Jul 25, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, BMW continues to lead the way with its innovative features. Among them, the BMW Digital Key stands out as a prime example of seamless integration between smartphones and luxury vehicles. In an exciting development, BMW has expanded the capabilities of its Digital Key, allowing owners to share access between both iPhone and Android devices. This enhanced flexibility opens up new possibilities for BMW drivers, and in this blog, we will explore how this advancement further enhances the driving experience.

The BMW Digital Key is cutting-edge technology that turns your smartphone into a virtual car key. By utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, this feature enables contactless access and ignition for your BMW, eliminating the need for a physical key. BMW owners have widely acclaimed the convenience and security offered by the Digital Key.

Initially, the BMW Digital Key was limited to specific iPhone models running iOS 13.6 and above. This exclusivity sometimes posed challenges for BMW owners who preferred Android devices. However, BMW has been listening to its customers and has now introduced a groundbreaking update that allows sharing of the Digital Key between both iPhone and Android smartphones.

Whether you own an iPhone or an Android device, sharing the BMW Digital Key with family and friends is now a hassle-free process:

For iPhone Users:

  1. Set Up Digital Key: Launch the BMW Connected App on your iPhone and add your BMW vehicle if you haven’t done so already. Follow the instructions to set up your Digital Key using your BMW ID or fingerprint for verification.
  2. Invite a Guest: Within the “Digital Key” section of the app, select “Invite Guest.” Enter the recipient’s email address, customize access privileges, and set an expiration date, if desired.
  3. Guest Accepts the Invitation: The recipient will receive an email invitation to accept the Digital Key. They need to download the BMW Connected App, sign in with their BMW ID, and accept the invitation.
  4. Sharing Successful: Once the recipient accepts the invitation, the Digital Key will be accessible on their iPhone, granting them the specified access rights.

For Android Users:

  1. Check NFC Compatibility: Ensure that your Android smartphone supports NFC technology and is running Android 10 or a later version.
  2. Set Up Digital Key: Download and install the BMW Connected App from the Google Play Store. Add your BMW vehicle to the app and set up the Digital Key following the on-screen instructions.
  3. Invite a Guest: Navigate to the “Digital Key” section in the BMW Connected App and tap on “Invite Guest.” Enter the recipient’s email address, customize access permissions, and duration.
  4. Guest Accepts the Invitation: The guest will receive an email containing the Digital Key invitation link. They should open the link, download the BMW Connected App, sign in with their BMW ID, and accept the invitation.
  5. Sharing Successful: After accepting the invitation, the Digital Key will be added to their BMW Connected App, providing seamless access to your BMW.

The expanded compatibility of the BMW Digital Key brings a host of benefits for BMW owners:

  1. Wider Access: Owners can now share their BMW Digital Key with a broader circle of family, friends, or colleagues, regardless of their smartphone preferences.
  2. Versatility: Cross-platform sharing accommodates mixed-device households, enabling effortless sharing between iPhone and Android users.
  3. Enhanced Convenience: BMW owners can enjoy the convenience of Digital Key sharing without limitations, making it a more versatile and user-friendly feature.
  4. Future-Proof: As smartphone technology evolves, BMW’s cross-platform approach ensures that the Digital Key remains relevant and accessible to a wide range of users.

With the latest advancement in BMW Digital Key technology, owners can revel in greater flexibility and convenience by sharing access to their luxury vehicles between both iPhone and Android devices. As an authorized BMW dealership, we at Passport BMW are delighted to witness BMW’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience of our customers through cutting-edge innovations. Embrace the new era of cross-platform sharing with BMW’s Digital Key, and take full control of your driving journey, regardless of your smartphone choice. Visit us today and discover the world of possibilities that BMW has to offer.