You may store all of your compatible vehicle keys on your smartphone device using BMW Digital Key and BMW Digital Key Plus.
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The security of the BMW Digital Key
We want to allay any concerns you may have about the safety of the BMW Digital Key solution. Your phone’s Secure Element stores the Digital Key, which is supported by near-field communication technology. This enables transferring a signal between your phone and your BMW only when both of them are in close contact, giving you a high level of data safety.
Smart technology, but BMW’s iPhone Digital Key Isn’t Really a Fob Replacement
You can use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a key thanks to CR-tested technology created by BMW and Apple.
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Today’s new cars typically come with a keyless fob that you may use to start your vehicle and unlock the doors without ever taking the fob out of your pocket. However, they can be heavy, they add to your load, and you run the risk of losing them. BMW has joined a small but increasing group of businesses that are providing a digital key that enables a motorist to use a smartphone to unlock the doors and start the car in order to address those difficulties.
The Comfort Access option, which is standard on some models and available as part of a costly options package on others, is a requirement for the BMW digital key. As long as the fob is present, users can start the engine inside the car and unlock doors when approaching it with it and an iPhone or Apple Watch. Despite the fact that the key functions, it takes some getting accustomed to, and this innovative addition doesn’t completely replace the fob.
According to Alex Knizek, an engineer at CR’s Auto Test Center, “there is an advantage to just being able to hop in your car when all you have is your smartphone, but the app doesn’t accomplish everything the fob does.” It’s convenient to have the option of using a phone, but he notes that the fob was easier to set up and use.
Here’s How the BMW Digital Key Functions in a Video
Some individuals were glad to find that they could finally use their smartphone to lock and unlock their car when BMW announced the new Digital Key. It’s a risky but yet important move ahead because we frequently find ourselves carrying around many sets of keys, which may be a hassle. Carrying house keys, car keys, and workplace keys all the time can be a bit much, as the video below demonstrates. So why not utilize your phone to replace at least one of them?
You may use the BMW Digital Key to convert your smartphone into a car key. With the key, you won’t need a physical key to lock or unlock your BMW or even start the engine. The BMW Connected App will securely store your digital key. You can share it with up to 5 other people if you choose the “Digital Key for 5” option. A key card with the same features as the one on your phone will be given to you.
Although it can appear simple at first, there are a few steps involved in activating the Digital Key. To use any of these functions, your automobile must first be equipped with the Comfort Access option. Additionally, a ConnectedDrive account and the app are required. The only way to activate the Digital Key is to visit a nearby dealer, where you’ll need to show identification from a government agency and that you are the legal owner of the vehicle you want to use the Digital Key to access.
Following your confirmation, you will be prompted to create a four-digit number for your digital key, which you can use to share your key with additional drivers if you so want. You can then use the key once it has been installed on your ConnectedDrive app. You must match your phone with the car key in order to start your car using it. You’ll need to put your smartphone on the wireless charging pad in the car to accomplish that. The on-board systems of the automobile will then identify the Digital Key, giving you the choice of using your phone as a car key.
How does the BMW digital key function?
To lock and open the door, just hold it against the driver-side handle. To start the engine, simply place your device in the wireless charging tray. Users can also activate their NFC credit cord-shaped BMW Digital Key Cord.
What BMW models support a digital key?
Use the My BMW app [App Store link] from the German automaker to program a digital car key for your BMW. You can simply cancel access to digital car keys and distribute them with others. For up to five hours after the battery on your iPhone dies, you can still open your car with a digital car key thanks to Apple’s power reserve mode.
Digital keys are also supported by further BMW models, such as the 2022 i4 and 2022 iX. To get a list of all the automakers that support digital vehicle keys, go to Apple’s CarPlay microsite. The first vehicle to use the most recent Digital Key 3.0 standard is BMW’s iX. The big mobile wallets from companies like Apple, Google, Samsung, and others that have access to the device’s embedded security element can use these digital car keys.
Read Apple’s support article on using your iPhone or Apple Watch as a car key for further information on using digital car keys.
Can I use a digital key to operate a BMW?
