- Samsung Wallet digital key support is expanding to several Volkswagen EVs built on or after April 27, 2026, including the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID. Buzz.
- Compatible Galaxy phones can provide hands-free vehicle entry through UWB, while NFC enables tap-to-unlock and starting, with additional support for remote trunk access.
- Volkswagen EV owners can securely share their digital car keys with family or trusted contacts, while Samsung Knox and Samsung Find add protection if a phone is lost or misplaced.
Samsung is adding a bit of convenience for VW EV owners by introducing the Samsung Wallet digital key function in some Volkswagen ID EVs. This new feature enables compatible Galaxy users to access their cars without the need for a regular key fob.
It is meant for the newer models of Volkswagen EVs and uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB), NFC, and phone-based authentication. Let me break it down for clearer information.
Samsung Wallet digital key support expands to Volkswagen EVs
The expansion covers several models in Volkswagen’s electric lineup, including the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID. 3 neo, ID. 4, ID. 5, ID. 7, and ID. Buzz. There are some conditions, though. Volkswagen says the vehicle needs preparation for the Digital Key option, while the rollout also requires the appropriate vehicle software.
For the reported European rollout, eligible cars need ID software 6.0.1 and must have been manufactured on or after April 27, 2026. This means simply owning one of these model names does not automatically guarantee compatibility.
Your Galaxy phone can be used as a key for your car. The interesting thing about this is the amount of interaction that is required after the setup. If you have the right Galaxy phone that works with the UWB technology, then the vehicle will recognize your phone when you approach it and allow entry without touching anything.
This type of functionality has been implemented by Samsung for other vehicles that support it, using UWB instead of just wireless to get better proximity detection. The second method is based on NFC and involves tapping your phone onto a specified area on the vehicle to unlock and start it.
Samsung Wallet also allows controlling the keys digitally
Digital keys can be shared as well. This could be one of the most practical features for families. The owner has the possibility to share a digital key with someone else and control what this key can be used for.
According to Volkswagen’s own description of the feature, their digital key feature allows creating extra keys for family members, friends, or even coworkers and revoking access whenever it is required.
Samsung has also paid attention to safety in their solution. According to Samsung, their Digital Key technology relies on Samsung Knox and has EAL6+ security certifications. In case of loss of a phone containing the key, the Samsung Find app allows locking or revoking access to the digital key.
A good move for connected cars
The concept of going without the actual car key may not be entirely novel, but increased backing has certainly made it a lot more feasible. Samsung has previously broadened Digital Key availability to include several carmakers such as Toyota, Volvo, and Polestar.
Overall, with the addition of Volkswagen to this list, Samsung Wallet digital keys are set to become an important feature of the Galaxy ecosystem. For those who have a compatible Volkswagen EV and a Galaxy smartphone, the phone will be all they will ever need to drive the car. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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