How to use your iPhone as a car key fob

Key Takeaways

• If your iPhone and car are compatible, you should be prompted to add a key to the iOS Wallet app.
• There are three keying methods: passive, proximity, and remote.
• You can share keys with others, including restricted permissions if needed.

Better yet, our smartphones have become the keys to many things in our lives — trains, planes, buildings, wallets, even finding jobs. Cars are actually a bit behind, but there are a growing number of cars that support Apple’s car key if you have a compatible iPhone. Android users have their own version of technology.

So how do you go about using an iPhone as a key fob? Here’s what you need to know about compliance with basic instructions.

Which iPhones support Apple Car Key?

Transaction installation requires a new device

To use the feature, you’ll need at least a second-generation iPhone XS or iPhone SE. You can also use a paired Apple Watch, but at least the Series 5 or SE. Any device you use should be updated to the latest possible version of iOS or watchOS.

For passive entry — that is, unlocking the car by going to it — the requirements are higher. You need an iPhone 11 and/or Apple Watch Series 6, because anything released earlier will not have the necessary UWB (ultra-wideband) radio.

What cars support Apple car key?

BMW leads the pack

There aren’t many models supported so far, and you’ll notice that most are from BMW. You won’t find any budget options either — the closest you’ll get are cars from Kia and Hyundai.

Here is the product breakdown from the beginning of August 2024. Check with the sellers when you buy, as new models are introduced all the time, and some existing ones may improve with Apple support.

BMW

• 2021–(Present) 1 Series
• 2021–(Present) 2 Series
• 2021–(Present) 3 Series
• 2021–(Present) 4 Series
• 2021–(Present) 5 Series
• 2021–(Present) 6 Series
• 2021–(Present) 7 Series
• 2021–(Present) 8 Series
• 2021–(Present) X5
• 2021–(Present) X6
• 2021–(Present) X7
• 2021–(Present) X5 M
• 2021–(Present) X6 M
• 2021–(Present) Z4
• 2022–(Present) i4
• 2022–(Present) iX
• 2022–(Present) iX1
• 2022–(Present) iX3
• 2023-(Present) i3
• 2023-(Present) i7
• 2024-(Present) i5

BYD

• 2022–(Present) Han (not available in US or Canada)

Genesis

• 2023-(Present) GV60
• 2023-(Present) G90

At Hyundai

• 2023-(Present) Palisade
• 2023-(Present) Ioniq 6
• 2024-(Present) Kona EV

Kia

• 2023-(Present) Telluride
• 2023-(Present) Niro
• 2024-(Present) Seltos
• 2024-(Present) EV9

The Lotus

Mercedes-Benz

How to use your iPhone as a car key fob

Initial setup

1. If prompted, open the automaker’s app, email, or text message and follow the instructions. Some vehicles may provide instructions through their dashboard displays.
2. Sometimes, your iPhone will automatically switch to the Wallet app. Tap Go ahead if you are there.
3. When prompted, bring your iPhone near the NFC/key reader in your car and hold it there while the pairing completes.
4. If your key doesn’t automatically show up in the Wallet app for a paired Apple Watch, you can fix that using View app on your iPhone. Select Wallet & Apple Paythen Add near your key.

Using Apple Car Key

Once you have a working key, there are three ways to enter, depending on how your car is equipped:

• Passive: Supported only by cars and Apple devices with UWB, this can open, start, and/or lock the car by having your device on you. Apple’s technology is smart enough to recognize context — the car should only start when you enter, for example.
• Proximity: This depends on NFC. You bring your Apple device near the NFC reader to control the lock and/or ignition. In the ignition mode, you must press the start button of your car at the same time.
• Remote control: Within Bluetooth range, you can use the iPhone to lock/unlock the car and control other miscellaneous features. You can’t start a car this way — sorry winter drivers.

Key sharing

1. Select the key in your iPhone’s Wallet app.
2. Tap that Share it icon, which looks like a square with an upward arrow.
3. Choose a sharing method. Other options include Messages, Mail, WhatsApp, or AirDrop.
4. When prompted, give a name to the shared key and set permissions.
5. You can optionally select an activation code, but some keys will automatically enter the Vehicle Code.
6. Select the person you want to share with.
7. Tap Go aheadthen verify your iPhone.
8. Follow the other instructions.
9. If there is an activation code or Vehicle Code, you will see it appear now. You can choose to share it with the key recipient digitally, but you can also show them directly if you’re concerned about security.
10. If prompted, the recipient may have to bring their iPhone near a key fob or other object to complete the process.