Did you know that your iPhone or Android smartphone can now be used as a car key? While many companies have recently begun equipping their vehicles with futuristic features like autonomous driving and radar cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, we’ve now entered an era where all you need is a smartphone as your car key. On June 22, 2020, BMW announced it would be the first to introduce support for BMW Digital Keys, securely stored in Apple Wallet on iPhone .
Digital keys are also starting to be introduced in Japanese vehicles such as Toyota (Noah, Voxy, Prius) and Honda (Vezel, Civic). We’ve compiled a list of what they are and which cars are compatible with digital keys as of March 2025.
How to use a digital key
You will need to install a dedicated app. There may be specific smartphone models that are compatible. You will also need to sign up for the connected service. Initial setup is also required.
Of course, the car itself needs to be compatible, and cars currently on sale in Japan that are compatible include the Toyota Noah /Voxy and Prius , Lexus NX and RX , Honda ZR-V , Vezel , Civic , Honda e , and BMW 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M, iX, iX3, and i7 .
How the digital key works
Currently, there are two types of systems: BMW uses a system that uses NFC (Near Field Communication), while Toyota, Lexus, and Honda use a system that uses Bluetooth .
Share Key: Lend your key using just your smartphone
Family and friends can receive a shared key and use the digital key. You can also limit the period and restrict functions. (Settings required)
Advantages and disadvantages of digital keys
I have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of digital keys that I can think of.
About the benefits
- There is no need to carry a physical key; you can easily unlock your door with a smartphone or other device.
- Key sharing is now easy, making it easy to share access with family and friends.
- Digital keys are difficult to duplicate and offer a higher level of security than physical keys.
- Remote locking/unlocking is possible, so you can prevent forgetting to lock the door and allow access from a distance.
Disadvantages
- If your device runs out of battery, breaks down, or is lost, you may have trouble accessing it.
- If your device is hacked, you risk unauthorized access.
- Depending on the device compatibility and communication environment, it may not work properly.
Toyota digital key
Monthly fee
G-Link contract Basic usage fee: 19,000 yen (tax included)/year A separate contract administration fee of 8,148 yen (tax included) is required.
*If you purchase a new car, you can use it free of charge for three years from the date of initial registration.
TOYOTA/LEXUS common ID
Digital key dedicated app free
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This function allows you to lock/unlock and start the engine using the digital key app and your smartphone’s Bluetooth® function . Before using the digital key, you must pair it with your car in the settings.
Points to note
It may not function properly when you are near a place where strong radio waves or noise are generated, or when your smartphone is in contact with or covered by metal objects such as the following. Doors other than those that detect your smartphone will not be unlocked. Of course, if your smartphone is turned off, you will not be able to “lock/unlock + start the engine.”
Compatible models
- Noah released on January 13, 2022
- Voxy released on January 13, 2022
- bZ4X Released on May 12, 2022
- Prius January 10, 2023
- Century SUV September 2023
- Corolla Cross October 2023
- Crown Sport October 2023
- Crown Sedan November 2023
- Yaris Cross January 2024
- Corolla Sport April 2024
- Corolla April 2024
- Corolla Touring April 2024
- Crown Crossover April 2024
- Land Cruiser 250 April 2023
- GR Yaris March 2024
- Sienta May 2024
- Crown Estate March 2025
Lexus digital key
Monthly fee
G-Link contract Basic usage fee: 19,000 yen (tax included)/year A separate contract administration fee of 8,148 yen (tax included) is required.
*If you purchase a new car, you can use it free of charge for three years from the date of initial registration.
TOYOTA/LEXUS common ID
Digital key dedicated app free
structure
This function allows you to lock/unlock and start the engine using the digital key app and your smartphone’s Bluetooth® function . Before using the digital key, you must pair it with your car in the settings.
Points to note
It may not function properly when you are near a place where strong radio waves or noise are generated, or when your smartphone is in contact with or covered by metal objects such as the following. Doors other than those that detect your smartphone will not be unlocked. Of course, if your smartphone is turned off, you will not be able to “lock/unlock + start the engine.”
Compatible models
- LEXUS NX released on October 7, 2021
- LEXUS UX Released July 7, 2022
- LEXUS RX Released November 18, 2022
- LEXUS LX October 2023
- LEXUS GX June 2024
- LEXUS RX November 2022
- LEXUS RZ March 2023
- LEXUS UX300e January 2024
- LEXUS LBX November 2023
- LEXUS LM October 2023
Honda Digital Key
Monthly fee
” Honda CONNECT ” Honda Total Care Premium Basic Pack 550 yen/month (tax included)
*The basic pack is free for 12 months from the month following the month of initial application.
Optional Honda Digital Key: 330 yen/month (tax included)
Honda remote control app free
To “lock/unlock + start the engine,” you will need to pay 880 yen/month for the Honda Total Care Premium Basic Pack (550 yen/month + 330 yen/month for options) . If you only want to “lock/unlock,” you can do so with just the Honda Total Care Premium Basic Pack (550 yen/month) .
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The Honda Digital Key is a function that allows you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine using the Honda CONNECT internet connection.
Points to note
Since the “locking/unlocking + engine start” function is performed using the internet, if your smartphone is out of range, it cannot communicate and therefore cannot be used. If you are traveling deep in the mountains or in an uninhabited area and there is no carrier signal, you will not be able to restart your car if you are using only a digital key. Of course, if your smartphone is turned off, you will not be able to “lock/unlock + engine start.”
Compatible models
- ZR-V April 21, 2023 (locking/unlocking + engine start)
- Vezel April 23, 2021 (locking/unlocking + engine start)
- Fit October 7, 2022 (locking/unlocking + engine start)
- Civic July 2022 (locking/unlocking + engine start)
- Step WGN May 27, 2022 (locking/unlocking + engine start)
- Honda e October 30, 2020 (locking/unlocking + engine start) If you have an NFC-compatible device, you can perform the same operations by simply touching the NFC mark.
BMW Digital Key
My BMW App Exclusive app Free
Create a BMW ID
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The digital key uses the iPhone’s NFC. You can lock and unlock the driver’s door by placing your iPhone or a dedicated card near the door handle. Simply place your iPhone in the smartphone tray and press the start button to begin operation. You can also share access with up to five friends. Access can be managed from inside the car or through Apple Wallet.
Compatible models
The following vehicles manufactured after July 2020 are compatible with BMW Digital Key:
1, 2, 1, 2, 3 , 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M, iX, iX3, i7
As of 2022, the iPhone models are iPhone XR, iPhone XS and later, and Apple Watch Series 5 and later.
The company announced that the feature will be available for smartphones running the Android operating system on April 24, 2023 (local time). Compatible Samsung or Google devices can use it to unlock and lock their BMW and start the engine without having to take their phone out of their pocket.
Digital Key Summary
Digital keys are still in their infancy, and the models and standards they support vary. Personally, I think the NFC system used by the Honda e and BMW is better than the Lexus Bluetooth system.
With a digital key, you can lock and unlock your car and start the engine even if you accidentally lock your smart key inside the car or lose it. Digital keys are also very convenient if you want to share your car with family or friends.
We expect other manufacturers to adopt this technology in the future. We will let you know as soon as we have new information.
