Gone are the days when we used to see a purely mechanical car. Most modern cars these days have some kind of technology integrated into them. From being able to access a route map using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to unlocking your car with digital keys, we’ve come a long way.
When Google first announced the Android Digital Car Key back in 2021, BMW was one of the companies that initially adopted it allowing its customers to set up and use the BMW Digital Key for easily accessing their cars.
Fortunately, other automobile manufacturers have been gradually adopting it. In the context of Kia specifically, customers now have the option to use Digital Key 2 and Digital Key 2 Touch to easily access their beloved vehicles.
What is Kia Digital Key 2 (and Touch)?
The parent company of Kia, the Hyundai Motor Group, announced the Kia Digital Key 2 in October last year. The Kia Digital Key 2 allows you to lock/unlock and start the car even if you don’t have the key fob on you. It also supports the Approach Unlock feature that gives access to the car without having to touch your car door handle with your phone.
Worth noting that the Kia Digital Key 2 supports cross-platform compatibility for the contactless sharing of digital key capabilities between smartphones. Whereas, the Kia Digital Key 2 Touch requires you to hold your phone or watch against the car door handle to unlock it.
Cars Compatible with Kia Digital Key 2:
- 2024 EV9
Cars Compatible with Kia Digital Key 2 Touch:
- 2024 Niro
- 2024 Seltos
- 2024 Telluride
- 2023 Niro
- 2023 Seltos
- 2023 Telluride
To confirm the compatibility, you should look for “Digital Key 2 or 2 Touch” exclusively written in the features section of the searched car model as seen in the image below.
When Kia first introduced the Kia Digital Key, it was only available for select Android smartphones. Now, both Kia Digital Key 2 work on different Android phones from the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel lines. In addition, you can use both the digital car keys from Kia on multiple iPhones and the Apple Watch Series.
Before we jump on to learn the setup process, take a look at the list of devices that work with the Kia Digital Key 2.
What Devices work with the Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch)?
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Galaxy S21 series
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S22 series
- Galaxy S23 series
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24 series
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy Note 20 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip 5G or newer
- Galaxy Fold 2 or newer
Apple iPhones and Watches Compatible with Kia Digital Key 2:
- iPhone 11 series or Newer
- Apple Watch Series 8 or Newer
- Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2
Note: You need to keep your device inside the car during the set up process.
How to Set up Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch) on Android & iPhones (with UWB)
Step 1: First and foremost, make sure the Kia Access app is installed on your device and Kia Connect is activated on your car’s infotainment system.
Step 2: Now, open the Kia Access app on your device.
Step 3: Next, tap Digital Key.
Step 4: On the next screen, tap the Create Owner Key.
Tip: This option might be different on Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones, so please follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 5: Then tap Continue to Wallet App.
Step 6: Then, tap Continue from the “Car Keys in Wallet” screen. Now, you’ll see a progress bar on the Adding Key screen as the device tries “Connecting” and “Pairing” the key.
Step 7: Finally, tap Done on the following screen and you’re good to go. Now, you should be able to unlock and start your Kia car with your smartphone.
How to Set up Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch) on iPhones (without UWB)
Note: If you’ve compatible iPhones without UWB, first you’ll have to set up Kia Digital Key 2 on your car’s infotainment system.
Step 1: First, start your Kia car while making sure the smart key fob is with you inside the car during the Kia Digital Key 2 setup process.
Step 2: Now, press the “SETUP” option available just below the infotainment system screen.
Step 3: Next, tap the Vehicle option on your car’s infotainment system.
Step 4: Then, tap the Digital Keys option.
Step 5: Now, tap the Smartphone Key option.
Step 6: On the following screen, tap Save.
Step 7: Now, your car infotainment system will search for your iPhone. You’ll see a prompt saying “Searching for an available smartphone. Set phone to saving mode and follow instructions.“
Step 8: Now, open the Kia Access app on your iPhone.
Step 9: Then, tap Digital Key.
Step 10: On the next screen, tap the Create owner key option.
Step 11: Now, tap Continue to Wallet App.
Step 12: Then, tap Continue from the “Car Keys in Wallet” screen.
Step 13: When you see the progress bar on the Adding Key screen, place your iPhone on the car’s charging pad or phone tray.
Step 14: Now, your car’s infotainment system and iPhone will pair to complete the setup of the Kia Digital Key 2.
This can be confirmed when you see the “My Smartphone Key has been saved” message on the infotainment system’s screen.
How to Set up Kia Digital Key 2 on Samsung Galaxy & Pixel Phones (without UWB)
Note: First, make sure you follow the aforementioned instructions in Step 1 to Step 7. Then, follow the instructions given below.
Step 8: Now, open the Kia Access app on compatible Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel smartphones.
Step 9: Then, tap Digital Key.
Step 10: On the “Get ready to add your key” screen, make sure to checkmark the “I’ve completed the instructions above” message and tap Continue.
Step 11: Then, you’ll see an infographic instructing you to place your phone on the phone tray, make sure to do it.
Step 12: As soon as you place your phone on the phone tray or charging pad, your car’s infotainment system and your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone will pair to complete the setup of the Kia Digital Key 2.
You can confirm the same when you see the “My Smartphone Key has been saved” message on the infotainment system’s screen. If you want to check the official guide, make sure to watch the video embedded below.
How to Use Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch) using Android and iPhones (without UWB)
Once you have set up Kia Digital Key 2 on your device, it’s time for you to use it. You should touch the door handle of the car with your registered phone to lock or unlock it. To start your car, first place your smartphone on the wireless charging pad. Then, depress the brake pedal and press the start button to start the car’s engine. It’s that simple.
How to Use Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch) using Android and iPhones (with UWB)
Although you could similarly access your Kia car as you would do with a smartphone without UWB. But, if you have a UWB-enabled Android phone or an iPhone, you can also enable an option to unlock your car automatically as you approach it. However, you should enable the “Approach Unlock” toggle on your Kia car infotainment system.
On your Kia car’s infotainment system, tap Set up (with cog icon) > Vehicle > Door > toggle on Approach Unlock. After you enable the feature, your car will automatically open once you approach the front seat door handle.
However, you should ensure to keep the registered smartphone on you for this feature to work. To start the vehicle, press the brake pedal and the start button making sure your smartphone is inside your Kia car.
How to Use Kia Digital Key 2 (Touch) with Apple Watch
If your Apple Watch has the UWB or NFC feature, your Kia car’s door will automatically open as you approach it. In case your Apple Watch doesn’t have UWB or NFC features, hold it against the car door handle and it will automatically open.
Next, press the brake pedal and the start button while keeping your hand with the Apple Watch right above the wireless charging pad inside the car. We recommend checking the official tutorial video attached below.
That’s all we have for you for now. We hope this guide helped you to set up Kia Digital Key 2 on your Android and iPhones. Moreover, it’d be great if you could share this piece with your friends and family members who drive Kia cars.
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