Skip to main content

Google rolling out Android digital car key support to Pixel 6, Galaxy S21 on select BMWs

Back at I/O, Google announced that Android 12 will let you unlock compatible vehicles with just your phone. Digital car key support for locking/unlocking and starting vehicles is going live for the Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S21 lines from today.

At launch, you need to physically tap the door (NFC is used) to unlock. [Update: Google tells us only NFC is available at the moment.] That said, Android’s digital car keys are designed to eventually leverage Ultra-Wideband (UWB) on newer devices and cars so that the phone can stay in your pocket.

The interface for this interaction is not too different from Google Pay with a “Hold to reader” prompt and “unlocked phone to use this key” option, as well as a link to the car brand’s companion app. Keys can also be securely shared with other people.

Digital car keys are rolling out today on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy 21 for compatible 2020 and 2022 BMW vehicles.

Meanwhile, country availability (by device) is as follows:

  • Pixel, though the 6 is not sold in all these countries: Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Cyprus, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United States, Croatia, Macao, Taiwan
  • Galaxy S21: United States, Korea, Great Britain, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain

In the Pixel lineup, only the 6 Pro features an Ultra-Wideband chip, which Google touts as providing “accurate ranging and spatial orientation.” It was not “enabled at initial product release” and is still not operational.

BMW already supports the iPhone and Apple Watch, while the set-up process involves being in your car and the companion client. Google is working with other car brands to increase support.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications