[SomeClown]

I added my iPhone and watch as digital keys to my 2022 Xdrive45e and the phone works great for both entering/unlocking the vehicle as well as driving when I put the phone in the little tray location. However, while the watch alone (no phone in range) will unlock the door appropriately, it doesn't let me start the car... the car wants the watch put in the tray. Is that normal, or am I doing something incorrectly. If I have to take my watch off and put it in the tray each time, that's pretty much a non-starter for me. I have to believe I've missed something, and the collective hive wisdom will suitably correct me.

[TheACN]

Pre LCI digital key works with NFC technology. So yes, if you want your watch to start the car, you gotta put it in there.

[nZtiZia]

as mentioned, placing the Watch on the tray is required just as is placing the iPhone. they both use NFC so close proximity is needed

[weinerbarn]

NFC is very close range (like 1 inch) and needs the device to be next to the reader ... think ApplePay. That doesn't work just because you're standing in the checkout line. You have to place the phone or watch on the reader. The newer vehicles use ultra-wideband technology (UWB) for comfort access unlock on approach but that's a different frequency and technology than what is used in the tray for starting.

[SomeClown]

Thanks for the quick answers, everyone. That all makes sense. I'll keep myself content with where things are now... probably just won't use the watch-only to drive the car, but that's a very minor thing.

[mojoJJ]

Unpopular opinion, might get your car stolen:

Hide the digital key card somewhere in the car. On days you just have the apple watch, unlock with it and then use the card to start. Or keep the card in your wallet.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by mojoJJ

Unpopular opinion, might get your car stolen:

Hide the digital key card somewhere in the car. On days you just have the apple watch, unlock with it and then use the card to start. Or keep the card in your wallet.

I have a key card hidden in each of mine. This way if I happen to be somewhere and lose my fob I can unlock it remotely with my phone (don't use digital key) and use the key card to drive.

[zsap]

Originally Posted by SomeClown

the car wants the watch put in the tray. Is that normal, or am I doing something incorrectly. If I have to take my watch off and put it in the tray each time, that's pretty much a non-starter for me. I have to believe I've missed something, and the collective hive wisdom will suitably correct me.

You don't need to put your watch in the tray. You just need to have it close enough to make NFC recognize it, but at the same time, you need to press Start/Stop button, which is super uncomfortable.

[jad03060]

Once you've started the vehicle, you don't need the watch in the tray until you want to start it again.

[bbari]

Originally Posted by zsap

You don't need to put your watch in the tray. You just need to have it close enough to make NFC recognize it, but at the same time, you need to press Start/Stop button, which is super uncomfortable.

A bit less comfortable in the right hand drive vehicle

[zsap]

Originally Posted by bbari

A bit less comfortable in the right hand drive vehicle

Indeed! It still requires two hands involved (one with a watch and a second to press a button) but definitely can be more comfortable in an RHD vehicle.

[bbari]

One of my gripes is not being able to setup Samsung S22 Ultra as a Digital Key because Samsung Wallet isn't supported in Ireland. Just for that reason only, I'm thinking to switch to Apple.