn’t require you to take your phone out to open the door or start the car, as it automatically does.
It also allows you to set a backup ignition password through the infotainment system in case your smartphone’s battery dies. You can enter the passcode on the outside keypad of an Aviator and Corsair to enter, and type in the code into the infotainment system to start the vehicle.
Not all car brands and models have the technology to set up digital keys. Besides the aforementioned BMW, Hyundai, and Lincoln, here are the brands that offer digital keys for some of their models:
Note: Makes in bold indicate that all their models come with digital keys as of 2020 (including BMW).
The steps for setting up your digital key may differ depending on your vehicle model and your smartphone’s operating system. To make sure that yours is set up properly, it’s best to read your vehicle owner’s manual.
Here’s an overview of what the process may entail:
To set up a digital key using your Android smartphone, you’ll need at least a Pixel 6, a Samsung S21, or any Android device that runs Android 12 and up. Afterward, follow the steps below:
To add your car key to Apple Wallet on an Apple device, ensure your car is associated with the account provided by the car’s manufacturer. Afterward, follow the steps below:
Once you’ve set up the digital car key, you can unlock your vehicle by hovering your phone near the driver’s door handle. Some digital key systems also detect devices from farther away and will unlock the doors when you’re near.
If required, you’ll need to place the phone in the designated location, like the wireless pad, once inside the vehicle.
Digital car keys make it easier to unlock and start a car and are perfect for families. They’re also harder to misplace and easy to locate when you’re in a rush.
The biggest advantage of using digital car keys is it’s easier to unlock and start the car since most owners have their smartphones in their pockets. You don’t have to fumble around your bag to look for a key fob, especially if your digital car key can detect your phone and automatically open the door from afar.
The digital car key sharing is perfect for families since they’ll have copies on their smartphones. You don’t have to worry about someone accidentally taking the physical key to work, leaving you with the car and no way to open/start it.
As mentioned, most have their smartphones on their person at all times since you use them for something else. This makes it hard to misplace and leave your keys, which could save you valuable time if you’re in a rush. And even if you misplace your phone, you can always call to locate it.
Digital car keys also come with disadvantages. For one, some situations will still require you to have the physical key on hand. And since the system relies on Smartphones, you’ll need to have it on hand. Not to mention the risk of hackers.
While digital car keys are convenient, some situations still call for physical keys. For example, leaving your car in the hands of a valet is easier with a physical car key.
You’ll also need to ensure your smartphone is in working condition if you want to use your car. Dropping, damaging, or losing your phone means you have no other access to your vehicle if you didn’t bring the physical key or share the digital key with someone else.
Lastly, downloading the wrong app or getting your smartphone stolen could lead to hackers getting into your digital car key data and duplicating it.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.