BMW X5: Enable the digital remote control key - BMW Digital Key

Enable the digital remote control key

Vehicle owner's smartphone is enabled as a digital remote control key in the vehicle. The vehicle owner must prove his authorization for the vehicle for this purpose.

The proof of authorization can be started via the BMW app or via the activation code in the corresponding smartphone function, for instance the Wallet app. Both vehicle keys must be located in the vehicle to be enabled.

Follow the instructions in the Digital Key menu in the BMW app or on the Control Display.

The valid service period of the digital key may be limited. The expiration date of the validity can be checked in the BMW app.

After a digital key has expired, it can still be used to move the vehicle until the vehicle is used with a different vehicle key or digital key.

Sharing digital keys

General information

Digital key allows the sharing of digital keys with other people. This option is available via the smartphone that is enabled as digital remote control key.

Forwarding authorization

To share the digital key, select the corresponding function on the smartphone, for instance in the Wallet app.

As soon as a digital key is shared with another person, the person will receive an invitation.

When the invitation is accepted, the digital key on the recipient's smartphone will be activated.

Limiting the range of functions

Certain functions of the digital key can be limited before handing it over. For example, if the digital key is handed over to a novice driver, the switchoff of driving stability control system can be excluded.

For more information, refer to the ConnectedDrive portal and the BMW app.

Authentication

Depending on the recipient's smartphone model, an authentication may be required for security and safety reasons.

An authorized vehicle key, the digital remote control key or another method may be used for authentication. Follow the corresponding instructions on the smartphone or the Control Display.

Deleting a shared key

General information

Shared keys can be deleted via the smartphone with the digital remote control key, the smartphone with a shared key or via iDrive.

The deletion via the smartphone with the digital remote control key will not be performed until the vehicle is used with a key other than the key to be deleted.

The deletion via the smartphone with a shared key or via iDrive is executed immediately.

Deleted digital keys will be removed from the list of enabled digital keys.

Deleted digital keys cannot be restored.

Deletion via iDrive

To be able to delete a digital key via iDrive, an authorized vehicle key must be located in the vehicle or the remote control key must be located in the smartphone tray.

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "Doors/ vehicle access".

4. "Digital Key".

5. If necessary, select the digital key.

6. "Delete key".

Reset the function

To reset the BMW Digital Key function, an authorized vehicle key must be located in the vehicle.

When resetting the BMW Digital Key function, all digital keys including the digital remote control key will be deleted.

After the reset, the vehicle can no longer be unlocked, locked or started with a digital key.

The digital remote control key must be enabled again to be able to use BMW Digital Key again.

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "Doors/ vehicle access".

4. "Digital Key".

5. "Reset function".

Unlocking and locking the vehicle

Hold the near field communication antenna of the smartphone directly and centered on the external door handle of the driver's door.

The position of the near field communication antenna depends on the smartphone model.

When locking the vehicle with the smartphone, make sure that all doors and also the tailgate are closed.

Starting the engine

Tray with thermoelectric cup holder:

Tray without thermoelectric cup holder:

1. Open the cover of the smartphone tray.

2. Place smartphone centered into the smartphone tray.

Ensure that the display is facing up.

3. Close the cover of the smartphone tray.

4. Press the Start/Stop button to start the engine.

Sale of the smartphone

Delete all digital keys on the smartphone prior to selling the smartphone. This ensures that that the smartphone can no longer be used for the vehicle.

Sale of the vehicle

Prior to selling a vehicle, reset the Digital Key function or remove the vehicle from the ConnectedDrive account of the current vehicle owner.

When the vehicle is removed from the ConnectedDrive account, all digital keys for the vehicle will be deleted.

Malfunction

Digital key recognition by the vehicle may malfunction under the following circumstances:

• The smartphone is shielded from the sensors in the vehicle by a smartphone cover that is not suitable.
• Objects such as a chip card or the Key Card are located between the smartphone and the smartphone cover.

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