Imagine how helpful a Digital Car Key be when you’re stuck in a car, the door is locked, and you lose your car key. Well, don’t worry, you can still unlock your car through your Android phone. Additionally, this is not just life-saving but also a good way to save your time, energy, and most importantly, money that you might spend on lockout services. Here’s everything that you need to know about an Android Digital Car Key.
How To Use Digital Car Keys On Android?
The digital car key operates in two ways and this choice is based on the technology that is used to develop it. One is the NFC technology that allows you to transfer information without even touching your phone. Additionally, you can use NFC keys by putting your phone near an embedded reader like the one you have in a door handle. Meanwhile, another way is the UWB which is a wireless technology that is currently seeing widespread attention. UWB also has a longer range and supports passive entry. However, all the cars do not support UWB, and if it’s there, it will also bring NFC as a backup.
What Do You Need To Use It?
To use the digital car key, your device must be compatible with this. Several devices using Android 12 and further might have this feature. For example, all the Google Pixel phones after Pixel 6, offer this feature. Additionally, several Samsung S and Z series phones also allow you to use this feature. Moreover, not only the mobile but the car must also support this feature. To know about this, you can go through the manufacturer’s website.
Vehicles Supporting Digital Car Key
Although several cars do not support digital keys, several manufacturers do offer one compatible model. Among them, BMW, Genesis, and Hyundai are surely supporters of the Google format. Several other cars like Audi, Acura, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, and Land Rover also offer this feature. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Porsche are a few other models supporting digital key features.
It is also true that NFC still works for quite some time even if your phone’s out of battery. However, if you set your key to need a phone, then you might not be able to use this if your phone has no battery. Additionally, you can also share your digital car key. However, that person might have to authenticate their key. This can be done by using an activation code, or an actual car key.
Conclusion
Although this is a good feature, it’s important to know that all security systems are not useful in this. Sometimes, even if your phone can unlock the car door, it might still not unlock the car. Therefore, don’t completely rely on your Android digital car key when you’re leaving your home.
