Hyundai Digital Key Guide: How Does Hyundai Digital Key Work?
Your smartphone can do more than provide directions or play music in your Hyundai. With available Hyundai Digital Key, a compatible smartphone or smartwatch can act as a digital vehicle key, allowing you to lock, unlock, start, and drive an appropriately equipped Hyundai without reaching for your traditional key fob.
The latest Hyundai Digital Key 2 technology also makes it possible to securely share vehicle access with family members or other trusted drivers.
So, how does Hyundai Digital Key work, which phones are compatible, and how do you set it up? Here’s what Hyundai owners and shoppers should know.
What Is Hyundai Digital Key?
Hyundai Digital Key is an available technology that allows a compatible mobile device to function as a vehicle key.
Depending on your Hyundai and compatible device, Digital Key can allow you to:
- Lock your Hyundai
- Unlock your Hyundai
- Start the vehicle
- Drive without using the traditional key fob
- Share Digital Key access with other people
- Manage shared keys
- Use compatible smartphones and smartwatches
- Save certain personalized vehicle settings
Availability and functionality vary by Hyundai model, trim, model year, and mobile device.
What Is Hyundai Digital Key 2?
Hyundai Digital Key 2 is the newer generation of Hyundai’s smartphone-based key technology.
Digital Key 2 works with select Apple, Samsung, and Google devices and integrates with supported digital wallets. Depending on the device and vehicle, your Digital Key can be stored in Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet or Google Wallet.
Hyundai Digital Key 2 can also work with compatible smartwatches, including supported Apple Watch devices.
What Can You Do With Hyundai Digital Key 2?
One of the biggest advantages of Digital Key is the ability to leave your traditional key fob behind for many everyday trips.
Once your compatible device has been paired with an appropriately equipped Hyundai, you can use it to access and operate your vehicle.
Unlock Your Hyundai With Your Phone
Digital Key 2 can allow a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to unlock your Hyundai.
With Digital Key 2 Touch, NFC-compatible devices can be placed near the driver’s door handle to unlock the vehicle.
Depending on the Digital Key version, vehicle, and device technology, functionality may vary.
Start Your Hyundai With Digital Key
Once you’re inside an appropriately equipped Hyundai, your Digital Key can authorize the vehicle to start.
With Digital Key 2 Touch, you may need to place your compatible smartphone on or near the wireless charging pad before starting the vehicle.
The exact process depends on your vehicle and the Digital Key technology supported by your phone.
Can You Drive a Hyundai Without the Key Fob?
On an appropriately equipped Hyundai with an activated Digital Key and compatible device, you can use your smartphone as a vehicle key without carrying the traditional key fob.
Because compatibility and operation can vary, Hyundai owners should confirm their phone and vehicle support Digital Key before relying on their smartphone as their only key.
Keeping your traditional smart key or an available NFC Key Card accessible can also provide a useful backup.
Can You Share a Hyundai Digital Key?
Yes. Hyundai Digital Key 2 can be shared with up to three people.
This can be useful when multiple family members drive the same Hyundai.
Depending on the compatible device, keys can be shared using:
- Apple Wallet
- Samsung Wallet
- Google Wallet
The primary user can manage shared keys and revoke access when it is no longer needed.
This means you can give someone vehicle access without handing them your physical key fob.
Can You Control Who Uses a Shared Digital Key?
Yes. Hyundai Digital Key 2 provides tools for managing shared access.
The primary user can share keys with trusted drivers and remove access when necessary. Depending on the system and device, additional controls may also be available for shared keys.
This can make Digital Key useful for households that regularly share a vehicle.
What Phones Work With Hyundai Digital Key?
Compatibility depends on which version of Hyundai Digital Key your vehicle uses.
Digital Key 2 supports select compatible:
- Apple iPhone devices
- Samsung Galaxy devices
- Google Pixel devices
- Apple Watch devices
- Other supported smartwatches
Not every smartphone or smartwatch is compatible, even if it is made by one of these manufacturers.
Because compatibility changes as new devices and operating systems are released, Hyundai owners should check Hyundai’s current compatible-device information for their specific vehicle and phone.
