Key Takeaways
- Like an NFC credit card, digital car keys sync with your car and phone for easy access.
- Digital key adoption is growing, with more brands expected to support the technology by the end of 2025.
- Some car brands let you add a digital key to Google Wallet for added convenience, but support may be limited.
Cars are more connected than ever before. No matter what power source you choose, EV ,ICE or PHEV For example, most new cars come with apps and, even newer, digital car keys.
What is a digital car key? It’s like an NFC credit card that syncs with your car and phone, allowing you to open your car door and drive farther. Some car manufacturers also let you add your NFC key to Google Wallet.
Digital keys are at the “cutting edge” of automotive technology, so support is a little less at the moment, but adoption will start to grow. By the end of 2025, most automakers will have support for digital keys. One of the first to market is BMW .
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Sync your keys to your car
Let’s overcome some hurdles
Hopefully in the future, this process will be streamlined. First, we’ll assume that you already have your car’s companion app installed on your phone. This guide will focus on Android. If you’re on iOS, check out our Apple Car Key guide. Either way, you should have your digital key inside your car’s manual, or your dealer should have given it to you before you drove off in your new car.
Inside your car, you’ll find some sort of NFC reader – usually a wireless charging location – that can read your NFC digital key.
- Place your digital key on the reader.
- You’ll be prompted to add a digital key to your car. During the sync process, you’ll be asked to sync your digital key to your car’s companion app. Tap or slide the toggle to On Or tap yes.
- To open your car, you’ll need to open the app and tap your phone on your car’s steering wheel – some cars even let you open the car door just by approaching it.
Some car apps ask for biometric or passcode authentication so the software can verify that it is you who is unlocking your car.
Add your digital key to Google Wallet
Additional options
If your car supports digital keys, you can also add the key to Google Wallet. Add to Google Wallet Select the option in your car’s mobile app and you’re set.
Alternatively, you can tap your Digital Key with your Google Wallet open, though support for this process is currently limited. Add your Digital Key to Google Wallet in three easy steps:
- Open the Google Wallet app.
- Tap the bottom Add to Wallet.
- Tap the digital key onto your phone.
- Tap the bottom Save and continue.
This is a much easier process but may not be possible at this time – check with your dealer for more information.
FAQ
Q: Which cars will have Digital Key Access?
Most manufacturers selling in the US will add this, and there’s a list of brands in this Pocket-Lint article that you can find there.
Q: Does it support Android as well as Apple phones?
Yes, the two major handheld operating systems, Android and iOS, can both use digital keys. There may be some operating system and hardware dependencies.
Q: If I can open my car with my phone, will my digital key card still work?
Yes, your physical and digital keys will continue to work.
