Kia Digital Key | Compatible Cars, Phones & Setup

What is the difference between the Kia Digital Key 2 and the Kia Digital Key 2 Touch?

Digital Key 2 uses specific technology that enables your smartphone or smartwatch to serve as a genuine substitute for the traditional key fob. This means you can unlock the doors or start the car without needing to remove your device from your pocket. The Digital Key 2 Touch is not quite as advanced, but it still enables you to use your smart phone as a key. It requires you to hold your phone or watch against the door handle to unlock the car, and it also requires placing your phone in the wireless charging area to start the engine. The difference between the two is similar to the difference between traditional keys that need to be placed in the ignition and a modern key fob. Digital Key 2 Touch requires a phone to be in specific locations to work. Digital Key 2 only needs to be within a certain proximity and can be left in your pocket. If you are in Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Lombard, or surrounding areas, stop in today at our Kia dealership for a demonstration on the Kia Digital Key 2 and Kia Digital Key 2 Touch.

Kia Digital Key Apple: What Devices work with Kia Digital key?

Some people may be aware that when the Kia Digital Key was first released, it was only compatible with Android devices. We are pleased to announce that the Kia Digital Key 2 and Kia Digital Key 2 Touch are now compatible with Android, Apple, and Google phones. Take a look below at the current device capabilities:

Kia digital key setup: How to use Kia Digital Key

The Kia Digital Key Setup is fairly easy, but some people do encounter issues when pairing. To activate the digital key using the Kia Connect app, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you have the Kia Connect App downloaded on your mobile device, and bring your phone and both keys inside your vehicle.
2. Start the engine, ensure you are in park, and launch the Kia Connect App.
3. A registration pop-up for the digital key will appear. Tap the add button. On the following screen, select "Register digital vehicle key."
4. The activation will be sent to your Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Google Wallet. Your wallet app will have additional steps to confirm the key.
5. If you have problems with your Kia Digital Key setup, stop into Napleton Kia of Elmhurst today and we'll show you how to pair it!

Are digital keys safe?

The current wave of digital keys relies on two types of technologies that have been shown to be quite safe. As with any technology, there are small risks, but these are heavily reduced thanks to the intelligent design by Kia.

Kia Digital Key 2 Touch Safety

The Kia Digital Key 2 Touch relies on NFC technology. When data moves between an NFC device, like a smartphone, it gets encrypted. This means the information turns into a secure code, making it hard for people to access sensitive information. If you are comfortable using the chips on a debit or credit card, then this shouldn't feel too risky, as it's similar to the technology that is used. As far as the overall risk goes, there are currently no reported thefts using digital keys, while there have been incidents of theft mirroring normal key fobs. Due to additional encryption on phones, it would actually be a more complex process than current keys. As with any technology, it's not infallible, but as we currently stand, it seems just as safe as a normal key fob. We do recommend that, while using the digital key, you set your key to be locked via a passcode or fingerprint for added safety.

Kia Digital Key 2 Safety

The Kia Digital Key 2 relies on even better technology than the touch. It uses UWB, Bluetooth, and NFC, but for this section, we will focus on the UWB. UWB allows for very accurate location data. This means your Kia can read the exact distance your phone is from the car. Due to the precise distance information, the technology becomes extremely resistant to the methods that hackers use on traditional key fobs. This proximity data also enables the car to unlock as you get closer and allows you to start your Kia without having your phone in a specific location in the car. Overall, the technology is fairly new, so anything is possible, but the early returns on this technology are exciting many automakers as the future of digital key safety.