Samsung Wallet turns smartphones into digital keys for Volkswagen EVs

Volkswagen electric vehicle owners in Europe can now use their Samsung smartphone as a digital key. The feature, available via Samsung Wallet, applies to ID. models produced since late April 2026 and equipped with ID. 6.0.1 software.

Recent models and a specific list of eligible countries

Samsung Wallet now supports digital keys for Volkswagen electric vehicles. Compatible models include ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID.3 Neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID. Buzz. Only vehicles produced from April 27, 2026, equipped with ID. 6.0.1 software and the "Digital Key Preparation" option are eligible.

The rollout is currently limited to Europe, covering 35 countries including France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. Volkswagen has not yet confirmed the feature’s arrival in the US, where the brand is reportedly working on integration with Apple Wallet.

How it works and security: UWB, NFC, and key sharing

The digital key allows users to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without a physical key, using a compatible Galaxy smartphone. Two technologies are used: UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for hands-free access and NFC for contact-based unlocking. The trunk can be opened via the Remote Key Entry feature.

Users can share their digital key with third parties (family, friends, valet) via Samsung Wallet, setting specific access permissions. If the smartphone is lost or stolen, the key can be remotely deactivated via Samsung Find.

Samsung ensures enhanced security: keys are stored directly on the device, protected by Samsung Knox and certified EAL6+, an advanced standard against unauthorized access. Identifiers use the same cryptography as physical vehicle keys, with post-quantum protection on Samsung smartphones.

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A step toward a connected experience

"The digital key is an important step toward a seamless and connected vehicle experience for our customers." — Dr. Axel Henrich, Senior Vice President of Concepts and Innovation at Volkswagen Passenger CarsTranslated from French

This collaboration between Samsung and Volkswagen is part of a broader trend: replacing physical keys with digital solutions, which are more convenient but also more vulnerable to malfunctions or technical flaws. For now, the offering remains limited to a handful of models and markets, with one lingering question: when will US drivers get access?