How to Use Hyundai Digital Key With Your Smartphone
What if your phone could replace your car key for everyday driving? With available Hyundai Digital Key, compatible smartphones and smartwatches can provide secure access to appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicles.
Depending on your vehicle and device, Hyundai Digital Key can let you unlock the doors, start your Hyundai, drive the vehicle, and even send a digital key to another trusted driver.
Here’s how Hyundai Digital Key works and what you need to start using it.
How Does Hyundai Digital Key Work?
Hyundai Digital Key uses secure wireless technology to allow an authorized smartphone or smartwatch to communicate with your vehicle.
Instead of relying only on the traditional smart key, your compatible mobile device can act as a digital key.
Depending on your Hyundai and device, Digital Key technology can use:
NFC: Near Field Communication allows a device to communicate with the vehicle when placed very close to an NFC reader, such as the one near the door handle.
UWB: Ultra-Wideband technology available with certain Digital Key 2 Premium configurations can provide more seamless detection of a compatible device.
The technology available to you depends on both your Hyundai and your mobile device.
What Can I Do With a Hyundai Digital Key?
Once your Digital Key has been properly set up, supported functions can include:
- Locking the doors
- Unlocking the doors
- Starting your Hyundai
- Driving the vehicle
- Sharing access with other drivers
- Managing shared keys
- Using a compatible smartwatch for vehicle access
- Saving certain driver preferences
You don’t necessarily need to open the MyHyundai app every time you want to access your vehicle once Digital Key has been properly configured.
How Do You Unlock a Hyundai With a Phone?
The process depends on which Digital Key technology your phone and vehicle support.
With Digital Key 2 Touch, you can hold a compatible NFC-enabled device near the driver’s door handle for approximately a second. The vehicle recognizes the authorized Digital Key and unlocks the doors.
Certain Digital Key 2 Premium configurations can provide additional functionality with compatible UWB-equipped devices.
How Do You Start a Hyundai With Digital Key?
After unlocking your Hyundai, an authorized Digital Key can also allow you to start the vehicle.
With an NFC-based Digital Key, the compatible phone may need to be placed on the vehicle’s wireless charging pad. You can then press the brake pedal and use the vehicle’s start button.
Specific instructions vary by Hyundai model and Digital Key version.
Can You Put a Hyundai Digital Key in Apple Wallet?
Yes. Compatible Hyundai Digital Key 2 keys can be stored and managed through Apple Wallet on supported Apple devices.
Digital Key 2 also supports compatible devices using Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet.
This wallet integration makes the Digital Key available alongside other digital cards and credentials on your compatible device.
Can You Use Hyundai Digital Key With an Apple Watch?
Yes. Digital Key 2 supports compatible Apple Watch devices.
On appropriately equipped vehicles, this can allow you to use your compatible watch for vehicle access instead of taking your phone or physical key out of your pocket or bag.
Device and vehicle compatibility requirements apply.
Can Multiple People Have a Digital Key for the Same Hyundai?
Yes. Digital Key 2 allows the primary user to share access with up to three people.
This is useful for families or households where several drivers regularly use the same vehicle.
Shared keys can be managed digitally, and the primary user can revoke access when someone no longer needs to use the vehicle.
How Do I Share a Hyundai Digital Key?
The process varies depending on your mobile device and wallet.
For example, on compatible Apple devices, a Digital Key can be shared from Apple Wallet with another supported user. Samsung and Google devices use their respective supported wallet systems.
The recipient receives an invitation and follows the provided instructions to add the shared vehicle key to their compatible device.
The primary user retains the ability to manage and revoke shared access.
What’s the Difference Between Digital Key 1 and Digital Key 2?
Hyundai has offered multiple generations of Digital Key technology.
Hyundai Digital Key 1 was designed primarily for compatible Android smartphones. It uses NFC technology and a dedicated Digital Key app to provide vehicle access and starting capabilities.
Hyundai Digital Key 2 expands compatibility to select Apple, Samsung, and Google devices and integrates with supported smartphone wallets.
