Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience, especially when you need to get going. Fortunately, Hyundai offers a convenient solution for many of its models: the Digital Key. This innovative feature allows you to start and operate your Hyundai using just your smartphone, eliminating the need for a physical key fob altogether. If you’re wondering “how to start a Hyundai without a key fob,” the Hyundai Digital Key might be the answer you’re looking for.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the Hyundai Digital Key to start your vehicle, from checking compatibility to setting up and using this smart technology.
Understanding the Hyundai Digital Key
The Hyundai Digital Key is a smart feature that transforms your smartphone into a virtual car key. Using a dedicated mobile app, this technology allows you to perform all the functions of a traditional key fob, and even more. Imagine unlocking your car, starting the engine, and even sharing access with family or friends, all from your smartphone. This is the power of Hyundai Digital Key.
Key Benefits of Using Digital Key:
- Keyless Convenience: Say goodbye to fumbling for your keys. Your smartphone becomes your all-in-one car key.
- Remote Access: Start your car remotely (depending on model capabilities) and even share digital keys with others, regardless of location.
- Personalized Settings: Digital Key can remember driver profiles, automatically adjusting seat positions, mirror settings, climate control, and audio preferences.
- Enhanced Security: Utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure and reliable operation.
- Shareable Access: Easily grant temporary or permanent access to your vehicle to up to three other drivers.
Is Your Hyundai Compatible with Digital Key?
Before diving into the setup process, it’s crucial to ensure your Hyundai model and smartphone are compatible with the Digital Key feature.
Vehicle Compatibility:
Hyundai Digital Key is available on select Hyundai models. Consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Hyundai dealership to confirm if your vehicle is equipped with this technology. Newer models are more likely to offer Digital Key as an option or standard feature.
Smartphone Compatibility:
Currently, Hyundai Digital Key 1 is primarily designed for Android smartphones. To use Digital Key, your Android device must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Operating System: Android 7.0 or later.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 or later.
- NFC: Near Field Communication capability.
You can download the Hyundai Digital Key app from the Google Play Store.
Important Note: While Digital Key is convenient, it’s essential to check the list of devices not currently compatible with Digital Key to avoid any disappointment. As of the last update to this article, iPhone/iOS devices are not compatible with Digital Key 1.
Setting Up Your Hyundai Digital Key
Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, setting up your Hyundai Digital Key is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Initial Setup and App Installation
- Check Phone Compatibility: Ensure your Android phone meets the specifications mentioned earlier (Android 7.0+, Bluetooth 4.2+, NFC).
- Create a MyHyundai Account: If you don’t already have one, create a MyHyundai account on the Hyundai website or through the MyHyundai app. Enroll in the Hyundai Digital Key service within your account.
- Download the Hyundai Digital Key App: Download and install the “Hyundai Digital Key” app from the Google Play Store.
- Log In to the App: 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 links your smartphone to your Hyundai, enabling it to function as a digital key.
- Start Your Hyundai: Start your vehicle using your physical key fob. This is required for the initial pairing process.
- Open the Digital Key App: Ensure the Hyundai Digital Key app is open and running on your smartphone.
- Initiate Pairing: Press the “+” button within the Digital Key app to begin the pairing process.
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Locate the wireless charging pad in your Hyundai and place your smartphone on it.
- Automatic Recognition and Pairing: Your car will automatically detect your phone and initiate the pairing sequence.
- Save Settings (Navigation Models): If your Hyundai has a navigation system, go to “Setup” > “Vehicle” > “Digital Key” > “Smartphone Key” > “Save” in the infotainment system.
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): For models without navigation, use the instrument cluster menu to navigate to “Digital Key” > “Smartphone Key” > “Save.”
Pairing the NFC Key Card (Backup)
Hyundai also provides an NFC Key Card as a backup. Pairing this card is similar to pairing your smartphone:
- Start Your Car: Start your vehicle.
- 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, choose the “Pair NFC Key Card via BLE” option.
- Place NFC Card on Wireless Charger: Place the NFC Key Card on the wireless charging pad.
- 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.”
- Save Settings (Non-Navigation Models): Go to “Digital Key” > “NFC Key Card” > “Save.”
Tip: Keep the NFC Key Card in your wallet or purse as a reliable backup in case your phone battery dies or you forget your phone.
How to Use Your Digital Key to Start Your Hyundai
Once setup is complete, using your Digital Key to start your Hyundai is simple and convenient.
Digital Key Entry (Unlocking Doors):
- Approach Vehicle with Phone: Make sure your smartphone is turned on and unlocked.
- Tap Door Handle: Hold your phone near the driver’s side door handle for approximately one second.
- Doors Unlock: The doors will unlock automatically.
Digital Key Start (Starting the Engine):
- Enter Vehicle with Phone: Get into your Hyundai with your phone powered on and unlocked.
- Place Phone on Wireless Charger: Place your smartphone on the wireless charging pad inside the vehicle.
- Press Brake and Start Button: Press the brake pedal and then push the engine start button.
- Engine Starts: Your Hyundai engine will start.
- Remove Phone (Optional): You can remove your phone from the wireless charger after starting the engine.
- Use Phone Normally: You can lock your phone or use it for other applications while driving.
Sharing Your Digital Key with Others
A standout feature of Hyundai Digital Key is the ability to share access with other drivers. This is perfect for families or situations where multiple people need to use the vehicle.
Steps to Share Your Digital Key:
- Access MyHyundai: Go to the “My Vehicle” section of the MyHyundai website or app.
- Navigate to Digital Key Settings: Under the “Digital Key” heading, find and click on the “Create Key” or “Share Key” button.
- Enter Recipient Information: Provide the following information for the person you want to share the key with:
- First and Last Name
- Email Address
- Android Smartphone Number
- Choose Notification Method: Select whether to notify the shared key user via email or text message.
- Customize Shared Key Permissions (Optional): You can set restrictions for the shared key, including:
- Expiration Date: Set a date after which the shared key will no longer work.
- Allowed Operation Time: Specify certain hours or days when the shared key can be used.
- Driving or Entry Only: Choose whether the shared user can only unlock and enter the vehicle or also drive it.
- Create and Send Shared Key: Click the “Create Key” or “Share Key” button to finalize and send the digital key invitation.
The recipient will receive a notification with instructions on how to activate their shared Digital Key.
Tip: You can share your Digital Key with up to three other users. You also have the ability to disable or revoke a shared key at any time through your MyHyundai account.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Digital Key offers a seamless and modern way to access and start your vehicle without a traditional key fob. For Hyundai owners with compatible models and Android smartphones, it provides a convenient, secure, and feature-rich alternative. If you’re looking for a “how to start a Hyundai without a key fob” solution, exploring and utilizing the Digital Key is highly recommended. Embrace the future of car keys and enjoy the keyless convenience Hyundai Digital Key brings to your driving experience.