Does Hyundai Digital Key Work With iPhone?
Yes. Hyundai Digital Key 2 supports compatible Apple iPhones on appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicles.
Digital Key 2 can integrate with Apple Wallet, allowing an eligible iPhone to function as a digital vehicle key.
Compatible Apple Watch models can also support Digital Key 2 functionality.
Older Hyundai Digital Key 1 technology is different and was designed primarily for compatible Android devices.
Does Hyundai Digital Key Work With Android?
Yes. Hyundai Digital Key supports compatible Android smartphones.
Digital Key 2 currently supports select Samsung and Google devices, while older Digital Key 1 technology was designed for compatible Android phones with the required Bluetooth and NFC capabilities.
Your vehicle model, model year, phone, and operating system determine compatibility.
What Is Digital Key 2 Touch?
Digital Key 2 Touch uses Near Field Communication, or NFC, to communicate between your mobile device and vehicle.
To unlock an eligible Hyundai, you can hold the compatible phone or smartwatch near the driver’s door handle.
Once inside, an NFC-only smartphone may need to be placed on the wireless charging pad to authorize the vehicle to start.
What Is Digital Key 2 Premium?
Certain newer Hyundai vehicles offer Digital Key 2 Premium, which can use Ultra-Wideband, or UWB, technology with compatible devices.
This technology can provide a more seamless experience than an NFC-only Digital Key because compatible vehicles can detect an authorized device nearby.
Exact functionality depends on the vehicle and mobile device.
How Do I Set Up Hyundai Digital Key 2?
Setup begins with an eligible Hyundai, a compatible mobile device, and an active Bluelink account.
The general setup process is:
- Enroll your eligible Hyundai in Bluelink.
- Download and sign in to the MyHyundai with Bluelink app.
- Select the Digital Key option from the home screen or Utilities menu.
- Select the option to begin pairing.
- Follow the instructions provided by your smartphone and Hyundai.
- When instructed, place your phone on the wireless charging pad.
- Follow the prompts on your Hyundai’s display to save your smartphone key.
Setup instructions can differ depending on your phone and Hyundai model.
Is Hyundai Digital Key the Same as Bluelink?
No. Hyundai Digital Key and Bluelink are different technologies, although they work together on many newer Hyundai vehicles.
Digital Key allows a compatible mobile device to function as a vehicle key.
Bluelink provides connected vehicle services such as remote start, vehicle status, remote door controls, location features, and other connected functions.
Digital Key 2 setup requires the MyHyundai with Bluelink app and an active Bluelink account.
Hyundai Digital Key FAQs
What does Hyundai Digital Key do?
Hyundai Digital Key allows a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to act as a key for an appropriately equipped Hyundai. Depending on the system, you can lock, unlock, start, and drive the vehicle.
Can I use my iPhone as a Hyundai key?
Yes. Hyundai Digital Key 2 works with select compatible Apple iPhones on appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicles.
Can I use an Apple Watch as a Hyundai key?
Compatible Apple Watch devices can support Hyundai Digital Key 2 on appropriately equipped vehicles.
Can I share my Hyundai Digital Key?
Yes. Digital Key 2 allows the primary user to share Digital Key access with up to three people using supported devices.
Do all Hyundai vehicles have Digital Key?
No. Hyundai Digital Key availability varies by model, trim, model year, and equipment.
Do I still get a physical key with Hyundai Digital Key?
Digital Key is an additional method of accessing your Hyundai rather than simply eliminating the vehicle’s traditional smart key system.
Does Hyundai Digital Key require Bluelink?
Hyundai states that Digital Key 2 requires the MyHyundai with Bluelink app and an active Bluelink account.
Explore Hyundai Digital Key Technology
Hyundai Digital Key can make everyday vehicle access easier by turning a compatible smartphone or smartwatch into a secure digital vehicle key.
If you’re shopping for a new Hyundai, our team can help you find models equipped with Hyundai Digital Key 2, check available features, and learn how to pair a compatible mobile device with your new vehicle.