How to Add and Use Your Car Key with Apple Wallet

by Emily Clarke June 15, 2025

With Apple Wallet, you can now lock, unlock, and start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Here's how to set it up and take full advantage of this convenient feature.

Requirements

To add your car key to Apple Wallet, you'll need:
A compatible car (check with your car manufacturer or dealership).
An iPhone XS or later or iPhone SE (2nd gen) with the latest iOS.
An Apple Watch Series 5 or later or Apple Watch SE with the latest watchOS.
Be signed in to your Apple ID on the device.

How to Add Your Car Key

Ensure your car is linked to your manufacturer’s account.
Open the car manufacturer's app, message, or in-car display.
Follow the setup instructions and tap Continue when directed to the Wallet app.
If prompted, hold your iPhone to the key reader to complete pairing.
Your key may also be added to your Apple Watch automatically, or manually via the Apple Watch app > Wallet & Apple Pay.

Using Your Car Key

Once added, use your iPhone or Apple Watch to:

Lock/Unlock/Start your car (availability depends on car model).
Express Mode lets you use the key without unlocking your device.

Passive Entry (Auto Unlock/Lock)

On supported cars and devices:

Your car unlocks when you approach with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Starts automatically when you're inside.
Locks when you walk away.

Requires: iPhone 11 or later (excluding SE models and iPhone 16e), or Apple Watch Series 6 or later.

Proximity Access

Hold your device near:

The door handle to unlock or lock.
The car's reader to start the car.

Remote Features

Some cars allow remote control features:

Open the Wallet app, select your car key.
Use Lock, Unlock, or Start (features vary by car).
Must be within Bluetooth range.
Requires: iPhone 11 or later or Apple Watch Series 6 or later.

Sharing Your Car Key

You can share your digital car key through:

AirDrop, Messages, Mail, WhatsApp, and more.
Set permissions, assign a name, and optionally require an activation code.
Manage shared keys in the Wallet app under the People section.

If Your iPhone Battery Dies

Some iPhones support power reserve, allowing car key use even after the battery dies (model-dependent).

If Your Device Is Lost

Mark your device as lost via Find My to:

Disable car keys and Wallet passes.
Ensure no one else can use your device.

Note: Shared keys are not disabled when you mark your device as lost.

Apple Wallet continues to expand beyond payments—adding your car key can make life simpler and more secure. Check if your car is compatible and give it a try!