Losing or misplacing your car key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when you need to get going. Fortunately, Hyundai offers a cutting-edge solution that allows you to leave your traditional key fob behind: the Hyundai Digital Key. This innovative technology uses your smartphone to seamlessly unlock, lock, and even start your Hyundai vehicle.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Hyundai Digital Key to start your car without a physical key fob, ensuring you’re never stranded without a way to drive.
Understanding the Hyundai Digital Key
The Hyundai Digital Key is a feature available on many newer Hyundai models that transforms your Android smartphone into a smart key. It’s more than just a novelty; it’s a practical and convenient alternative to carrying a traditional key fob.
Key Benefits of Hyundai Digital Key:
- Keyless Convenience: Start and drive your car using just your smartphone, eliminating the need to carry a physical key fob.
- Remote Access: Unlock and lock your car doors remotely using the Digital Key app.
- Personalized Settings: Digital Key can store driver profiles, automatically adjusting seat positions, mirror settings, climate control, and audio preferences to your liking.
- Easy Key Sharing: Securely share digital keys with family or friends, granting them temporary access to your vehicle without needing to hand over a physical key. You can control the level of access and set expiration dates.
- Enhanced Security: Utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure and reliable operation.
Availability and Compatibility:
Hyundai Digital Key is currently available on compatible Android smartphones. You can download the “Hyundai Digital Key” app from the Google Play Store.
To use Hyundai Digital Key, ensure your phone meets these minimum requirements:
- Android OS Version: 7.2 or later
- Bluetooth: 4.2 or later
- NFC (Near Field Communication): This technology is essential for door entry and vehicle starting.
Important Note: While Digital Key offers broad compatibility, some Android devices may not be fully compatible. Refer to Hyundai’s compatibility list for the most up-to-date information.
Setting Up Your Hyundai Digital Key: Step-by-Step
Before you can enjoy the convenience of starting your Hyundai without a key fob, you’ll need to set up the Digital Key system. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Initial Setup and App Installation
- Check Compatibility: Confirm your Hyundai model and Android phone are compatible with Digital Key.
- Create a MyHyundai Account: If you don’t already have one, create an account on the MyHyundai website or app. This account is crucial for enrolling in the Digital Key service.
- Enroll in Digital Key Service: Within your MyHyundai account, locate and enroll in the Hyundai Digital Key service.
- Download and Install the App: Download the “Hyundai Digital Key” app from the Google Play Store on your compatible Android smartphone.
- Log In: Open the Digital Key app and log in using your MyHyundai account credentials (email and password).
Step 2: Pairing Your Digital Key with Your Hyundai
This pairing process securely links your smartphone to your vehicle’s Digital Key system.
- Start Your Hyundai: You’ll need your physical key fob for this initial pairing process. Start your Hyundai using the traditional key.
- Open the Digital Key App: Ensure the Hyundai Digital Key app is open and running on your smartphone.
- Initiate Pairing: In the app, tap the “+” button or the option to “Add New Digital Key.”
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Locate the wireless charging pad in your Hyundai (usually in the center console) and place your smartphone on it.
- Automatic Pairing: Your Hyundai will automatically detect your phone and initiate the pairing process. Follow any on-screen prompts in the car’s infotainment system or on the phone app to complete the pairing.
- Save Settings (Navigation Models): If your Hyundai has a navigation system, navigate to Setup > Vehicle > Digital Key > Smartphone Key > Save to finalize the pairing.
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): For models without navigation, use the instrument cluster menu. Access the Digital Key option through the cluster menu and then go to Digital Key > Smartphone Key > Save.
Pairing the NFC Key Card (Backup Option)
Hyundai Digital Key also supports an NFC Key Card as a backup. This card can be paired similarly to your smartphone:
- Start Your Car: Start your Hyundai.
- Open Digital Key App: Make sure your phone with the Digital Key app is with you and the app is open.
- Select NFC Card Pairing: In the app, find and select the “Pair NFC Key Card via BLE” section.
- Place NFC Card on Wireless Charger: Place the NFC Key Card on the wireless charging pad in your car.
- Automatic Pairing: The car will automatically pair with the NFC card.
- Save Settings (Navigation Models): Go to Setup > Vehicle > Digital Key > NFC Key Card > Save.
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): Go to Digital Key > NFC Key Card > Save.
- Backup Tip: Keep the NFC Key Card in your wallet or purse as an emergency backup in case your phone battery dies or you forget your phone.
Starting Your Hyundai with Digital Key: Keyless Start
Once your Digital Key is set up and paired, starting your Hyundai without the key fob is straightforward:
Digital Key Start Procedure:
- Approach Your Car: Walk towards your Hyundai with your smartphone. Ensure your phone is powered on and unlocked.
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Enter your vehicle and place your smartphone on the wireless charging pad.
- Start Engine: Press the brake pedal firmly and then push the engine START/STOP button.
- Engine Starts: Your Hyundai engine will start.
- Remove Phone (Optional): You can remove your phone from the wireless charger after the engine has started.
- Phone Functionality: You can lock your phone or use it for other functions while driving; the Digital Key functionality will continue to operate.
Sharing Your Digital Key
Hyundai Digital Key makes it easy to share access to your vehicle with others.
Sharing Steps:
- Access MyHyundai: Go to the “My Vehicle” section within your MyHyundai account (either on the website or app).
- Digital Key Settings: Find the “Digital Key” menu or settings.
- Create Shared Key: Click on the “Create Key” or “Share Key” button.
- Enter User Information: Provide the following details for the person you want to share the key with:
- First and Last Name
- Email Address
- Android Smartphone Number
- Notification Method: Choose to notify the shared key user via email or text message.
- Customize Access (Optional): You can customize the shared key with restrictions:
- Expiration Date: Set a date when the shared key will expire.
- Operation Time: Restrict the times of day the shared key can be used.
- Access Permissions: Choose whether the shared user can only enter the vehicle or also drive it.
- Create and Send: Click the “Create Key” button to finalize and send the shared digital key invitation.
- Shared User Notification: The recipient will receive a notification with instructions on how to accept and use the shared digital key.
- Sharing Limit: You can share your Digital Key with up to three other users.
- Revoke Access: You can disable or revoke a shared key at any time through your MyHyundai account.
Hyundai Digital Key offers a seamless and convenient way to start and use your vehicle without relying on a traditional key fob. By following these steps, you can take full advantage of this innovative technology and enjoy a keyless driving experience.
