How To Use BMW Digital Key: A Quick Guide for BMW Owners

As a BMW owner, you know that the brand is all about innovation and cutting-edge technology. And now there’s an exciting new feature that’s taking convenience to the next level: The BMW Digital Key.

This nifty tool allows you to use your smartphone as a key to unlock and start your car without needing a physical key at all. It may sound like something out of science fiction, but it’s already a reality for many BMW owners around the world.

In this quick guide, we’ll take you through the steps you need to follow to get started with your BMW Digital Key, including setting it up on your phone and using it to access your vehicle.

“With just a few taps on your phone screen, you can be inside your BMW and driving off in seconds. It’s sleek, secure, and incredibly convenient – and once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to go back to regular keys!”

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply someone who wants streamlined access to their car, the BMW Digital Key is a game-changer. Ready to learn how to set it up and start using it? Let’s dive in!

What is a BMW Digital Key and How Does It Work?

A digital key is an electronic version of the traditional car key. Rather than relying on a physical key to unlock and start your vehicle, a digital key uses wireless technology and a smartphone app to perform these tasks.

Overview of BMW Digital Key Technology

The BMW Digital Key allows you to lock or unlock your car doors, open the windows and sunroof, and even start the engine with just your smartphone. To use this feature, you need a compatible BMW model that has been equipped with the necessary technology. You also need to activate the digital key function within the BMW Connected App on your smartphone.

Once activated, you can access your digital key through the app’s user interface. To unlock or lock your car, simply hold your phone near the door handle. If your car has comfort access, it will automatically unlock when you approach.

To start the engine, place your phone in the phone tray or wireless charging compartment inside your BMW. Then, press down on the brake pedal and push the start button as usual. The engine should start right up!

Benefits of Using BMW Digital Key

Using a digital key offers several benefits over a traditional car key:

• Convenience: With a digital key, you never have to worry about forgetting or losing your keys. Plus, you don’t have to fumble around looking for them in your bag or pocket.
• Enhanced Security: Since a digital key is tied to your unique device and login credentials, it may be harder for someone else to steal or copy your key.
• Remote Access: You can easily grant other people access to your car remotely by sharing your digital key with them. This could be especially useful if you need a friend or family member to move your car while you’re away.
• Customization: Many BMW models allow you to customize your digital key settings, including limiting the speed and acceleration of the car when someone else is driving it.

“The BMW Digital Key helps pave the way for drivers to securely access their vehicles from their smartphones. In today’s Covid-19 environment, customers are looking for contactless ways to interact with their cars as well as other aspects of their lives.” -Christina Raab, Vice President of Product & Strategy at Access Europe GmbH

If you own a compatible BMW model and have an Android device, you can start using the Digital Key feature right away. If you use an iPhone, you’ll need to wait until Apple adds support for this feature.

Which BMW Models Support Digital Key?

If you own a BMW, the digital key is one of the latest technologies that will enhance your driving experience. With this feature, you can lock and unlock your car, start it with your smartphone, and share access to others without ever using a traditional key. However, not all BMW models support the digital key technology yet.

BMW Models that Support Digital Key

The good news is that most new BMW series have been outfitted with the digital key technology. According to BMW’s official website, the following models built after July 2020 are compatible:

• 1 Series (F40)
• 2 Series Coupe/Convertible (F22/F23)
• 3 Series (G20/G80)
• 4 Series (G22/G23/G26)
• 5 Series (G30/G31/G38)
• 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32)
• 8 Series (G14/G15/G16)
• X5 (G05)
• X6 (G06)
• X7 (G07)

Requirements for Using Digital Key on BMW Models

In order to use the digital key on a compatible BMW model, the driver must:

• Have an iPhone with iOS version 13.6 or newer
• Be subscribed to either ConnectedDrive or BMW ConnectedDrive services
• Possess Near Field Communication (NFC) capability in their iPhone
• Agree to accept the terms and conditions outlined by BMW for using the digital key feature
• Register a BMW ID and download the updated “BMW Connected” app from the App Store

How to Check if Your BMW Model Supports Digital Key

If you’re unsure whether your BMW model supports the digital key technology, here are a few steps that can help:

1. Visit BMW’s official website or check with your local dealer to verify if your car was built after July 2020.
2. Check the supported iPhone models on BMW’s website to ensure compatibility.
3. Open your iPhone settings and navigate to General > About. Look for the option “Car Key Available.” If it’s present, then the phone is compatible with the digital key feature.

