Smartphones become more important in our daily lives every year. ConsumerAffairs reports that over 90% of U.S. adults own at least one smartphone. For about 15%, a smartphone is their only way of accessing the internet at home. Smartphones help perform tasks ranging from phone calls and texts to sending emails, ordering takeout, streaming music, and editing documents.
One such function on the rise is using one’s smartphone as an access key. This includes vehicles, replacing physical keys and controls with an app on your phone. Along with being found on new vehicles, some companies let you retrofit older cars with this new technology. Even if you don’t currently have a phone-as-key setup, it’s something you should know about. In this guide, we’ll look at how phone-as-key works, whether it’s worth having, and some of the automakers currently offering it as an option or primary feature.
What Is Phone as Key?
Also known as PaaK (phone as a key) or a digital key, this technology was developed to let people lock and unlock doors using their phones. It uses wireless technology, usually Bluetooth, but sometimes Wi-Fi or NFC, and works whenever you are within a certain distance of the locking device. A digital signature verifies the user to protect sensitive information. Phone as key requires installing an app on your smartphone, and many systems also require security steps such as a password, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
PaaK can perform many other functions beyond opening doors. Car PaaK technology also lets you start and shut off the vehicle, replacing physical key and push-button ignition options. Depending on the technology, you may also be able to perform operations you previously did with a key fob, such as opening and closing the trunk, rolling the windows up and down, and turning the headlights and alarm system on.
Pros and Cons of Phone as Key
Like almost every technology, there are good things about phone-as-key as well as potential concerns. Here’s a breakdown of why you might like digital car keys and why you might have reservations.
Benefits of Phone as Key
- You no longer need a physical key or key fob to access and operate your car. This means one less thing to keep track of and less bulk in your pocket or purse.
- Since you don’t have physical keys to lose or damage, you don’t have to replace them, saving you money. Complex modern key fobs can cost up to $500 to program.
- You can choose which features are activated and usable with the phone app, giving you a personalized and convenient experience.
- You can start the vehicle from a distance, giving you a head start on warming the cabin on frigid days or cooling it down during hot summers.
- You can temporarily share the digital key with others, such as if you’re letting a family member borrow the car or using valet parking at a hotel. Depending on the user, you can restrict access to certain times or only allow specific features.
- Each system offers encryption and other security measures to help prevent unauthorized access.
- Phone as key makes managing business vehicle fleets and car-sharing services easier while helping monitor the vehicles.
Drawbacks of Phone as Key
- PaaK makes you even more dependent on your smartphone, which can cause problems. If you lose your phone, it gets stolen/broken, or you run the battery dry, you suddenly can’t unlock or drive your vehicle.
- On a related note, using phone as key puts added wear on your device and its battery, which means you may need to replace the phone sooner.
- If you’re in an area where Bluetooth and broadband signals are less reliable or have high interference issues, you may be unable to operate your vehicle.
- Although some apps have strong security protocols, others are more vulnerable to attacks and breaches, which can expose your information.
- You may also need to share your location and certain data on the app, which creates privacy concerns.
- App software updates can affect your access. Sometimes, it may require reprogramming the connection, costing valuable time when you need to be on the road.
- Certain keys and apps are only compatible with certain devices. This compatibility is constantly evolving, so you need to confirm that the two systems work together. This may also lead to you getting “trapped” with a certain app or needing to upgrade your smartphone to keep using PaaK.
What Cars Have Phone as Key?
If you’ve decided you want phone as key, the next step is determining which cars offer this technology. You don’t have to look far, as many new vehicles make it a standard or add-on feature. The first to jump on board was Tesla, which used a digital key for the 2017 Model 3. According to KBB, the following automakers offer phone-as-key on every new vehicle model:
- Audi
- Acura
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- GMC
- Jeep
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lucid
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Porsche
- Ram
- Rivian
- Tesla
Other car brands have digital keys on some, but not all, of their vehicles. For example, Ford offers FordPass Connect on the Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, F-150, and F-150 Lightning. You’ll also find phone-as-key options on certain vehicles from Lincoln, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan/Infiniti, Hyundai/Genesis, Fisker, Subaru, Volvo, and Fiat.
The biggest issue right now is that there are a lot of platforms for phone as key access. Beyond using different technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy and NFC, you can find apps created by individual automakers as well as third-party companies. Apple even has a phone-as-key app (which, not surprisingly, is only available on Apple devices). Because of this, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) was established in 2011 to create international standards for PaaK technology that is secure, interoperable, and future-proof. This included establishing the CCC Digital Key Certification Program. In 2024, BMW Group and NXP Semiconductors were awarded the first CCC Digital Key certificates.
What if your car doesn’t include phone-as-key capability from the factory? Some companies offer retrofit systems that work with specific vehicle makes and models or a range of vehicles. This requires installing a device that allows the car to communicate with your smartphone, installing the correct app, and pairing the device and phone. You can do this yourself or entrust a car alarm service. The biggest compatibility hurdle for aftermarket digital keys is luxury cars, which require other modifications to bypass the onboard security system and allow the connection.
Going Digital with Phone Keys
The phone-as-key market is exploding, with some researchers projecting it to grow at annual rates approaching 22%. It’s not just in the U.S., either. ResearchAndMarket.com predicts that by 2030, over 80% of Chinese passenger cars will come with digital keys. In a smartphone-dominated world, it’s not surprising that more and more people are turning their smartphones into car keys for convenience, cost, security, and flexibility.
It’s worth considering the switch, especially if you’d be interested in a compatible vehicle regardless. However, I think we’re at the stage where you should still have a physical key or fob as a backup plan. You don’t want to be stranded because your smartphone battery ran out or you’re in a region with wireless signal issues. It’s the equivalent of wearing a lifejacket while sailing. You don’t plan on needing it, but you’ll be glad if you do.
