Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (2024)

You can add your car key to the Wallet app, and use your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start your car.

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (1)

To add and use a car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you need:

  • A compatible car. To find out if your car is compatible, contact themanufacturer or your dealership.
  • iPhone XS or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation), withthe latest version of iOS,or Apple Watch Series 5 or later, or Apple Watch SE, withthe latest version of watchOS.
  • To be signed in to your device with your Apple ID.

How to add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone

  1. Make sure that your car is associated with the account provided by the car's manufacturer.
  2. Open the car manufacturer's app, email, or text message, or use your car's display and follow the instructions to set up a key.
  3. When you're sent to the Wallet app, tap Continue.
  4. If prompted by the onscreen instructions, place your iPhone on the key reader while your iPhone and car pair.

When you add your car key on your iPhone,it might be added automatically to your paired Apple Watch. Or you might see the option to add it to your paired Apple Watch.

You can also manually add your car key to your Apple Watch. In the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay > the Add button next to your car key.

Learn how to remove your car key from Apple Wallet

If you get a new iPhone or reset your current iPhone, you have to set up your car key in the Wallet app again.

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (2)

Use your car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch

You can use your car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start your car. The way that you use your key and the features available depend on the model of your car. Contact the manufacturer or your dealership to find out what features your key supports.

When you add your car key to the Wallet app,Express Mode is turned on automatically. Express Mode allows you to use your car key withoutunlocking your device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Learn more about Express Mode

Lock, unlock, and start your car with passive entry

With some cars, you can use passive entry to lock, unlock, or start your car. All you need to do is have your device with you.

  • When you approach your car with your device, it unlocks.
  • Once inside, you can start your car.
  • When you walk away from your car with your device, it locks.

To use passive entry on compatible cars, you need iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later.

Lock, unlock, and start your car by proximity

With some cars, you lock, unlock, and start the car by holding your device close to the door handle or key reader.

  • To lock or unlock you car, hold your device near the car's door handle.
  • To start your car, place your iPhone in the car's key reader or hold your Apple Watch near the reader. Then, press the car's start button.

Lock and unlock your car remotely

With some cars, you can use your device to remote lock and unlock your car, and use other features.

  1. On your device, open the Wallet app.
  2. Tap your car key.
  3. Depending on your car, you'll see different features, such as lock, unlock, or start.

To use remote entry on compatible cars, you need iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later. You also need to be within Bluetooth range of your car.

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (3)

Share your car key

Depending on the model of your car, you might be able to share your car key from messaging apps such as Messages, Mail, WhatsApp, and more, or via AirDrop.

  1. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app, then select your car key.
  2. Tap the Share button Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (4).If you don't see the option to share, update to the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
  3. Choose a sharing option.
  4. Give a name to the shared key (or pick a recent contact to use their name), set permissions for the shared key, and choose whether to require an activation code for extra security. Some car keys require a Vehicle Code.
  5. Choose your recipient. If you share with Messages and named the key after a recent contact, that contact is automatically set as the recipient.
  6. Tap Continue, authenticate with Face ID, and follow the onscreen instructions.
  7. If you opted to require an activation code or your key requires a Vehicle Code, the code appears after you share the key. Your recipient needs this one-time code to add the key to their device. Tap Share to send this code to your recipient or, for maximum security, share it in person or over the phone.

Your recipient might also need your key fob or another device that already has the car key to add it to their device.

To stop sharing your car key: Open the Wallet app and tap your car key. Tap the People button Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (5), choose the recipient that you want to stop sharing with, then tap Stop Sharing.

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (6)

If your iPhone needs to be charged

Depending on the model of your iPhone, you can use your car key even after your iPhone battery runs out.

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (7)

If you lose your device

  • If your device is lost or stolen, you canmark your device as lost. This action makes sure that no one else can use your device, and automatically turns off your car key and all cards and passes in the Wallet app.
  • Shared keys are not turned off when you mark your device as lost.