How to Activate Digital Key on Your BMW Model

To activate the digital key on your BMW model, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that all prerequisites (iPhone model, software version, NFC capability, etc.) have been met.
2. Download the latest version of “BMW Connected” mobile app from the App Store and create an account.
3. Pair your iPhone as a “Digital Key” in the “BMW Connected” app by following the provided instructions.
4. Once paired, select the “Activate Digital Key” button within the app and hold your iPhone up to the driver’s door handle until you hear a sound indicating successful recognition.
5. You should now see the lock status appear on the “BMW Connected” app, which means the digital key is active.

“Through its seamless integration into the Apple Wallet and the accompanying BMW Connected app, the Digital Key offers a high level of security and broad usability.” -BMW Press Release

The digital key allows for increased convenience and accessibility for drivers. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy all the benefits of having a digital key on your BMW model.

How to Set Up BMW Digital Key on Your Smartphone?

Requirements for Setting Up BMW Digital Key on Smartphone

If you own a smartphone and a compatible BMW, setting up the BMW Digital Key is easy. However, there are a few requirements that you need to consider before proceeding.

• Your smartphone must be an iPhone with iOS 13.6 or later.
• You need to have a compatible BMW model with the Digital Key feature. Check with your dealer if your car has this function.
• The digital key cannot be shared between two iPhones. Only one phone can be authorized at a time.
• You should log in to your BMW ConnectedDrive account using your Apple ID.

Steps to Set Up BMW Digital Key on Smartphone

“The BMW Digital Key provides secure and convenient access to your vehicle without even needing your physical key.” -BMW Newsroom

Now that you’ve met all the necessary prerequisites let’s look at how you can set up the BMW Digital Key on your smartphone:

• Step 1: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on both on your iPhone and BMW.
• Step 2: Log into your BMW ConnectedDrive account through the BMW App.
• Step 3: From the menu tab, select “Digital Key” and hit “Set up Digital Key.”
• Step 4: After reading the terms and conditions, tap “Agree.” Then you will receive an email confirming successful registration of the BMW Digital Key on your smartphone.
• Step 5: On the Digital Key screen select “Add a Digital Key.” Then type in your vehicle identification number (VIN) which you can locate on the bottom driver’s side of your windshield.
• Step 6: You need to make sure that your iPhone is close enough to your BMW, and tap “Start pairing” to pair your phone with your car. Once complete, put your phone in your pocket or bag because all you need now is Apple Wallet and Face ID to access your car.

The next step is using your digital key to lock/unlock your BMW via NFC. All you need to do is hold the top part of your iPhone near the door handle and wait for an audio signal to confirm successful access.

“A modern BMW must provide customers with uncomplicated and fast access options that are as user-friendly as possible.” -Apple Newsroom

You can also easily share your digital key with others (family members or friends) who own iPhones by marking them as “Owner” through the BMW App. That way they will be able to unlock and start your car too when needed.

Setting up the BMW Digital Key is simple and secure. By following these steps, you can enjoy a seamless driving experience without the hassle of carrying around a physical key. Try it out today and streamline your daily commute!

How to Use BMW Digital Key to Lock/Unlock Your Car?

If you own a recent model of BMW, you probably no longer have to carry the bulky traditional key with you everywhere you go. Instead, you can use BMW’s digital key option that allows you to lock and unlock your car using your smartphone. This feature is currently available on iPhone models running iOS 13.6 or later. Read on to learn how to use the BMW digital key.

Steps to Lock/Unlock Your BMW with Digital Key

• Step 1: First, ensure that your BMW vehicle supports the digital key. Check if it has the technology-enabled by looking for a “Digital Key Ready” badge in the car’s driver-side door.
• Step 2: Download the BMW Connected app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone.
• Step 3: Log into the BMW Connected app using either your BMW ID or sign up to create an account if you don’t have one already.
• Step 4: Follow the prompts in the app to set up the digital key. You will need to authenticate yourself to generate the digital key by entering your Apple ID password and setting up Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
• Step 5: Once the setup process is complete, hold your iPhone close to the driver’s side door handle until you hear a sound and the car unlocks. To lock the car, press the lock button on the digital key screen in the app or swipe down on your phone’s control center and tap the ‘Car Key’ icon.

Additional Functions of BMW Digital Key

The BMW Digital Key offers more functions other than just locking and unlocking your car. Here are some additional features to take advantage of:

• Share Access: You can share access to the digital key with up to five people through iMessage.
• Valet Mode: If you have someone else park your car, use the Valet Mode feature in the app to restrict access to the trunk and any personal settings until the mode is deactivated.
• Car Finder: Can’t remember where you parked? Use the BMW Connected app to locate your car’s current location on a map or sound the horn and flash its lights remotely.

“With the new Digital Key for iPhone, we’re delighted to offer BMW customers a convenient and secure way to lock, unlock, and start their BMW,” said Hanno Kirner, Senior Vice President for Product Development at BMW.

