Samsung Electronics announced in January 2026 that Samsung Wallet now supports digital key access for select Toyota vehicles, starting with the 2026 Toyota RAV4. This partnership brings hands-free entry and remote vehicle access to Galaxy smartphone users through Ultra-Wideband and Near Field Communication technology. The rollout begins this month in North America, with European markets following later in the year.
- Samsung Wallet now supports Digital Key compatibility for select Toyota vehicles starting in January 2026, enabling users of compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones to unlock, lock and start their Toyota vehicles.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology enables hands-free entry while Near Field Communication (NFC) technology strengthens overall security by reducing the risk of unauthorized vehicle access.
- Digital Key functionality for select 2026 Toyota RAV4 models began rolling out this month in the United States, Canada and Mexico, followed by a wider rollout in Europe aligned with the launch timeline of Toyota vehicles.
How Samsung’s Digital Key Works With Your Toyota
Once a compatible Toyota vehicle is linked to Samsung Wallet, Samsung Galaxy users can use their smartphone to access and start the vehicle without the need for a physical key. Walk up to your car with your phone in your pocket and the door unlocks automatically. No fumbling for keys, no pressing buttons on a fob.
Galaxy phones with UWB unlock more advanced features such as hands-free entry. This technology detects your phone’s precise location, so your car knows when you’re approaching. For phones without UWB, NFC still lets you tap your device on the door handle to unlock.
UWB technology is a standardized communication protocol set by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). What does this mean for you? Better security and reliability compared to older Bluetooth-based systems. Your digital key stays encrypted and protected on your device.
Which Phones and Vehicles Are Compatible
UWB support is available on select devices, including Galaxy S21 Ultra/S21+, S22 Ultra/S22+, S23 Ultra/S23+, S24 Ultra/S24+, S25 Ultra/S25 Edge/S25+, Note20 Ultra, and various Z Fold models. If you have one of these phones, you can start using the feature right away with a compatible vehicle.
NFC support is available on select devices later this year, adding Galaxy S20 series, S21/S21 FE, S22, S23/S23 FE, S24/S24 FE, S25/S25 FE, Note20, Z Flip series, A36, A56 and XCover7 Pro. That’s a wide range of Galaxy devices, making this feature accessible to many Samsung users.
Toyota vehicles supporting Digital Key include the 2026 Toyota RAV4, with more vehicles to follow. While Samsung and Toyota haven’t announced the full lineup yet, you can expect this feature to expand to other popular models. The 2025 Toyota Crown and other recent Toyota models with connected services might see support in future updates as the program expands.
Security Features That Keep Your Car Protected
Digital Keys are securely stored directly on the device and protected by Samsung Knox, Samsung’s security platform that’s been protecting Galaxy devices for years. Knox has been guarding sensitive data on these phones since 2013, and now it’s watching over your car key too.
Digital Keys meet rigorous EAL6+ certification standards, providing solid protection against unauthorized access and keeping your key information safe on your device. This military-grade certification means your digital key has serious security backing.
With biometric or PIN authentication in place, Samsung Wallet adds an extra layer of protection to help secure your vehicle interactions. You can set up fingerprint or face recognition so nobody else can use your digital key, even if they get their hands on your unlocked phone.
Lose your phone? Users can remotely lock or delete the key through the Samsung Find service. This remote wipe capability means you’re covered even in worst-case scenarios.
Sharing Keys With Family and Friends
Galaxy users can share their Digital Keys with trusted contacts through Samsung Wallet, and this shared access can be updated or revoked at any time. Need to let your spouse pick up the car? Share digital access instantly. Have a friend borrowing your vehicle for the weekend? Send them temporary access through the app.
Digital Keys stored in Samsung Wallet can be shared with family members and trusted contacts, with access revocable at any time. This makes the digital key system way more flexible than traditional physical keys. You control who has access and for how long, all from your phone.
Parents with teenage drivers will appreciate being able to share car access without worrying about lost keys. Multi-car households can manage vehicle access for all family members through one app.
What This Means for Toyota Drivers
Samsung keeps expanding its digital key partnerships. Samsung is gradually expanding the list of automakers that support the digital key feature, adding Rivian and Porsche cars in December 2025, with BYD models gaining support earlier that year. Toyota joins an expanding roster of brands embracing smartphone-based vehicle access.
For Galaxy users shopping for a new Toyota, this feature adds real convenience to your daily routine. Walk up to your RAV4 with groceries in both hands and the door unlocks automatically. Start the car remotely on cold mornings from inside your house. Share access with your family without making extra key copies.
Woncheol Chai, EVP and Head of Digital Wallet Team at Samsung Electronics, stated that Samsung Wallet is designed to remove friction from daily life, and by bringing Digital Key support to Toyota vehicles, they’re extending those benefits to more people.
The 2026 RAV4 is just the beginning. As Samsung and Toyota expand this program to more models throughout the year, expect to see digital key support become standard across Toyota’s connected vehicle lineup. The technology is here, the security is solid, and the convenience is real.
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