IMAGINE being able to unlock your car with your phone. Well, you can. Right now.
Millions of Android phones have the ability to pair with cars and lock, unlock, and even start them.
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Google (which owns Android) calls this feature Digital Car Key, and it’ll work with select phones and vehicles.
Several car makers offer the service, including BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and MINI Cooper.
Google also says that the tech is safer than using a regular car key.
“Digital car key uses advanced technology that’s less vulnerable to unauthorized access than key fobs,” Google explained.
“You can also suspend or delete your digital car key if your phone is lost or stolen.”
As well as that, it’s possible to share your Digital Car Key with other people just by sending a text.
You can stop sharing and set permissions at any time.
And you can even share your key with iPhone owners.
HOW TO USE DIGITAL CAR KEY ON ANDROID
To use Digital Car Key, Google says that you’ll need one of the following Android phones:
- Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold and Pixel 8 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S21 and later
- Select Android devices that run Android 12 and up
Also remember that you’ll need an internet connection to do the initial pairing.
Then check Google’s website for your car-maker, and follow the links to see if your specific model is covered here.
Once you’re all set up to go, simply open your car-makers app, and pair your car to your account.
Then find the option for Digital Car Key and follow the instructions.
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You’ll be prompted to sign into your Google Account, which will let you pair with an Android phone.
Tap Agree & Continue, and then create a car key name.
Then choose Start Pairing and wait for the process to complete.
To lock or unlock your car, you can hold the back of the phone near the door handle.
DELETE OR REMOVE CAR KEYS
Here’s what you need to know…
It’s actually possible to delete digital car keys – and even remove access if your phone is stolen.
To delete a key, just follow these steps from Google:
- Open the Google Wallet app.
- Tap your digital car key. You may need to swipe to find it.
- Tap More
- To verify it’s you, tap Confirm. You’ll get a notification that the key is deleted.
And to remove key access for a lost or stolen phone, follow these Google steps:
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove access to the key through Google Find My Device.
- To erase your phone and any paired keys remotely, tap Erase device.
- To suspend your key and lock your device remotely, tap Secure device.
There’s also a feature called Passive Entry that lets you right in without having to do that.
“Passive entry is on by default when you set up your digital car key,” Google explained.
“With passive entry, you don’t have to hold your device near the door handle to use your car key.
“Your device will automatically unlock your car doors when you’re near, start your car when you’re inside, and lock your car doors when you leave.”
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But note that not all cars support this trick.
You can also lock and unlock your car remotely on some vehicles.
And you can even turn on your alarm, use your power trunk, and even start the car if your model supports it.
