Imagine a world where your car keys are seamlessly integrated into your smartphone. With digital car keys, this is now a reality, offering a convenient and modern way to access and operate your vehicle using just your iPhone or Apple Watch. This guide will walk you through how to set up and use this innovative feature.
What You Need to Get Started with a Digital Car Key
Before you can program your phone to start your car, there are a few essential requirements to ensure compatibility and a smooth setup process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Compatible Car: The most crucial element is having a car model that supports digital car key functionality. Compatibility varies by manufacturer and model year. The best way to confirm if your car is compatible is to check with your car’s manufacturer or your local dealership. Inquire specifically about digital key features and Apple Wallet compatibility.
- An iPhone or Apple Watch: You will need a compatible Apple device to utilize this feature. This includes iPhone XS or later, and iPhone SE (2nd generation), running the latest version of iOS. For Apple Watch users, Series 5 or later, and Apple Watch SE, with the latest watchOS are compatible. Keeping your devices updated is essential for feature functionality and security.
- Apple ID: Ensure you are signed in to your compatible iPhone or Apple Watch with your personal Apple ID. This Apple ID will be linked to your digital car key setup.
Setting Up Your Digital Car Key in Apple Wallet
Once you’ve confirmed you have the necessary compatible devices and car, you can proceed with setting up your digital car key. The process is generally straightforward and guided by your car manufacturer’s app. Here are the typical steps involved in adding your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone:
- Car Account Association: First, ensure that your car is properly linked to your account within the car manufacturer’s system. This might involve creating an account through their app or website and registering your vehicle.
- Initiate Key Setup: Open your car manufacturer’s application on your iPhone. Alternatively, you might receive setup instructions via email, text message, or directly through your car’s built-in display system. Follow the provided instructions to begin the digital key setup process.
- Wallet App Integration: During the setup, you will typically be directed to the Apple Wallet app. When prompted, tap “Continue” to proceed with adding your car key to Wallet.
- Pairing Process: Follow the on-screen instructions, which may require you to place your iPhone on the car’s key reader. This step initiates the secure pairing process between your iPhone and your vehicle, establishing the digital key functionality.
Alt Text: A person is holding an iPhone near a car’s key reader to pair a digital car key, illustrating the pairing process for adding a car key to Apple Wallet.
During iPhone setup, your car key might be automatically added to your paired Apple Watch as well, for added convenience. If not, you will usually see an option to add it to your Apple Watch during the process. You can also manually add it later through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone by navigating to Wallet & Apple Pay and selecting the “Add” button next to your car key.
Using Your Digital Car Key to Start Your Car
After successfully adding your car key to Apple Wallet, you can start enjoying the convenience of using your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start your car. The specific methods and available features will depend on your car’s model and supported functionalities. Contact your car manufacturer or dealership to understand the exact features your digital car key enables.
A key feature when using your digital car key through Apple Wallet is Express Mode, which is automatically activated. Express Mode allows you to use your car key without needing to unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, making the process quick and seamless.
Passive Entry: Hands-Free Convenience
Some car models offer passive entry, providing a truly hands-free experience. With passive entry, your car automatically reacts based on your proximity with your device:
- Unlock on Approach: As you walk towards your car with your iPhone or Apple Watch, the car automatically unlocks, sensing your authorized device.
- Start the Engine: Once inside the car, you can start the engine as usual, with the car recognizing your digital key.
- Lock on Departure: When you walk away from your car, it automatically locks once you are out of range, providing enhanced security and ease of use.
Passive entry functionality typically requires iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later for optimal performance.
Proximity Entry: Tap to Unlock and Start
For cars equipped with proximity entry, you’ll need to bring your iPhone or Apple Watch closer to specific areas of your car to initiate actions:
- Locking and Unlocking: To lock or unlock your car, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s door handle or designated key reader area.
- Starting the Car: To start the engine, place your iPhone in the car’s key reader or hold your Apple Watch near the reader. Then, press the car’s start button as you normally would.
Remote Lock and Unlock: Control from a Distance
Certain car models extend digital key functionality with remote lock and unlock capabilities and potentially other remote features. This allows you to control your car even when you are not in immediate proximity.
- Open Wallet App: On your iPhone or Apple Watch, open the Wallet app and select your digital car key.
- Access Remote Features: Depending on your car’s capabilities, you will see various features displayed within the car key interface in Wallet, such as lock, unlock, or even remote start options.
Remote entry features usually require iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later, and operate within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
Sharing Your Car Key with Others
Depending on your car model, you can conveniently share your digital car key with family members or trusted individuals directly from your iPhone using messaging apps like Messages, Mail, WhatsApp, and even via AirDrop.
- Access Share Option: In the Wallet app on your iPhone, select your car key. Tap the “Share” button.
Alt Text: The share icon, depicting an upward arrow in a square, as it appears in Apple Wallet for sharing a digital car key.
- Choose Sharing Method: Select your preferred sharing method, such as Messages or AirDrop.
- Customize Shared Key: Give the shared key a name for easy identification (or select a recent contact to use their name). You can also set permissions, such as limiting certain functionalities, and choose to require an activation code for added security. Some car systems may also require a Vehicle Code during this process.
- Select Recipient: Choose the person you want to share the key with. If sharing via Messages and you named the key after a recent contact, that contact will be automatically selected as the recipient.
- Complete Sharing: Tap “Continue” and authenticate with Face ID to confirm. Follow any additional on-screen prompts.
- Activation Code (If Required): If you opted for an activation code or your car requires a Vehicle Code, it will be displayed after sharing. You must securely share this one-time code with the recipient for them to successfully add the key to their device. It’s recommended to share this code in person or over the phone for maximum security.
In some cases, the recipient might also need to have physical access to your key fob or another device that already has the car key to complete the sharing and setup process on their device.
To revoke access, you can easily stop sharing your car key at any time. In the Wallet app, tap your car key, then select the “People” button. Choose the person you want to stop sharing with and tap “Stop Sharing.”
Battery Considerations and Lost Devices
Low Battery Power Reserve: Depending on your iPhone model, you may still be able to use your digital car key even after your iPhone battery has run down to a very low level thanks to Power Reserve. This feature provides a short window of time where essential functions like digital car keys remain operational even when your phone is seemingly out of battery.
Lost or Stolen Device Security: If your iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, immediately utilize Apple’s “Find My” feature to mark your device as lost. This action instantly disables your digital car key along with all cards and passes in your Apple Wallet, preventing unauthorized access.
Importantly, shared keys are not automatically turned off when you mark your device as lost. You will need to manage shared keys separately if necessary through your Wallet app on another device or through your car manufacturer’s account.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly program your phone to start your car, embracing the convenience and security of digital car keys through Apple Wallet. Enjoy a keyless experience and the modern features your compatible car and Apple devices offer.
