How to Use MINI’s New iPhone & Android Digital Key

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MINI is moving to a single key fob this year, so there’s no better time to get acquainted with MINI’s new smartphone-based key functionality. Known as Digital Key Plus, this feature allows you to leave your key fob at home while offering even more control over your MINI. As an added bonus, MINI is also introducing a KeyCard, which provides similar functionality in a card format. Here’s how both work on iOS and Android.

Why This New Tech Might Truly Replace Your Key

Digital Key Plus is made possible thanks to MINI’s full support of the Car Connectivity Consortium, enabling your smartphone to replicate all the functions of a traditional key fob. However, this is far more advanced than previous (and often sluggish) implementations, where commands were relayed through a server before reaching the car.

Activating MINI Digital Key Plus

Activating MINI Digital Key Plus

MINI Digital Key Plus Install Process

Adding MINI Digital Key Plus to Your iOS Wallet

MINI Digital Key Plus

Sharing MINI Digital Key Plus

This new technology communicates directly with the car, ensuring an instantaneous response to any command. There are a couple of ways to use Digital Key Plus, but the real game-changer is the ability to have your MINI automatically unlock when you approach and lock when you walk away.

Additionally, you can store the key in your phone’s wallet. On an iPhone, this can be accessed with a double-click of the power button—then simply hold your phone near the MINI’s door handle to unlock or lock. Both functions use ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which provides the same seamless experience as a key fob but with enhanced security.

This system also lets you share your digital key—permanently or temporarily—with up to 12 friends or family members via a simple text message.

Oh, and here’s the kicker: it even works when your phone is dead (at least for iPhone users). With Express Modeenabled, you can lock, unlock, and start your MINI for up to five hours after your iPhone’s battery has died.

How to Set-up & Use your digital key car on an iphone

How to Set-up & Use your digital key car on an Android

How to Set-up & Use your key card

The post How to Use MINI’s New iPhone & Android Digital Key appeared first on MotoringFile.

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