The BMW Digital Key is currently compatible with a number of iPhones, however it is not yet available for Android devices. The Apple Watch Series 5 is compatible with iPhones. iPhone X
BMW digital key deletion: what is it?
Connected Drive by BMW. There, you can erase certain BMW Digital Keys or all of them. After that, using a deleted BMW Digital Key to unlock or lock your BMW or to start the engine is no longer possible.
How can I get my BMW digital key to download?
- Go to the BMW Connected App and sign in.
- After selecting the “Digital Key” configuration button, click “Start configuring your Digital Key.”
- Verify that both key fobs are in the car.
- Click “Next”
- Select “Start Pairing.”
- Place your iPhone on the NFC-equipped smartphone tray and wait for the creation of the Digital Key.
How much is a digital key for a BMW?
BMW Digital Key: Is it free? Yes, the first year of use is cost-free. If you want to continue using the Digital Key For5 option after the first year, you will be billed $88 per year.
How trustworthy is the BMW digital key?
How dependable is this feature, I wondered? What would happen if you left your keys at home for whatever reason, leaving you stranded?
When I was too lazy to walk back inside and get my key, I used my phone to drive about and do other things. The worst part was having to use the outdated bmw app to unlock the car. The new one is slightly quicker.
I only had my automobile for three days, but I made myself use my phone or watch as a key to test its dependability. So far, 100%. The only complaint is that it occasionally takes 5-7 seconds to unlock.
One thing I’ve observed is that even though my driver profile is linked to my digital key, I had to go back and accept the terms again in order to re-enable the drive recorder app and remote 3D view. Worth checking to make sure everything is working properly before trying to wow people with your 3D vision.
After using mine for a few months, I’ve discovered that the watch unlocks more quickly than the phone. It takes longer for the phone to reach its intended location.
If you use your watch to unlock, however, the guest profile is assigned. The phone will be on guest even after you plug it in and turn it on. The watch is really just another key. It’s okay if you set up your guest profile the same way you put up your primary key. Or if you change your profile before you go. I was initially unaware that the watch does not function as a key extender for the phone.
I did discover a significant problem, though, which makes me hesitant to use it to travel far from home. I won’t get into all the specifics because I already wrote a topic about it, but I have encountered problems using remote services. I eventually received an email informing me that my digital key had been erased, followed shortly after by another email inviting me to set up a digital key. I would have needed my wife to bring me a key if I had been away from home and had only my phone in order to unlock and restart the car.
A digital key is what is it?
Smart gadgets can be used as keys thanks to a feature called the digital key. Like a real key or key fob, a digital key can be used in the same manner. It is mostly used to lock and unlock doors.
The user typically has to install the automobile manufacturer’s application in order to utilize a digital car key. Through a wireless network, typically near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy, the application communicates to the vehicle (BLE). The smart device must be close to the door in order to unlock it if the digital key employs NFC. For instance, the user typically needs to place their device against the door handle in order to unlock the automobile door. When the system employs Bluetooth, the user can tap a button on the device while they are close to the vehicle to open the doors. Some systems even solely use proximity to open the car doors, allowing the user to keep the gadget in their pocket at all times.
The primary goals of the development of digital keys were to improve user convenience and provide a simple method for key sharing. The foundation of smart rental is this functionality. Without having to visit the rental desk to receive the key, the customer can unlock the automobile doors.
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When the keys are locked inside the BMW, how can you unlock it?
“Door Open: If you ever lock your keys inside your BMW, call our Response Center toll-free at 1-888-333-6118 and, after providing your name and password, we will send a signal to your driver’s door to unlock it.”
How is a digital key used?
Your automobile needs to be programmed to recognize your smartphone as the main key. As long as you keep your phone, you should only need to do this once.
- Open the Digital Key app on your smartphone while inside your car.
- Start your car.
- In order to activate pairing mode on the primary phone, press the + button on the app.
- Your phone should be placed on the wireless switcher.
- There will be automated pairing.
You can now register your phone as the primary digital key for the vehicle after the automobile recognizes the pairing.
On vehicles with a navigation system, proceed as follows: