The Digital Key Plus feature in BMW vehicles, first introduced in late 2021, has gained broader support through Android devices. This expansion comes as part of BMW’s ongoing effort to streamline vehicle access using smartphone technology and to align with evolving mobile ecosystems in North America. The core idea is simple: a compatible smartphone acts as a digital key, allowing drivers to lock and unlock the car, as well as start the engine, with just a tap or a Near Field Communication interaction. The experience is designed to be intuitive and appears with subtle lighting cues that indicate successful operation, creating a seamless sense of ease when approaching or leaving the vehicle.
The current extension targets Android smartphones that run Android 13 or newer and relies on devices from Samsung and Google. Specifically, compatible Samsung models include the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, S21+, S21 Ultra, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23+, and S23 Ultra, along with foldable lines such as the Z Fold3 and Z Fold4. For Google, the Pixel lineup with at least the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro is supported. In effect, a Digital Key Plus-enabled phone from either manufacturer can function as a secure key, enabling door operation and engine start without needing to retrieve a physical key fob. This alignment with modern Android platforms aims to offer convenience to Canadian and American BMW owners who prefer a phone-first approach to vehicle access, especially in urban environments with busy lifestyles and limited parking margins.
BMW has clarified that the Digital Key Plus feature currently applies to vehicles manufactured starting in November 2022 or later. The automaker also has plans to broaden compatibility to include some older models in the future, gradually extending the technology’s reach. This staged approach mirrors industry trends where carmakers progressively retrofit or update existing hardware to take advantage of new digital key standards while maintaining a path for owners of legacy vehicles. The result is a more inclusive roadmap that balances hardware constraints with user demand for frictionless vehicle access and modern digital ecosystems.