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Use your mobile devices to unlock and start your BMW with your mobile devices and simply share it with others by text message. Driving is now even more convenient, flexible and digital, thanks to the BMW Digital Key.¹
More secure, more convenient. The BMW Digital Key lets you open your BMW entirely without a physical key. You also benefit from numerous other features. It's as easy as one, two, key!¹
Your BMW reacts when you approach it and can be controlled as you wish – with the My BMW App and in the wallet, on your smartphone or smartwatch.
Your BMW welcomes you as soon as you approach the vehicle. This function switches on the lights, starts a welcome animation and unlocks the doors. Inside, your personal BMW ID profile settings are already loaded.
Using the BMW Digital Key Plus and Remote Control Parking, you can steer your BMW in and out of narrow parking spaces when you're nearby. What's more, you can open and close the luggage compartment in the My BMW App. And you can even use your voice to control the most important features in the wallet of your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Whether your BMW is in the workshop for a service, you're using valet parking or you unexpectedly break down, the Service Card is your additional key for these situations. Always keep the deactivated card with you in your BMW. If you need it, place the Service Card on the smartphone tray. After a quick confirmation, it's active, even without an internet connection.
What do I need to use the BMW Digital Key?
The BMW Digital Key Plus will be available in many new models from production date July 2021, the BMW Digital Key in other models from July 2020.
You can find out which BMW models, countries and mobile devices support the BMW Digital Key on the corresponding FAQ pages:
Compatible smartphones and smartwatches
Information on availability in your BMW can also be found in the My BMW app. In some countries and/or regions, the radio technology for the BMW Digital Key Plus (ultra-wideband, UWB) is not permitted. Due to legal requirements, functionality may be restricted there. In these cases, Near-Field Communication (NFC) guarantees access to the vehicle. To do this, hold the mobile device to the outside door handle.
How secure is the BMW Digital Key?
Your digital key is securely stored on the secure element of your smartphone or smartwatch. In addition, both NFC and UWB technology are used to establish the immediate proximity of the sender and receiver in a tamper-proof manner.
What happens when my smartphone needs to be charged?
You can unlock and start your vehicle even if your smartphone or smartwatch needs to be charged. With the right settings, you can continue to use it as a key for several hours after it has switched off. To do this, hold the mobile device to the outside door handle and follow the instructions on the display.
What happens if I don't have an internet connection?
An internet connection is only required to activate the BMW Digital Key. As soon as the key is installed on your device, a connection is no longer required for locking and unlocking or starting the engine. This means you can use the digital key completely independently of the Internet, for example in underground car parks or areas with poor network coverage.
What is the Setup Card and what do I use it for?
As a vehicle owner, you can use the Setup Card to conveniently set up the BMW Digital Key on your smartphone without any prior requirements. Simply hold the card to your device or scan the QR code on the back and follow the instructions.
The Setup Card is the new and fastest way to set up the BMW Digital Key and will be supplied with many BMW models from March 2025. Please note that the Setup Card must be stored in a safe place outside the vehicle once the BMW Digital Key has been set up. The card is not required for sharing a digital key.
What is the Service Card and what can I use it for?
The Service Card comes deactivated with your vehicle and can be activated and used as a fully-fledged key if required. Simply place the card on the smartphone tray and follow the instructions.
Use the Service Card in all cases where a physical key needs to be handed over, e.g. for scheduled service appointments, valet parking or breakdowns. The card should therefore always be in your BMW when deactivated. When it is activated, however, it must not remain in the vehicle for security reasons.
The Service Card offers similar functionality to the familiar Key Card and will be supplied with many BMW models from March 2025.
Do I still get a physical key?
Yes, you will always receive a physical key, even if your vehicle is equipped with the BMW Digital Key including Setup Card and Service Card. It offers you the full range of functions according to your model equipment and serves as a practical spare key when using the BMW Digital Key as a master key.
¹ All functions shown on this page are only fully available with the BMW Digital Key Plus. The BMW Digital Key enables functions that are not based on automatic recognition of the mobile device when it is approached. The new setup process via the Setup Card will be available in many BMW models from March 2025. Sharing digital keys is possible in all variants, but the extended functions are initially only available for iOS devices.
² From April 2025 only available with the iOS operating system. Use for Android will follow later in 2025.
