What Is a Digital Key: How Does It Unlock Your Car?

What is a Digital Key?
A digital key is a new and convenient way to unlock, start, and control your car using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch.
In the automotive world, digital keys mark a shift toward seamless, tech-integrated mobility, making tasks like unlocking the car or sharing access as easy as tapping a button on a mobile app. By replacing the traditional key fob, this technology enhances security, convenience, and flexibility in how we access and interact with our vehicles.
For Kia owners, the Kia Digital Key
offers automatic keyless entry through integration with Kia Connect.
Designed for both everyday drivers and businesses, this computerised smart key provides a convenient way to remotely access their vehicle without compromising on security.

How do you open a car door without a key?
Your car recognises both your device and smart key with a combination of Near-Field Communication (NFC) Bluetooth and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology. When you hold your phone or smartwatch near the driver’s door, the car’s sensors will authenticate your identity and unlock the doors.
UWB also eliminates the need to take your phone out of your pocket to lock or unlock your car. If you have a Kia, the doors will automatically unlock when you come within a 1-meter radius. It’s the same with starting your car. Just step inside, press the brake pedal and use the start button.
The option to share car access is another key feature. Through Kia Connect, owners can share their digital keys with up to seven additional users, making it perfect for families or business fleets. Shared keys can be securely distributed through Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Google Wallet, ensuring that only approved devices have access to the vehicle. This flexibility reduces the need to hand over physical keys, minimising the risk of loss.

What makes Digital Keys safe?
With digital keys, security and safety are high priorities. Unlike traditional car keys that can be easily misplaced or stolen, electronic keys are protected by layers of encryption and device authentication. Kia Digital Key,
for instance, is stored within secure Wallet apps for compatible Apple, Samsung, and Google devices. This adds a robust layer of protection that prevents unauthorised access.
For individual car owners, this provides added peace of mind and the convenience of accessing their vehicle remotely, something traditional key fobs do not offer. This layer of control is also highly beneficial for fleet managers. They can assign and revoke access to the Kia Digital Key as needed, reducing the risk of unauthorised vehicle use.
Fleet managers can also monitor who has access and update permissions easily, creating a streamlined and secure process for managing vehicle keys across multiple drivers.

Does Kia have Digital Car Keys?
Yes, Kia does use digital car keys for its EV9,
EV3,
EV6,
and the Sorento
Facelift models.
You must have a suitable device to use the Kia Digital Key.
Smart Key Compatible Smartphones:
• Apple: iOS version 16.3 or higher, iPhone 11 and above.
• Samsung: Android version 13 or higher, including models from Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, as well as Galaxy Z Fold models.
• Google: Google Pixel 6 Pro and newer.

Does Kia have Digital Car Keys?
You can activate your Kia Digital Key easily by downloading the Kia Connect App, using a URL, or entering an activation code. Here are the steps for each option:
Using Kia Connect App:
1. Ensure both smart keys and your mobile device are in the car.
2. Start the car, put it in Park (P), and open the Kia Connect App.
3. Follow the prompts to add and register the digital key.
4. Complete activation via your Wallet app.
Using Activation URL:
1. Have both smart keys and your mobile device in the car.
2. Start the car, put it in Park (P), and click the activation link from your email.
3. Complete pairing in the vehicle's infotainment system under [Setup] -> [Vehicle] -> [Digital Key] -> [Smartphone Key].
Using Activation Code:
1. Have both smart keys and your mobile device in the car.
2. Start the car, put it in Park (P), and access [Setup] -> [Vehicle] -> [Digital Key] -> [Smartphone Key] on the infotainment system.
3. Enter the activation code from your email on your mobile device and follow the prompts to complete pairing.
Once you’ve connected and activated your digital key inside your Kia, you will receive an email with complete instructions, including the activation link and a code for your smartphone.

Can I use my smart key if my phone battery dies?
If your digital car key is on a smartphone that has shut down due to a dead battery, it will retain enough residual power for a few hours to be able to unlock and start your vehicle. Simply bring your smartphone close to the car door handle, and you’ll be able to unlock and start the vehicle. This feature helps you avoid getting stranded, even if your phone runs out of charge.

Why Digital Keys are Great for Everyday Drivers
Digital keys are an innovative feature that offers the convenience of having your car key stored securely on your smartphone, meaning you have one less thing to carry or worry about losing. Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or taking a weekend trip, Kia’s Digital Key allows seamless access to your car through your Apple, Samsung, or Google Wallet app.
Additionally, through the Kia Connect app, features like Remote Access mean you can unlock your car even when you’re not physically nearby. For instance, you can grant a family member access to your car while you’re away or can start the vehicle remotely on a cold morning to warm it up before you leave. It’s also invaluable if your physical key is lost or damaged, as the digital backup can prevent you from being stranded. The advanced encryption and authentication technology not only protect your vehicle but also make day-to-day use more convenient and stress-free.

Why Digital Keys are Ideal for Business and Fleet Management
For businesses, digital keys provide a smart way to manage vehicle access across a fleet. They allow fleet managers to oversee access, track vehicle usage, and improve overall security by minimising reliance on physical car keys. This feature can be especially useful for rental companies, service businesses, and large organisations where multiple drivers access the same vehicles. The added layer of control and security makes the digital key an invaluable tool for any business fleet, as it provides a higher level of protection and accountability.
Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.
Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.