Modern cars and current smartphones offer new possibilities in everyday life. Drivers of compatible vehicles can replace their traditional keys with a digital car key – the so-called Car Key. This key is stored in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch and allows access to the vehicle and starting the engine, all without a physical key. Apple thus offers a practical solution that combines convenience, security, and flexibility.
A Car Key is a digital car key used via iPhone or Apple Watch. The function is managed in the Wallet app. Supported vehicles can be unlocked, locked, and started with it – depending on the model, even remotely or automatically upon approach. The key can also be shared with others. Certain requirements apply for its use, such as compatible hardware, up-to-date software, and a compatible car.
Conditions for use
The following conditions must be met in order for a digital car key to be used:
- A compatible vehicle. Whether the car supports the Car Key can be found out from the car manufacturer or the dealer.
- An iPhone XS or newer, an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or newer with the latest iOS version.
- Alternatively, an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer, or an Apple Watch SE with the latest watchOS version.
- The Apple ID must be logged in on the device.
This is how the car key is added to the wallet.
The digital car key is set up via an app, an email, or a message from the car manufacturer. In some cases, the setup also takes place via the vehicle's display.
After opening the invitation or app, the Wallet app will open automatically. Simply tap "Continue" to proceed. When prompted by the system, place your iPhone face down on the reader in the car. This establishes the connection between your smartphone and the vehicle.
If an iPhone is already paired with an Apple Watch, the key may be automatically stored on the watch. If not, the key can be added manually via the Apple Watch app: In the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap "Wallet & Apple Pay" and add the car key using the plus icon.
Functions of the digital car key
The digital car key allows vehicles to be controlled in various ways. The exact functions depend on the vehicle model.
Lock, unlock and start nearby
For many vehicles, simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the door handle is enough to unlock or lock the car. To start the car, place your iPhone in the key fob or hold your Apple Watch near it. Then, press the car's start button.
Express mode
Once the car key has been added to the wallet, Express Mode is enabled by default. This allows the key to work without unlocking the device or requiring authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
Passive entry: Automatic opening and closing
Assisted vehicles offer a feature called passive entry. The vehicle recognizes the iPhone or Apple Watch being carried inside and unlocks automatically when the person approaches – for example, with the device in their pocket. The car can also lock automatically as soon as the device moves away.
Some vehicles only unlock when the door handle is touched. Starting the engine is done as usual from inside the vehicle after the device has been recognized.
Passive access requires at least an iPhone 11 (excluding SE models) or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer.
Controlling the vehicle remotely
Certain vehicle models allow remote access as long as the device is within Bluetooth range. The functions can be controlled via the wallet app.
To do this, open the wallet app and select the corresponding car key. Depending on the vehicle model, options such as unlocking, locking, or other functions are available.
Share keys with others
Digital car keys can be shared via AirDrop or messaging apps like iMessage, Mail, or WhatsApp. Sharing is done through the Wallet app.
- Select car key.
- Tap the share icon.
- Assign a name to the key or select a contact.
- Set permissions – such as time-limited access or the option to start the car.
- An activation code may be required upon request. This will be displayed after approval and can be shared via the app or manually.
Recipients must add the key to their own device. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, the shared key can also be shared or modified again by the recipient.
Shared key management
Permissions can be managed via the Wallet app. Under the "People" menu item, users can be selected whose access rights should be edited or revoked. The "Stop sharing" option removes access for the selected person.
Car Key with empty battery
Some iPhone models allow the Car Key to be used even with a dead battery – via a so-called power reserve. This means the vehicle can still be unlocked and started, even if the iPhone is otherwise unresponsive.
What happens if a device is lost?
If your iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, you can mark it as lost using "Find My." This disables all Wallet functions, including car keys. This prevents unauthorized access to your car.
Shared keys remain unaffected by this measure and must be removed separately if needed. Anyone who signs out of their Apple ID will also lose access to the Car Key.
Transfer to a new iPhone
When switching to a new iPhone, the digital car key can also be transferred. The "Wallet" option appears in the setup assistant. There, you can select the saved car key and transfer it to the new device. The old iPhone must be nearby and connected to the internet during this process.
Car Key replaces the classic car key
The digital Car Key in Apple Wallet offers a flexible, secure, and convenient alternative to the traditional car key. With the right combination of vehicle, iPhone, or Apple Watch, you can easily unlock, start, or even remotely control your car using your device. The ability to share the key with others or deactivate it immediately if lost also ensures a high level of security and control. If you own a compatible vehicle, you can easily integrate the digital Car Key into your daily routine—completely eliminating the need for a physical key. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Car Key
A Car Key is a digital car key stored in the Apple Wallet on an iPhone or Apple Watch. It allows you to unlock, lock, and start compatible vehicles – without a physical key.
A compatible car, an iPhone XS or newer (or SE 2nd generation or later), or an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer – each with the latest software – are required. An Apple ID must also be signed in to the device.
The Car Key is set up via an app, a message, or the vehicle's display. The iPhone is placed on the reader in the car for pairing, and the key is then saved in the Wallet app.
Yes, the Car Key can be added automatically or manually to a paired Apple Watch. A compatible watch with the latest watchOS version is required.
Yes, thanks to Express Mode the Car Key can be used without Face ID, Touch ID or code – ideal for quick entry and exit.
With passive entry, the car unlocks automatically when the paired iPhone or Apple Watch approaches. When the iPhone or Apple Watch moves away, the vehicle locks automatically again – depending on the vehicle configuration.
With supported cars, the vehicle can also be locked or unlocked remotely via Bluetooth. To do this, the Car Key is opened in the Wallet app and the desired action is selected.
Yes, the Car Key can be shared via AirDrop, iMessage, or other apps. Permissions and security options such as activation codes can also be set.
Certain iPhone models offer a power reserve that allows the Car Key to remain usable for a short time even when the battery is empty – depending on the model.
If the device is marked as lost, the car key is automatically deactivated. No one can open or start the car with the lost device. Shared keys remain unaffected.
