You can add your car key to the Wallet app, and use your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock and start your car.
To add and use a car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you need:
- A compatible car. To find out whether your car is compatible, contact the manufacturer or your dealership.
- An iPhone XS or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation), with the latest version of iOS, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or later, or Apple Watch SE, with the latest version of watchOS. To use passive entry or the remote features on compatible cars, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later.
How to add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone
- Make sure your car is associated with the account provided by the car’s manufacturer.
- 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 on-screen instructions, place your iPhone on the key reader while your iPhone and car pair.
- When your iPhone and car finish pairing, tap Done.
When you add your car key on your iPhone, it may be added automatically to your paired Apple Watch. Or you may see the option to add it to your paired Apple Watch.
You can also add your car key to your Apple Watch manually. 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 will need to set up your car key in the Wallet app again.
Use your car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch
You can use your car key on your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or unlock your car, start your car and more. This feature may work differently depending on the model of your car.
When you add your car key to the Wallet app, Express Mode may be turned on automatically. Express Mode allows you to use your car key without waking or unlocking your device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode.
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 will unlock.
- Once inside, you can start your car.
- When you walk away from your car with your device, it will lock.
You will receive notifications on your device when your car locks or unlocks.
If you don’t have Express Mode turned on, enter your passcode to confirm and your car will lock, unlock or start.
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 your 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, unlock and start your car remotely
With some cars, you can use your device to remotely lock, unlock and start your car, and use other features.
- On your device, open the Wallet app.
- Tap your car key.
- Depending on your car, you’ll see different options, such as lock, unlock or start.
When you use your key remotely, you’ll receive a notification.
How to share, revoke or delete your car key
- On your iPhone, open the Wallet app.
- Tap your car key.
- Tap the More button
- Find the option you need:
- To share, tap Invite and follow the instructions.
- To revoke a shared key, tap the person’s name and follow the instructions.
- To delete a key from the Wallet app, tap Remove Key.
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.
If you lose your device
If your device is lost or stolen, you can make your device as lost. This action makes sure no one else can use your device and automatically turns off all cards, keys and passes in the Wallet app, including your car key.