The BMW Digital Key is an exciting feature that not only makes it easier to manage car security but also provides additional functionality beyond just locking and unlocking doors. Follow these steps to set up yours and enjoy the convenience of using your smartphone as your car key!

How to Share BMW Digital Key with Family or Friends?

The BMW digital key is an exciting feature that allows car owners to share their cars remotely. This technology enables you to allow access to your vehicle to someone else, such as a family member, friend or colleague. Sharing the BMW digital key only requires a few steps, and the process can be done through the BMW Connected Drive app.

Requirements for Sharing BMW Digital Key

In order to use this feature, both parties need to own iPhones supporting ‘Near Field Communication’ (NFC). The latest iOS version installed on the iPhone is also essential. Additionally, one of the two phones should support Apple’s mobile wallet system called Wallet or passbook. Most iPhone models from 2018 onwards come prepared with these requirements. For users without compatible equipment, a physical keycard will still work as always.

Steps to Share BMW Digital Key with Family or Friends

• Step 1: Download and launch the BMW Connected Drive app on your smartphone.
• Step 2: Go into “Vehicle” section in the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Step 3: Tap on the “Digital Key” icon and select “Share” located at the top of the screen
• Step 4: From here you have multiple ways to share the key:
• a.) You can send the digital key via iMessage by sharing it directly within the app, allowing friends and family who already have access to your Messages app to receive a notification containing a unique link to activate the key.Receivers with Android Phones would then have to install BMW Connected App first before they get re-directed automatically to store links to download necessary components which enable sharing with BMW Connected Drive Users on all kinds of Devices.
• b.) You can also send a key via email. The Mail will contain the same unique link, and how to install it (if required).
• c.) If your recipient does not have an iPhone or iOS compatible device, you may send the digital key as an invitation. Once your guest arrives, you may use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to transfer the key by holding your phone near the door handle, trunk lid or wireless charging pad.
• Step 5: Configure authorized usage time limit for each shared key if necessary
• Step 6: To revoke access for someone before their digital key has expired, simply tap “delete” next to the relevant person in the list of people who can access the vehicle within the app.

“The BMW Digital Key deliver convenient setup of multiple ways to share your car keys,” says Shahzad Afzal, spokesperson for BMW Group. “It enables secure and seamless ability to provide others with qualified access to the car.”

The BMW digital key is designed to facilitate an easy and safe process when you decide to share your vehicle. Should you encounter any difficulties using this feature; BMW’s customer support team stands ready to assist you further. Remember that once you share the digital key, your recipients are free to access your car’s driving features without needing physical contact with your smartphone. A must-have convenience for anyone seeking flexibility and control over vehicle sharing. Therefore, it is crucial to always ensure that you only share the key with trustworthy individuals.

What to Do If You Lose Your BMW Digital Key?

BMW has introduced the digital key technology, which allows you to unlock and start your car with just your smartphone or smartwatch. Losing your BMW digital key can be stressful but there are certain steps you can take to get back on track.

Steps to Follow If You Lose Your BMW Digital Key

If you have lost your BMW digital key, it is important that you follow these steps:

• 1. Use a Spare Key: If you have a spare digital key, use it to access your vehicle.
• 2. Disable Lost Key: In case you don’t have a spare key, disable your lost key by calling your BMW dealership or customer service center. They will deactivate the lost key from the system so that no one else can use it to access your vehicle.
• 3. Report Your Loss: Report the loss of your digital key to your nearest police station if it got stolen. Failing to report a missing/stolen digital key might lead to insurance issues in the future.
• 4. Identify Yourself: When reporting a lost digital key at your BMW dealership, bring along your driver’s license, registration details, and insurance documents as proof of ownership and identification.
• 5. Obtain Replacement Key: With proper identification, you can obtain a new replacement key from your authorized BMW dealership.

How to Get a Replacement BMW Digital Key

If you need to obtain a replacement BMW digital key, here’s what to do:

1. Contact Your Dealership: Contact your local BMW dealership and inform them that you require a replacement digital key.
2. Provide Necessary Information: You will need to provide the dealership with proof of ownership and identification before they issue a new key.
3. Pick Up Your New Key: Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, you can pick up your replacement digital key from the dealership. Remember to activate it through the BMW ConnectedDrive App on your smartphone or smartwatch before using it for the first time.

“The BMW Digital Key offers customers a high level of convenience and functionality with a greater degree of flexibility than would usually be possible without having to take the conventional car key along” -BMW Group PressClub

Losing a BMW digital key might seem like the end of the world, but by following these simple steps, you’ll be able to obtain a replacement quickly. Remember that in order to protect your vehicle and prevent unauthorized access, always store your digital key securely and report any loss immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions