Can’t find your car key but need to leave urgently? With the digital car key, all you need is your smartphone to open your car, start it and more.
Mobile phone instead of car keys – open and start the vehicle digitally. (Source: Netzwelt + AI-generated with Gemini)
- Even if the car key is lying around at home and can’t be found, you can use the digital version in your Google Wallet.
- Use the car key on your cell phone to unlock and lock your vehicle, start the engine and open the trunk.
- In just a few steps you can download the key to this Android smartphone.
You’re running out of time because you’re looking for the missing car key. You rummage through your jackets and bags at the back of the table and finally find him again – but then you’re already late. You can save yourself this stress with the digital car key, because then all you need is your smartphone.
You can quickly integrate the digital key into your Google Wallet and therefore easily access it. If you wear a suitable smartwatch on your wrist, you can even use it to unlock the doors. On select cars you can open the trunk and start the engine – functions that are also available on many electric car keys.
Open and start the car with your smartphone – this is how you install the digital key
First, you have to make sure that both your smartphone and your car support digital keys. If you drive an older model or use an outdated cell phone, it probably won’t work. On the Android website you will find a list of compatible cell phones – such as Google Pixel cell phones from the Pixel 6 onwards, many Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola and Oppo models. Samsung writes in detail on its own website which smartphones are suitable for which car brand.
After that, there are three ways to set up the key. On the one hand, you can use the car manufacturer’s app if there is one. The steps should be explained to you in detail, as they vary between manufacturers. Alternatively, you may have received an email when you purchased your car with a link and instructions on how to set it up. Or third: You set up the key in your car via the control center. You can find information about this in your car’s manual.
Manage your digital car key in Google Wallet
Each of these paths requires you to log in with your Google account and connect your phone to your car. With some car models you still have to hold your smartphone in a certain place in the car. The digital key should then appear in your Google Wallet. If your smartphone is paired with a smartwatch, you will either receive a notification to use the key on the watch or activate the function in your wallet.
You can also send the digital key to other people from your wallet. For example, if you share a car, you can all open and close the vehicle using your cell phone. If you want to take the key away from someone, you can do this via your smartphone. If your device is lost or stolen, you can block access via the Find My Device website.
Features and security
If you have activated the digital key, your car will unlock when you come close with your cell phone. This can come in handy when shopping with your hands full. In addition, the engine starts as soon as you get in and the doors lock when you leave the vehicle. You can simply deactivate this function. Then you lock and unlock the doors, start the engine and open the trunk with a few clicks in the wallet.
In addition to the digital key, you can also download the vehicle registration document onto your cell phone. And it won’t be too long until you get your digital driver’s license.
