SEOUL, Korea – Aug. 18, 2026 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Samsung Wallet is expanding Digital Key access to Volkswagen ID. electric vehicles, including ID.Polo, ID.Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID.Buzz.1 The feature enables a compatible Samsung Galaxy mobile phone2 to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without a physical key, making everyday access more convenient for users.
Samsung Wallet’s Digital Key lets users securely unlock their compatible Volkswagen ID. electric vehicles from select Galaxy mobile phones.
“Samsung Wallet is built to help users manage the digital essentials they rely on throughout their day in a single secure experience,” said Woncheol Chai, EVP and Head of the Digital Wallet Team at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “By expanding Digital Key support to select Volkswagen vehicles, we’re giving more Galaxy users easy access to connected experiences that make everyday mobility simpler and more convenient.”
“The Digital Key is an important step toward a seamless and connected vehicle experience for our customers,” said Dr. Axel Heinrich, Senior Vice President System Architecture, Concepts & Innovation, Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “Our collaboration with Samsung has been highly constructive and built on a shared commitment to innovation, security, and ease of use. We are pleased to bring this solution to Volkswagen customers and look forward to building on this strong foundation to deliver even more convenient digital experiences in the future.”
Samsung Wallet gives Galaxy users an intuitive way to access compatible Volkswagen vehicles using their mobile phone, without the need for a physical key or even taking their phone out of their pockets. Digital Keys support multiple access methods, including ultra-wideband (UWB)3 technology for hands-free entry and Near Field Communication (NFC)4 technology for tap-based unlocking and starting the engine. Digital Key extends beyond vehicle access, allowing the trunk to be opened through Remote Key Entry. Users can also provide Digital Key access to trusted individuals through Samsung Wallet, set permissions when sharing a key and withdraw access at any time with simple controls. This allows owners to accommodate multiple drivers or provide short-term access when needed.
Samsung combines multiple layers of security to help safeguard sensitive personal information saved within Samsung Wallet. Stored directly on the device and backed by Samsung’s industry-leading security platform, Samsung Knox,5 Digital Keys meet rigorous EAL6+6 certification standards for advanced protection against unauthorized access. UWB technologies, based on standards established by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), support reliable vehicle access while helping reduce the risk of unintended entry attempts. If a mobile phone containing a Digital Key is lost or stolen, Samsung Find allows users to remotely manage or remove their Digital Key, while biometric or PIN verification helps keep every interaction secure and private.
Samsung Wallet helps Galaxy users keep important digital credentials — including payment cards, identification cards, boarding passes, and digital keys — within easy reach. Built to work seamlessly across the Galaxy ecosystem, Samsung Wallet combines everyday convenience with trusted security in a single experience.
Availability
Digital Key functionality for select Volkswagen models equipped to support this feature, including the ID.Polo, ID.Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID.Buzz, begins rolling out in Europe7 on Aug. 18 for vehicles running ID. software 6.0.1.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a worldwide presence and manufactures vehicles at 28 locations in twelve countries. In 2025, Volkswagen delivered more than 4.7 million vehicles to customers. These include bestsellers such as the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat as well as the successful all-electric models of the ID. family. Last year, the company handed over around 382,000 all-electric models to customers worldwide. Volkswagen currently has a workforce of approximately 170,000 employees around the globe. With its BOOST 2030 strategy, Volkswagen is systematically advancing its development into the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Samsung Wallet Digital Key and how does it work with Volkswagen EVs?
A. Samsung Wallet Digital Key enables a compatible Samsung Galaxy mobile phone to lock, unlock and start a vehicle without a physical key. It uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for hands-free entry and Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-based unlocking and starting the vehicle. The feature is now compatible with Volkswagen ID. electric vehicles, including ID.Polo, ID.Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.Buzz. Users can also open the trunk remotely through Remote Key Entry.
Q. How secure is the Samsung Wallet Digital Key?
A. Samsung Wallet Digital Keys are stored directly on the device and protected by Samsung Knox, meeting rigorous EAL6+ certification standards for advanced protection against unauthorized access. Biometric or PIN verification is also required at every interaction. If a mobile phone containing a Digital Key is lost or stolen, Samsung Find allows users to remotely manage or remove the Digital Key. UWB technologies, based on standards established by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), support reliable vehicle access while helping reduce the risk of unintended entry attempts.
Q. When can I start using the Samsung Wallet Digital Key with Volkswagen vehicles?
A. Samsung Wallet Digital Key will be available for compatible Volkswagen vehicles in Europe beginning August 18, 2026. