Search

Google added support for digital car keys with the release of Android 12 in 2021, one year after Apple brought its version of the same idea, CarKey, to iOS. Both let you store a digital copy of your car key in your default wallet app (Google Wallet, for Android devices) and control your car over a secure wireless connection. What extra functions are available to you depends on each vehicle's maker, but the ability to unlock your car comes at a minimum. Because this smartphone key is entirely digital, and basically a representation of data associated with your car, it can also be shared with ot

Car Connectivity Consortium On Android, once you've added your key to Google Wallet, your smartphone connects to your vehicle over Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband (UWB). The latter is the radio technology used in by things like Google's Find Hub and Apple's AirTags. Digital car keys can also fall back on an NFC (or Near Field Communication) connection if your Android device doesn't have one of those other radios. Your car may also use NFC to authenticate your phone when you first add your key to Google Wallet. These methods may actually be more secure than your car's wireless fob. According to Go

How you actually go about adding your car key to Google Wallet will vary depending on your car. Some companies let you add the key directly through their app, while others send you an email with an "Add to Android" button. Some even let you set up the key through your in-car display. Whichever method your vehicle requires, you'll need an up-to-date Android phone with the Google Wallet app installed and a Google Account to get started. All three methods require logging in with your Google Account, agreeing to the terms of service and authenticating your smartphone, either over NFC through your