Samsung Wallet is working with Volkswagen

Samsung Electronics has announced that its mobile wallet application, Samsung Wallet (Denarnica), will expand support for digital keys on selected electric vehicles from Volkswagen. The partnership allows users with compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones to lock, unlock, and start these vehicles without a physical key, offering a more convenient daily access experience. The collaboration includes models such as the ID.Polo, ID.Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID.Buzz. These vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology to enable seamless integration with Samsung Wallet. Users can access their cars using either ultra-wideband (UWB) signals for proximity-based entry or near-field communication (NFC) for touch-and-go unlocking and engine ignition. Additionally, the digital key feature extends beyond just accessing the vehicle, allowing remote opening of the trunk through the Remote Key Entry function. Woncheol Chai, executive vice president and head of the Digital Wallet team within Samsung Electronics' Mobile Experience business unit, emphasized that Samsung Wallet is designed to help users manage digital elements they rely on throughout the day in one secure experience. He noted that expanding support for digital keys on Volkswagen’s electric vehicles provides more Galaxy users with simple access to connected experiences that simplify everyday mobility and make it more convenient. Dr. Axel Heinrich, senior vice president for system architecture, concepts, and innovation at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, stated that the digital key represents a significant step toward a wireless and connected car experience for customers. He praised the collaboration with Samsung, highlighting the shared commitment to innovation, security, and ease of use. He expressed confidence in the solution and looked forward to building upon this foundation to offer even more convenient digital experiences in the future. Samsung Wallet enables Galaxy users to intuitively access compatible Volkswagen vehicles with their smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical key or even retrieving the phone from a pocket. The digital keys support multiple access methods, including UWB technology for location-based entry and NFC for touch-and-go operations. Beyond basic access, the digital key offers additional functionality such as granting trusted individuals temporary access, setting permissions for key sharing, and revoking access at any time with simple controls. This gives owners greater flexibility in managing access among multiple drivers or providing short-term access when needed. To ensure the security of sensitive personal data stored in Samsung Wallet, the company employs multiple layers of protection. Digital keys are stored directly on the device and supported by Samsung Knox, a leading security platform. They meet stringent certification standards, including EAL6+ for advanced protection against unauthorized access. UWB technology, based on standards from the Connected Car Consortium (CCC), supports reliable vehicle access and helps reduce the risk of unauthorized attempts. If a smartphone with a digital key is lost or stolen, the Samsung Find service allows users to remotely manage or remove the digital key. Biometric checks or PIN codes further enhance security during each interaction. The availability of the digital key feature for selected Volkswagen ID models begins in Europe on August 18, 2026, for vehicles with software version ID. 6.0.1 or newer. Eligible vehicles include those produced after April 27, 2026, which are equipped with the optional “Digital Key Preparation” package. Older models are not supported due to hardware requirements. The supported Galaxy devices include a range of flagship models such as the S20 series, S21 series, S22 series, S23 series, and S24 series, as well as select S25 models.