Volkswagen is adding Digital Key to Samsung Wallet. This feature will be available in Europe for vehicles with ID. Software 6.0.1.
Volkswagen has launched Digital Key support in Samsung Wallet for selected electric vehicles from the ID family in Europe. This feature is available on cars with ID. Software 6.0.1, meaning those produced from April 27, 2026. For Polish drivers, this means using a phone instead of a key fob, but only if both the car and the Galaxy smartphone are compatible.
Volkswagen has reached an agreement with Samsung to add digital keys to more ID models. The list includes the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID.3 Neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID. Buzz. This isn’t a major technical breakthrough but rather catching up, as some competitors have had such a feature as standard or at least an option for a long time.
The digital key allows locking, unlocking, and starting the car using a Galaxy smartphone without a physical key. Samsung supports several access methods here. There’s UWB for contactless entry, NFC for bringing the phone close to unlock and start the car. There’s also remote trunk opening via Remote Key Entry.
Volkswagen emphasizes the convenience, and it’s hard to argue with that. Axel Henrich from VW described it as “an important step toward a seamless and connected car experience.” Marketing aside, the digital key is a feature used daily, not just once a quarter.
Which cars and where is it available
The service launches in Europe and covers a wide range of markets, including Poland, Germany, France, Spain, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and dozens of other countries. There is one specific requirement for the car: ID. Software 6.0.1. According to Volkswagen, vehicles manufactured on or after April 27, 2026, will have this software.
Of course, there’s a catch here. If someone owns an older ID.4 or ID.3, mere willingness isn’t enough. Without the compatible software version and a Galaxy phone, the features simply won’t be available.
UWB, NFC, and remote access removal
Samsung Wallet also allows you to share your Digital Key with others. This is useful when there are multiple drivers at home or when temporarily handing over the car, such as to a parking attendant. If the phone containing the key is lost, access can be remotely restricted or removed using Samsung Find.
Samsung adds a standard security package as well, mentioning “multiple layers of protection” and the Samsung Knox platform. It sounds good on paper. As usual in such cases, however, what matters most is whether the feature works quickly and reliably in everyday use.
The second point is simple: Volkswagen has not yet confirmed such a feature for the U.S. market. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly planning to support Apple Wallet Car Key in future vehicles. So Samsung has got its feature, and Apple will likely get it too.
The most interesting aspect of this news is perhaps that the digital key is no longer a premium add-on but has become a standard feature expected in cars at a significant price. Do you already use your phone instead of a key, or do you still prefer a physical remote?
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