Losing or forgetting your car key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re in a hurry. For Hyundai Elantra owners, the anxiety of being locked out or unable to start your car can be quickly alleviated thanks to Hyundai’s innovative Digital Key feature. This technology allows you to use your smartphone as a key, offering a seamless and convenient alternative to the traditional key fob. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Hyundai Digital Key to start your Elantra without a physical key fob.
Understanding the Hyundai Digital Key
The Hyundai Digital Key is a cutting-edge feature that transforms your smartphone into a smart key for your vehicle. Imagine the convenience of unlocking, locking, and even starting your Hyundai Elantra using just your Android phone. This technology not only eliminates the need to carry a physical key fob but also adds a layer of modern convenience to your driving experience. Furthermore, the Digital Key system allows you to share vehicle access with family or friends, granting up to three users the ability to use their smartphones as keys.
Alt Text: Hyundai Digital Key icon representing smartphone car access.
This feature is currently available for Android devices and can be easily accessed through the Hyundai Digital Key app, downloadable from the Google Play Store.
Alt Text: Download the Hyundai Digital Key app from the Google Play Store.
Before getting started, ensure your smartphone meets the necessary compatibility requirements:
- Android operating system version 7.2 or later
- Bluetooth 4.2 or later
- Near Field Communication (NFC)
It’s important to note that while Hyundai Digital Key is compatible with a wide range of Android devices, some devices may not currently be supported. You can refer to Hyundai’s compatibility list for more details.
Setting Up Your Digital Key to Start Your Elantra
To begin using your smartphone as a key, you’ll need to set up the Hyundai Digital Key system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Initial Setup
- Compatibility Check: Verify that your Android phone meets the software and hardware requirements mentioned earlier (Android 7.2+, Bluetooth 4.2+, NFC).
- MyHyundai Account: Create a MyHyundai account or log in to your existing account. Enrollment in the Hyundai Digital Key service is required and can typically be done through the MyHyundai portal or app.
- Download and Install App: Download the “Hyundai Digital Key” application from the Google Play Store and install it on your compatible Android smartphone.
- Login: Open the Digital Key app and log in using your MyHyundai account credentials (email and password).
Step 2: Pairing Your Digital Key with Your Vehicle
Pairing your phone to your Hyundai Elantra is a straightforward process:
- Start Your Elantra: Turn on your Hyundai Elantra using your physical key if it’s your first time setting up.
- Open Digital Key App: Launch the Hyundai Digital Key app on your smartphone.
- Initiate Pairing: Press the “+” button within the app interface to begin the pairing process.
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Locate the wireless charging pad in your Hyundai Elantra and place your phone on it.
- Automatic Recognition: Your car will automatically detect your phone and initiate the pairing sequence.
- Save Settings (Navigation Models): For Elantra models equipped with a navigation system, navigate to “Setup” in the infotainment system, then “Vehicle,” “Digital Key,” “Smartphone Key,” and finally, select “Save.”
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): For models without navigation, use the instrument cluster menu to find the Digital Key options. Typically, you’ll go to “Digital Key,” then “Smartphone Key,” and “Save.”
Pairing the NFC Key Card (Backup)
Hyundai Digital Key also supports an NFC Key Card as a backup. Here’s how to pair it:
- Start Your Car: Ensure your Hyundai Elantra is running.
- Open App and Navigate: Make sure your phone is with you, the Digital Key app is open, and navigate to the “Pair NFC Key Card via BLE” section within the app.
- Place NFC Card on Charger: Place the NFC Key Card on the wireless charging pad in your car.
- Automatic Pairing: The car will automatically pair with the NFC Key Card.
- Save Settings (Navigation Models): Go to “Setup” > “Vehicle” > “Digital Key” > “NFC Key Card” > “Save” in your navigation system.
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): Navigate to “Digital Key” > “NFC Key Card” > “Save” using the cluster base menu.
Alt Text: Hyundai Digital Key interface displayed on a smartphone alongside an NFC Key Card.
Tip: Keep the NFC Key Card in your wallet or purse as an emergency backup in case your phone battery dies or you don’t have your phone with you.
Using Your Digital Key to Start and Access Your Hyundai Elantra
Once set up, using your Digital Key is simple and intuitive:
Digital Key Entry:
- Approach Vehicle: Walk towards your Hyundai Elantra with your phone turned on and unlocked.
- Tap Door Handle: Place your phone near the driver’s side door handle for about one second.
- Doors Unlock: The doors will automatically unlock, granting you access.
Digital Key Start:
- Enter Vehicle: Get into your Hyundai Elantra with your phone on and unlocked.
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Put your smartphone on the wireless charging pad inside the car.
- Start Engine: Press the brake pedal and then push the engine start button.
- Engine Starts: Your Hyundai Elantra will start.
- Remove Phone (Optional): You can remove your phone from the wireless charger after starting the engine and use it as needed, or keep it charging during your drive.
Digital Key Sharing:
The Hyundai Digital Key system also allows you to share digital keys with others:
Alt Text: Hyundai Digital Key sharing interface showing user details entry.
Alt Text: Hyundai Digital Key sharing options with permissions and expiry settings.
- Access My Vehicle Section: Go to the “My Vehicle” section within your MyHyundai account (either on the website or through the MyHyundai app).
- Create Shared Key: Under the “Digital Key” heading, find and click on the “Create Key” button.
- Enter User Information: Input the necessary details for the person you want to share the key with, including:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Android smartphone number
- Notification Method: Choose to notify the shared key user via email or text message.
- User Notification: The recipient will receive an invitation to accept a shared digital key for your Hyundai Elantra.
- Customize Permissions (Optional): You can set restrictions for the shared key, such as:
- Expiration date for key access
- Allowed operation times
- Permissions to only enter the vehicle or also drive it
- Finalize Sharing: Click the “Create Key” button to finalize and send the shared digital key invitation.
Tip: You can share your Digital Key with up to three additional users. You also have the flexibility to disable or revoke a shared key at any time through your MyHyundai account.
With Hyundai Digital Key, starting your Hyundai Elantra without a traditional key fob is not only possible but also incredibly convenient. Embrace this technology and enjoy a keyless, connected driving experience.
