You can use your iPhone to unlock and start your car with amazing hidden Apple CarKey feature
Time to Read: 2 minute
Contactless payments boomed during the pandemic, but few people realise that you can actually use contactless to unlock and start your car with Apple CarKey - all you need is an iPhone or an Apple Watch
If you've ever misplaced your car keys ahead of a long drive, you'll know how frustrating getting locked out can be.
Luckily, iPhone owners may never have to worry about that again, thanks to a little-known feature which lets you use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and even start your car.
Apple CarKey was first announced as part of iOS 13 and 14 and then expanded in 2021 with iOS 15, the current software version installed on iPhone.
Using an iPhone or Apple Watch, you can easily unlock your car with the same powerful contactless technology you use to buy things with Apple Pay.
Originally, Apple CarKey used NFC contactless to unlock vehicles, but it has since had an upgrade which means you can automatically open your vehicle and start the engine just by approaching it—without even having to unlock your device.
It even lets multiple people use the service, meaning you don't have to share your physical keys with anyone but still let them drive.
The service is available in 45 countries and is supported by vehicles made by:
- BMW
- Audi
- Chevrolet
- Citroen
- Ford
- Fiat
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Jaguar
- Lexus
- Renault
- Seat
- Skoda
- Toyota
To find out if your car is compatible with Apple CarKey, click here.
How to add your car keys to your iPhone
It's easy enough to turn your iPhone or Apple Watch into a car key using Apple Wallet.
All you need is a compatible car, an iPhone XS or later, and an Apple ID.
If your car is compatible, your car manufacturer should offer you an app, text message or email to get set up with a digital car key.
Follow any instructions given to you then hit 'Continue' when you're prompted to open the iPhone's Wallet app.
If asked, place your iPhone on the key reader for your vehicle to pair it to your car, then hit 'Done'.
You can then activate Express Mode using Apple Wallet, which will automatically unlock your car when you approach it or even start the vehicle based on how nearby you are.