How to Get Started With Your Hyundai Elantra’s Digital Key

Take More Control of Your Elantra

While Hyundai continues to raise the bar when it comes to included and available technology. The new Hyundai Digital Key is an amazing innovation that turns your smartphone into a command center for your Hyundai Elantra. This incredible technology is available on the SEL Premium, N Line, and Limited models.

If you’ve never heard of Hyundai’s Digital Key, you’re in for a treat. Once set up, this app allows your smartphone to start the engine, unlock your doors, open your trunk, or turn on/off panic mode. You can even share this key with friends and family who have compatible phones.

Here is what you need to know to get your Digital Key up and running:

What You Need to Get Started

For the moment, the Hyundai Elantra’s Digital Key only works on Android phones. While Hyundai is undoubtedly working on adding Apple compatibility, there is no known release date at this moment.

Your Android smartphone must have the 7.0 operating system or later, Bluetooth 4.0, and Near-Field Communication (NFC) compatibility. If your device only has Bluetooth or NFC, it will still work but may have limited abilities.

You’ll also need a MyHyundai account. You can register an account and download the app for free. Make sure to enroll in the Digital Key program. You’ll need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) off of your new Hyundai Elantra.

Grab your Digital Key Smart Card that comes with your Elantra and follow the instructions in the MyHyundai App.

Pair and Register Your Phone

Once you’re all set up in the app, it’s time to pair your smartphone with your car as the primary key. This is a pretty straight-forward process and shouldn’t need to be repeated unless you upgrade your phone.

1. Get into your Hyundai Elantra and open the Digital Key app
2. Start your Elantra
3. Enter pairing mode by pressing the “+” button in the app
4. Put your phone on the wireless charger
5. Your Elantra will complete pairing automatically

Once your car is paired with your phone, you can register as the primary key through the app.

Set Up Your NFC Card

It’s a wise practice to carry your Near Field Communication (NFC) Card with you in case your phone loses power, breaks, or disappears. The card looks much like a credit card or hotel key card, so it will easily fit in your wallet or purse. This card acts as a backup in case your phone is out of commission.

You’ll want to make sure to pair your NFC card with your Hyundai Elantra.
1. Start your vehicle while having your primary phone in hand
2. Open the Hyundai Digital Key app
3. Select the option to Pair the NFC Card via BLE in the side menu
4. Place your NFC Card on the wireless charger
5. Your Elantra will complete pairing automatically

Using Your Digital Key

The beauty of the Hyundai Digital Key is that the app doesn’t need to be opened for the app to work. Simply place your phone by the driver’s door handle for a second. You don’t have to make physical contact with the handle, but you do need to be pretty close. The driver’s door will unlock automatically. You can also program the app to unlock other doors as well.

Once you enter the car, place your phone on the charging pad. Press on the brake and push the start button to start the car. Once the car is started, you can remove the phone from the charging pad if desired.

Enjoy the Ride

While the Digital Key may not be the main reason you decide to buy a new Hyundai Elantra, it is an amazing feat of innovation. Your smartphone is already part of your daily life; now, it can help lighten your keyring (or get rid of it altogether). If you’re unsure about setting up your digital key, ask your dealer for help.