App to unlock your car with your cell phone: how it works and which cars accept it.
Put Renato
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Did you forget to lock your car? Need to open the door for someone to get a bag while you're away? Left your keys inside the vehicle? With a car unlocking app via your phone, you can lock and unlock the doors, see where your vehicle is parked, and, in many models, even start the engine or air conditioning remotely, all from your phone screen.
In this guide you will understand how to control your car via your cell phone, which cars are compatible, how to configure the manufacturer's app, how to use your cell phone as a digital key, and what safety precautions to take.
How does unlocking your car with your cell phone work?
The phone doesn't unlock the car "by itself." For the app to work, the vehicle needs a connectivity system that can receive the commands. There are three main ways to do this:
- Factory-connected car: Many recent models come from the factory with a built-in modem, with its own data chip. The manufacturer's app sends the command over the internet to the car, which locks or unlocks the doors in a few seconds, from any distance.
- Mobile phone as a digital key: Some cars accept your cell phone as a key via Bluetooth, NFC, or ultra-wideband (UWB). Simply bring your phone close to the door, just like you would with a proximity key.
- Modules installed later: Alarms, trackers, and remote start systems with their own app can be installed in cars that don't have factory connectivity.
In all three cases, the app only controls the car registered to your account. There is no app capable of opening any car.
Why use the Ford app?
The Ford app (formerly FordPass) is one of the most widely used connected car apps in the world, with over 10 million downloads on Google Play and a 4.8 rating. For those with a Ford and an activated modem, it brings together everything in the palm of their hand:
- Lock and unlock remotely: The doors obey your cell phone's commands, wherever you are.
- Remote match: On compatible models, it remotely starts the engine to heat or cool the cabin before you enter.
- Vehicle location: It shows on the map where the car is parked.
- Vehicle status: Fuel level or range, and other car information.
- Telephone as a key: In compatible models, the phone itself acts as the key.
- Review scheduling at the dealership and resources for electric vehicles, such as charge level.
According to Ford itself, remote features require an activated modem in the vehicle, and availability varies depending on the model, year, and country.
How to configure the app to unlock the car, step by step.
- Install the Ford app using the button at the top of this page.
- Create your account or sign in with an existing Ford account.
- Add the vehicle by providing the chassis number (VIN), which appears on the car's registration document and on the windshield.
- Follow the instructions to activate the modem. You will usually need to confirm authorization on the car's dashboard with the ignition on.
- Please wait for confirmation that the vehicle has been connected to your account.
- On the app's home screen, use the padlock buttons to lock and unlock. The car will respond within seconds, and the app will display a confirmation.
The process is similar in other car manufacturers' apps: create an account, register the chassis number, and authorize the connection in the car.
Apps from other car manufacturers
If your car is from another brand, the best option is to use the manufacturer's official app. Some of the best-known brands are:
- Toyota: Toyota app, with remote capabilities in connected models.
- Volkswagen: Volkswagen app, with connected car functions depending on the model and country.
- Chevrolet: myChevrolet, with remote controls in compatible vehicles.
- Hyundai and Kia: Hyundai Bluelink and Kia Connect, with remote locking, unlocking, and start on equipped models.
- BMW: My BMW, with remote controls and digital key on compatible models.
- Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz app, with remote locking and location tracking.
- Tesla: The Tesla app functions as the car's master key, using Bluetooth.
To find out if your car is compatible, look in the manual for terms like "connected services," "connected car," or "modem," or ask at the dealership. In some cases, the service is free for a period and then requires a subscription.
Mobile phone as a digital key: Google Wallet and Apple Wallet
In addition to car manufacturer apps, the cell phone's own operating systems already store car keys:
- Apple Wallet: On the iPhone, the car key is stored in the digital wallet and works by proximity, even on some models when the phone battery is dead for several hours, thanks to the power reserve.
- Google Wallet: On compatible Android phones, the digital key also stays in your wallet and unlocks the car when you bring your phone close to the door.
Digital keys only work with specific models from certain manufacturers, such as BMW, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz. Setup begins through the brand's app or the car itself, and the key can be shared with family members, with limits defined by you.
My car isn't connected to the internet: can I unlock it with my phone?
Yes, it's possible with the installation of a device. Car audio and accessory stores, as well as tracking companies, offer alarms, remote start modules, and trackers that come with their own app to lock, unlock, and locate the car.
Before installing, it's worth taking a few precautions:
- Find a reliable installer. And ask for an invoice and a service guarantee.
- Check the car's warranty: Modifications to the electrical system may affect the manufacturer's warranty.
- Choose well-known brands. with a well-rated and up-to-date app in the official stores.
- Inform the insurance company. If the equipment is a tracker or alarm, because that can even reduce the insurance cost.
Beware of apps that promise to open any car.
On social media and dubious websites, apps appear promising to "open any car with your cell phone" or "turn your cell phone into a universal key." This doesn't exist. A car only accepts commands from the app and account that have been authorized for it.
- These are scams: These apps often charge for something that doesn't work or display ads nonstop.
- They can steal data: Files installed from outside official app stores may contain viruses and spyware.
- Using tools to break into someone else's car is a crime.
If you locked your keys inside the car and it won't start, the best course of action is to contact your insurance company's or the car manufacturer's 24-hour roadside assistance service, or a trusted automotive locksmith.
Safety tips for those who use their car while using their cell phone.
- Protect your account: Use a strong, unique password and enable two-step verification when the app offers it.
- Lock your phone: With the phone becoming the key, the screen's password or biometric authentication is the car's primary form of protection.
- Lost or stolen cell phone: Log into your account using another device, end the sessions, and remove the digital keys through the manufacturer's website or call center.
- Share with caution: When granting access to another person, set boundaries and remove access when it is no longer needed.
- Keep everything updated: Update your mobile app and operating system to receive security patches.
- When selling the car: Remove the vehicle from your account and ask the previous owner to do the same when you buy a used vehicle online.
Frequently asked questions about unlocking your car using your cell phone.
Can any car be unlocked with a cell phone?
No. The car needs to have factory connectivity, accept digital keys, or have a module installed with an app. Cars without any of these systems will not receive commands from a cell phone.
Do you need internet to unlock the car using the app?
In connected cars, yes: the command travels via the internet from the cell phone to the car's modem, which also needs a signal at the location. Digital proximity keys, on the other hand, work via Bluetooth, NFC, or UWB, without depending on an internet connection at the time.
Is the service paid?
It depends on the brand and the country. Some automakers offer remote features at no cost, others offer a free trial period and then charge a subscription. The apps themselves are free.
Is it safe to use your cell phone as a car key?
Official apps use encryption and only accept commands from authorized accounts. The most important thing is up to you: protect your account with a strong password and two-step verification, and keep your phone locked.
I locked my keys in the car. Can the app fix that?
If the car is connected and registered to your account, yes: simply unlock it through the app. If not, contact your insurance company's or the car manufacturer's 24-hour roadside assistance.
Conclusion
Unlocking your car via your cell phone is already a reality for millions of drivers. With the manufacturer's official app, such as Ford's, you can lock, unlock, locate the vehicle, and even start the engine remotely in compatible models. For cars without connectivity, modules installed by trusted professionals offer similar features.
Install the app, register your vehicle, and see what remote features your car offers.
