Adding your Car Key to your iPhone or Apple Watch offers a seamless and convenient way to access and operate your vehicle. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to set up and utilize this feature, covering compatibility requirements, setup procedures, various usage modes, sharing options, and essential troubleshooting tips.
Car Key Compatibility and Setup
Before diving into the functionalities, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility. Your car, iPhone, and Apple Watch must meet specific requirements:
- Compatible Car: Confirm compatibility with your car manufacturer or dealership, as not all models support this feature.
- iPhone Compatibility: Requires iPhone XS or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation) running the latest version of iOS. Your Apple ID must also be signed in on your device.
- Apple Watch Compatibility: Requires Apple Watch Series 5 or later, or Apple Watch SE running the latest version of watchOS.
Once compatibility is confirmed, follow these steps to add your car key to Apple Wallet:
- Manufacturer Account Association: Ensure your car is linked to the account provided by the car manufacturer.
- Setup Initiation: Follow the instructions provided by the car manufacturer via their app, email, text message, or car display to initiate the key setup process.
- Wallet App Integration: When prompted, tap “Continue” in the Wallet app.
- Pairing Process: If instructed, place your iPhone on the car’s key reader to complete the pairing process.
In many cases, adding your car key to your iPhone will automatically add it to your paired Apple Watch. If not, you’ll see an option to add it to your watch, or you can manually add it through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Using Your Digital Car Key
Your digital car key offers several ways to interact with your car, depending on your car model:
Passive Entry
Supported by some car models and requiring iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later, passive entry allows for effortless locking, unlocking, and starting:
- Automatic Unlocking: Your car unlocks as you approach with your device.
- Seamless Starting: Start your car once inside without taking out your device.
- Automatic Locking: Your car locks as you walk away with your device.
Proximity Interaction
Other car models utilize proximity-based interaction, requiring you to hold your device near specific points:
- Locking/Unlocking: Hold your device near the door handle to lock or unlock.
- Starting: Place your iPhone on the key reader or hold your Apple Watch near it and press the car’s start button.
Remote Functionality
Certain car models offer remote functionalities, controllable via the Wallet app:
- Access Car Key: Open the Wallet app and tap your car key.
- Control Features: Utilize available features like locking, unlocking, or starting remotely. This feature necessitates iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later and being within Bluetooth range of your vehicle.
Sharing Your Digital Car Key
Sharing your car key digitally provides convenience for family and friends. Access the share option within the Wallet app and customize sharing permissions. You can share via various platforms, including messaging apps and AirDrop. Note that some car models may require a Vehicle Code for added security. To stop sharing, simply revoke access within the Wallet app’s settings for your car key.
Troubleshooting and Additional Information
- Low iPhone Battery: Even with a depleted iPhone battery, your car key can function for a period of time using Power Reserve.
- Lost Device: If your device is lost or stolen, mark it as lost in Find My iPhone to disable the car key and protect your vehicle. Shared keys will remain active.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed understanding of managing and utilizing your digital car key. For specific feature availability and detailed instructions, always consult your car manufacturer’s documentation.
