Cars That Use Digital Keys in 2025

Quick Facts About Digital Keys

• Digital key technology lets drivers use their smartphones to lock, unlock, and start their cars if the key fob isn’t present.
• Not having to carry several key fobs for multiple vehicles in the household is a significant convenience benefit for some drivers.
• Depending on the model, various layers of security prevent the interception of digital information.

In 2017, Tesla introduced its digital key for the Tesla Model 3. Since then, other car companies have jumped on board. This digital key, paired with a smartphone, allows car owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles by simply having the device present.

Today, dozens of car models make a digital key available as either a standard or upgraded feature.

What Is a Digital Key?

A digital car key lets drivers access their vehicles, start their cars, and create and share a digital key with others using their smartphones. With the digital key stored in its mobile wallet, the phone acts as a fully functioning key that allows you to unlock, start, and drive the vehicle without the key fob. It’s as simple as downloading the car manufacturer’s app, registering the vehicle, and pairing the smartphone. After the initial setup, holding the phone near the car gains access. Users manage this technology in the “wallet” functions of smartphones using Apple or Android operating systems.

Having phone-as-a-key functionality comes in handy if you temporarily misplace your physical one or want to avoid fumbling around for the key fob. Rather than searching through your home or rummaging around your purse for it, you only need your smartphone to get in and start the car for your commute. It’s also a desirable convenience feature for a household where multiple cars might occasionally need shuffling by a driver who doesn’t carry keys to all the vehicles in the driveway.

While digital key technology is gaining traction, it is still not offered as a standard feature on every vehicle. If it is available in a model or a specific trim level, you may have to pay a monthly or yearly fee.

How Does a Digital Key Work?

Digital keys are straightforward to use. Once you’ve installed the app and paired the phone to the vehicle, hold your phone to the door, and your car will lock or unlock for you.

However, technology has continually improved since digital keys first entered the scene. As a result, some cars don’t require you to hold the phone directly on the vehicle. Instead, just being near the car will unlock it for you. With this feature, there is no need to take your phone out of your pocket or bag.

Digital key smartphone technology is available for Apple, Samsung, and Google phones, depending on the make of your car. If you have additional Apple devices, including an Apple Watch, you can also use it to unlock your vehicle.

Some cars allow you to start your vehicle remotely using the digital key, which can be convenient on a hot or cold day when you want to cool or heat the cabin before you enter.

For ease of mind, carmakers use firmware in their vehicles that helps keep digital keys secure and tied to an identifiable device.

How to Set up a Digital Key

The exact steps for setting up and using your digital key will vary by make and model, but here are the general steps:

1. Connect your phone to your car’s central infotainment system via the Bluetooth setup screen.
2. Download the manufacturer’s smartphone application and establish an account with a username and password for your profile.
3. Create or activate a new digital key by following the prompts on your phone or dashboard. Typically, both of the vehicle’s key fobs must be present when initializing a digital key.

How to Use a Digital Key

After the initial setup, you can send a digital car key to a trusted user’s mobile device that will allow them to use the vehicle without having a physical key fob. To use the digital car key:

1. Unlock the vehicle by hovering or tagging the back of your phone near the driver’s door handle, similar to how you might use a wireless mobile payment system in a checkout line. The digital key system for some cars will detect the authorized mobile device from farther away and will unlock the doors as it approaches.
2. Enter the vehicle and place your phone in the designated location, such as the wireless pad, if required. Some systems don’t require specific placement of the phone and will detect the mobile device if it remains in your pocket or bag.
3. Press the ignition button to start the engine.

Benefits of a Digital Key

We’ve all been there at least once: You get ready to leave the house, but you can’t find your keys. Or you find your spouse’s car parked behind yours in the driveway. Times like these are when digital keys come into play. If your phone is with you and you’ve set up a digital key for the vehicle, you can use your mobile device to use the vehicle without the key fob.

Simply being near your vehicle with your smartphone on hand will allow you to unlock and start the engine. While the digital key may be overlooked as a convenient feature, the one day you need it, you will be happy to have it.

As a bonus, if multiple people use your car, digital key functionality typically allows you to assign your digital key access to friends, family, babysitters, or whomever you want to have access to the vehicle.

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Are Digital Keys Secure?

According to the Car Connectivity Consortium, a group of carmakers and technology experts developing global standards and solutions for smartphone and in-vehicle connectivity, mobile devices create and store digital keys in secure places. The consortium says they recently upgraded security and added a new layer of security for digital keys using Ultra-Wideband, or UWB, technology.

The consortium says the UWB tech keeps vehicles more secure from potential threats. BMW is one carmaker using UWB technology for its “Digital Key Plus,” stating how it prevents relay attacks or interception of digital information.

However, not every vehicle uses UWB technology. Some automakers use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) systems. According to SlashGear, a “potential security flaw can be solved if your digital car key supports UWB, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, and NFC (Near-Field Communication) simultaneously.”

Some digital keys let you grant full access to another trusted driver or passenger. Sharing allows other people to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. To share a key, access the setup assistant from your mobile wallet or the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Hacking Digital Car Keys

As with most digital networks, hacking is a concern for many users. However, remote hacking of a digital car key is unlikely. Automakers have security measures in place for contactless key systems. Even if you lose your phone, a would-be thief would need to bypass its password or biometric verification to access the wallet containing the digital key. Also, some systems may require authentication before unlocking or starting the vehicle. Still, here are some reminders of ways to protect yourself:

• Keep your smartphone secure: Use strong, unique passwords or biometric authentication methods to secure your phone. Fingerprint or facial recognition are trusted ways to unlock your phone. Update your software often to make sure you have the latest security patches.
• Beware of phishing attempts: Be cautious of any suspicious emails, links, or requests for personal info. Always verify the authenticity of the source before sharing any sensitive information.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Smartphones are still common targets of physical theft. This can give thieves access to your digital key. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your phone secure at all times.
• Enhance your security: If possible, enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra verification step before the digital key grants access. Similar features that provide another layer of protection can help keep your digital key secure.

Are Digital Keys Safe?

Access to digital keys is locked behind your phone’s security setup. Car manufacturers also have security measures in place. As with digital contactless payment services, always check your surroundings and use your best judgment when using digital key features.

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Car Brands That Offer Digital Keys

The number of models with digital key functionality in the United States continues to grow. Here are the brands offering digital keys for at least some of their models, but the list is subject to change because the feature may have limited or late availability. Check the owner’s manual for availability in specific models when buying from a private seller or a dealership.

• *Audi
• *Acura
• *BMW
• *Buick
• *Cadillac
• *Chevrolet
• *Chrysler
• *Dodge
• Fiat
• Fisker
• Ford
• Genesis
• *GMC
• Honda
• Hyundai
• Infiniti
• *Jeep
• Kia
• *Land Rover
• *Lexus
• *Lucid
• *Mazda
• *Mercedes-Benz
• *Mini
• Nissan
• Polestar
• *Porsche
• *Ram
• *Rivian
• Subaru
• Toyota
• Volkswagen
• Volvo

*Available on every model as of 2020

Is a Digital Key a Good Idea?

Digital keys have several advantages, including convenience and flexibility. Some drivers don’t like being so dependent on a mobile device to operate their car, while others find it helpful. Ultimately, the decision to use a digital key will come down to personal preference.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.