The Digital Key Plus, a mobile car key technology from BMW is now officially supported on a number of Android devices running Android 13.1 or later. Compatible devices include Google Pixel and Samsung devices, such as the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6 Pro, Galaxy S23 Plus / Ultra, Galaxy S22 Plus / Ultra, Galaxy S21 Plus / Ultra, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, and Note 20 Ultra, Digital Key Plus can now be configured via the My BMW App. For the feature to work, Samsung phones must have the Samsung Wallet app installed.
BMW’s Digital Key Plus which uses ultra-wideband (UWB) digital radio technology will let BMW drivers use their smartphone in place of a traditional car key. This feature first debuted on iPhone and Apple Watch in 2021, the feature can be set up in the My BMW app based on proximity, it can carry out things like unlock a car when the user is nearby. Additionally, Express Mode enables customers to remotely lock, unlock, and start their automobiles without touching their phones, even up to five hours after the phone dies due to battery exhaustion.
Over two years have passed since Samsung initially announced that it will work with automakers like BMW, Audi, and Ford to extend the UWB convenience to digital car keys. In December 2021, BMW Digital Key was made available for Google Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S21 cell phones. However, that version of the technology used NFC rather than UWB, which requires that users hold their phones close to the driver’s door handle in order to open the car.
According to BMW, relay attacks that attempt to jam or intercept radio transmissions are almost eliminated due to UWB’s accurate localization. Additionally, users can provide up to five additional people with compatible Android or iOS phones access to their vehicle. BMW has promised that future software updates will eventually extend compatibility to older compatible vehicles, however as of right now, Digital Key Plus for Android is only accessible for BMW vehicles manufactured after November 2022.