Newer Digital Key 2 technology can also support compatible smartwatches and, on certain vehicles and devices, more advanced UWB functionality.
What Is an NFC Digital Key Card?
Certain Digital Key-equipped Hyundai vehicles can also use an NFC Key Card.
The card can provide another method of accessing and starting the vehicle if your smartphone isn’t available.
Because it’s similar in size to a credit card, an NFC Key Card can be kept in a wallet or purse as a convenient backup to your smartphone and traditional smart key.
How Do I Set Up Hyundai Digital Key?
For a vehicle equipped with Digital Key 2, setup generally begins in the MyHyundai app.
You’ll typically need to:
- Make sure your Hyundai is enrolled in Bluelink.
- Download or open the MyHyundai with Bluelink app.
- Sign in to your MyHyundai account.
- Select Digital Key.
- Choose the option to start pairing.
- Follow the instructions on your phone.
- Place your device on the wireless charging pad when instructed.
- Follow the prompts displayed by your Hyundai.
- Save the smartphone key.
The exact steps can differ between Apple, Samsung, and Google devices.
What Do I Need for Hyundai Digital Key 2?
To use Digital Key 2, you’ll need an appropriately equipped Hyundai and compatible mobile device.
Hyundai states that the vehicle must have the required equipment, including:
- Smart key with push-button start
- Wireless device charging
- Compatible infotainment technology
- MyHyundai with Bluelink app
- Active Bluelink account
Not every Hyundai model, trim, or smartphone supports Digital Key.
What Happens If My Phone Dies?
Because Digital Key relies on your compatible mobile device, it’s smart to understand the backup access options available for your particular Hyundai and phone.
An available NFC Key Card or your traditional Hyundai smart key can provide an alternative way to access the vehicle.
Some mobile devices may also provide limited key functionality after the phone reaches a low battery state, depending on the device manufacturer and wallet technology. Check your phone manufacturer’s current documentation before relying on this capability.
Is Hyundai Digital Key Secure?
Hyundai Digital Key uses secure digital credentials and compatible mobile-device technology to authorize vehicle access.
Digital keys can also be managed digitally. If you previously shared a key with another person, access can be revoked when it is no longer needed.
Owners should still protect their smartphone account, device passcode, MyHyundai account, and other credentials just as they would protect a physical vehicle key.
Hyundai Digital Key Frequently Asked Questions
Can my phone be my Hyundai key?
Yes, if you have an appropriately equipped Hyundai and a compatible smartphone. Digital Key can allow the phone to lock, unlock, start, and operate the vehicle.
Does Hyundai Digital Key work with iPhone?
Digital Key 2 works with select compatible Apple iPhones. Older Digital Key 1 technology was designed for compatible Android devices.
Does Hyundai Digital Key work with Google Pixel?
Digital Key 2 supports select compatible Google devices. Compatibility varies by device, software, vehicle, and Digital Key version.
Does Hyundai Digital Key work with Samsung phones?
Yes. Select compatible Samsung smartphones support Hyundai Digital Key 2.
How many people can I share my Hyundai Digital Key with?
Hyundai Digital Key 2 allows the primary user to share the key with up to three people.
Can I start my Hyundai without the physical key?
Yes. Once Digital Key is properly configured, a compatible device can authorize an appropriately equipped Hyundai to start without using the traditional physical smart key.
Is Hyundai Digital Key available on every trim?
No. Digital Key availability varies by model and trim. For example, Hyundai currently lists Digital Key 2 as standard on certain trims of vehicles such as the IONIQ 5, Santa Fe, and Tucson.
Discover Hyundai Digital Key
Available Hyundai Digital Key makes it possible to use the device you already carry every day as another way to access your vehicle.
Whether you want to unlock your Hyundai with your phone, share vehicle access with a family member, or use a compatible smartwatch as your key, Digital Key adds another level of convenience to Hyundai’s connected technology.
Contact our Hyundai team to learn which new Hyundai models and trims offer Digital Key and how to set up your compatible device.