Published Date:

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch (2024)

FAQs

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch? ›

In the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay > the Add button next to your car key. If you get a new iPhone or reset your current iPhone, you have to set up your car key in the Wallet app again.

Can I add my car key to Apple Wallet? ›

In the Wallet app , you can store digital keys to your home, hotel room, car, and scooter.

How do I add a key fob to my iPhone Wallet? ›

You can also add it manually.
  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  2. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
  3. Tap the Add button. next to your key.
Apr 22, 2024

Can I use my phone as a car key? ›

You can lock, unlock, and start your car from your Android phone with a digital car key.

What supports Apple car key? ›

Apple Car Key Compatibility List:
  • BMW 2 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 3 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 4 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 5 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 6 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 7 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW 8 Series: 2021-Current.
  • BMW X5: 2021-Current.

How to use Apple Watch as a FOB? ›

First, find an Apple Watch fob accessory that suits your style and needs. Attach it securely to your Apple Watch using the designated connection point. Once attached, you can use the fob to hold your ID badge, keys, or any other items you need to keep handy throughout the day.

Can I add door key to Apple Wallet? ›

Unlock your home

With a compatible smart lock and a home key in Wallet, you can unlock your door with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch Ultra. You add a home key to Apple Wallet with the Home app on your iPhone.

Can I add my door fob to my phone? ›

Since key fobs use RFID technology and not nfc it is not possible to copy a key fob to an iPhone or Android via an App. The only way to copy a key fob to your smart phone is to copy it to a sticker. Once the sticker is placed on your iPhone or any smart phone it will work as a Key fob for your condo.

Can I use my iPhone as an RFID card? ›

After setup, you may tap your iPhone or Apple watch to emulate the RFID card signal through the app. Adding an employee badge to your Apple Wallet automatically allows you to use your phone as a badge by holding your phone against a compatible reader–Apple calls this “Express Mode.”

Can I use my iPhone to find my car keys? ›

If you have an AirTag, you can use Find My on your computer, iPhone, or iPad to locate your remote keys or fob.

How do I find my car key with my phone? ›

Leveraging Bluetooth Trackers

Devices such as the Tile Mate and Tile Pro are designed to attach to your key fob and, through your smartphone's key fob finder app, allow you to track its location. If your key fob is within Bluetooth range, you can make it ring, making it much easier to find.

How can I use my car without a key? ›

There are several methods you can try to start your car without a key fob in case of an emergency: the screwdriver-hammer method, hotwiring the engine, or looking for the red coil wire. You can also try to use the mobile app (if applicable) or locate the secret switch that's usually located in the steering column.

How do I add my car key to my Apple Wallet? ›

Open the car manufacturer's app, email, or text message, or use your car's display and follow the instructions to set up a key. When you're sent to the Wallet app, tap Continue. If prompted by the onscreen instructions, place your iPhone on the key reader while your iPhone and car pair.

How do I add a car key to my Apple Watch? ›

You can also manually add your car key to your Apple Watch. In the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone, tap Wallet & Apple Pay > the Add button next to your car key. To remove a car key from your Apple Wallet: On your iPhone, open the Wallet app.

Can you use an Apple Watch as a key fob? ›

With a compatible car and a digital car key in Apple Wallet, you can unlock, lock, and start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch (Series 6 and later). See the Apple Support article Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Can you add a keycard to Apple Pay? ›

Visa credit cards issued to additional cardholders may be eligible for Apple Pay, however, a transaction limit of $100 will apply. Some CommBank cards are ineligible including Keycard, Travel Money Card and Mastercard Business Debit Card.

Can I add my car insurance card to Apple Wallet? ›

If your provider has an app that contains digital ID cards, you can usually add your card to Apple Wallet. Start by downloading your auto or health insurance provider's app from the App Store. Not all insurance providers support Apple Wallet.

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