Samsung Wallet adds digital key support for Volkswagen ID. electric vehicles

Samsung and Volkswagen have announced an integration allowing owners of compatible Galaxy smartphones to use Samsung Wallet as a digital car key. The feature enables users to lock, unlock, and start specific Volkswagen electric vehicle models without a physical key.

The rollout, which began in Europe around August 18, supports seven models in the ID. family: ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID. 3 Neo, ID. 4, ID. 5, ID. 7, and ID. Buzz. The system utilizes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for hands-free access, allowing the vehicle to detect the phone even while it is in the user's pocket. For devices without UWB, Near Field Communication (NFC) allows access by tapping the phone against the door handle.

Technical requirements for this feature are specific. The vehicle must be running ID. software version 6.0.1 or newer and must have been produced from approximately April 27, 2026, onwards, equipped with the necessary hardware package. The digital key also allows for remote trunk opening and the ability to share digital access with other users through the app. Security is managed via Samsung Knox and EAL6+ standards.