Digital car keys are a useful new feature of several Apple
devices. Once set up, you can unlock your car with your phone or watch. There is
no need to carry keys around with you, whether that’s for a night on the town
or a grueling hike through the mountains. Using the iPhone car key feature is
the pinnacle of convenience.
Compatible Apple Systems for iPhone Car Keys
Phones with iOS 13.6 or later:
·
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
·
iPhone 11 Pro
·
iPhone 11 Pro Max
·
iPhone 11
·
iPhone XS
·
iPhone XS Max
·
iPhone XR
Watches
with watchOS with 6.2.8 or later
·
Apple Watch Series 5
Prerequisites for Digital Car Keys
·
An account with the car’s manufacturer
·
Apple ID signed onto the device(s)
·
Passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID enabled
Compatible Vehicles
·
BMW 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M,
and Z4 models manufactured after July 1, 2020
Step 1: The Car Manufacturer’s App
The first step in connecting your car keys to your iPhone is
signing into the car manufacturer’s application on your phone. The app will
walk you through creating the digital car key for your particular model. Then
you can save the key to your Apple Wallet.
Step 2: The Key Reader
Setting up the digital car key in your Apple Wallet does not
end at creating the key. Your next step is placing your iPhone by the key
reader on your car, following instructions on
the screen. This will pair your iPhone to the vehicle and allow you to
actually use the digital key.
Step 3: Additional Options for Creating iPhone Car Keys
The manufacturer’s app mentioned in step one is not the only
option for establishing digital car keys. In some cases, when you create an
account for your car, the manufacturer will send you an email with digital car
key instructions. Additionally, your vehicle may also contain instructions for the
iPhone car key set up in the display under key settings.
Step 4: Adding the Watch
If your Apple Watch is already paired to your iPhone, then
the setup will ask you if you want to add the key once you have created the
key. If this does not occur, you can add the iPhone car key to your Apple Watch
by going into the Apple
Wallet settings within the My Watch application. Simply tap add, and your
Apple Watch can unlock your car.
Step 5: Managing iPhone Car Keys
To share your digital car keys with someone who also has a
compatible device, locate the key within your Apple Wallet, and tap it. Then
click the three dots. From here, you can invite people to use the key, revoke
access, or even remove the key. Make sure you know the phone number of the
person you would like to share your iPhone car keys with before you begin.
