MINI Digital Key Plus vs. Traditional Key Fob: The Future of Keyless Entry Explained

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Picture this: You’re walking toward your MINI, phone in pocket, hands full of groceries. Just ten feet away, your car senses your approach, wakes up, unlocks, and seamlessly adjusts to your personal settings—all without a key in your pocket. Ok that’s also what MINI’s modern key fob can do. So what makes MINI Digital Key Plus different? We investigate.

MINI Digital Key Plus

MINI Key Card

MINI Key Fob

The magic described above is thanks to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which allows your MINI to determine your exact location—right down to whether you’re approaching the driver’s door or standing on the passenger side.

Digital Key Plus is available as part of the Comfort Access package (SA 322) with Teleservices (6AE) and is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, as well as the Apple Watch.

Digital Key Plus vs. the Traditional Key Fob —What’s the Difference?

The quick answer is both a lot and very little. But let’s get into the details and also throw in the standard MINI Digital Key and the MINI Key Card into the mix.

Feature	MINI Digital Key Plus	MINI Digital Key	MINI Key Card	Traditional Key Fob
Technology	Ultra-Wideband (UWB) + Bluetooth	Near Field Communication (NFC)	NFC	Radio Frequency (RF)
Unlocking	Hands-free (automatically unlocks as you approach)	Requires holding phone to door handle	Requires holding card to door handle	Remote unlock with button press
Locking	Hands-free (locks when you walk away)	Requires holding phone to door handle	Requires holding card to door handle	Remote lock with button press
Starting the Car	Phone just needs to be inside the car	Phone must be placed in the smartphone tray	Must be placed in the smartphone tray	Push-button start when fob is inside the car
Personalized Welcome Scenario	Yes (lights, profile, settings load automatically)	No	No	Yes (lights, profile, settings load automatically)
Phone Battery Dead?	Works for up to 5 hours (iPhone Express Mode)	No function	No function	NA
Shareable Key?	Yes, via text (also offers usage restrictions available)	Yes, via text	No	No
Security	High (UWB most secure as it prevents relay attacks)	Moderate (NFC requires physical contact)	Moderate (NFC requires physical contact)	Moderate (RF signals – least secure & can be intercepted)
Best Use Case	Hands-free, high-security, seamless daily use	Basic digital key alternative	Backup for valet or service appointments	Traditional physical key for all functions

Key Takeaways:

Digital Key Plus is the most advanced option, offering hands-free access, personalized settings, and the highest security.
Digital Key is a step down, requiring a tap-to-unlock approach but still offering digital convenience.
Key Card is best as a backup solution for valet or service situations.
Traditional Key Fob is the most similar to the Digital Key Plus in the way it works day to day but offers less flexibility to share and is much less secure.

In short, Digital Key Plus is the next-level experience—hands-free, automatic, and packed with personalized features. It beats out the standard key fob in its flexibility to share and robust security. The standard Digital Key and Key Card is more of a tap-to-unlock solution replying on NFC.

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

How You Get the MINI Digital Key Plus

MINI Digital Key Plus availability depends on your MINI’s market and trim level, as well as the smartphone model and software version. However it is mandatory to get the Comfort Access package (SA 322) and and make sure your MINI comes with Teleservices (6AE) option.

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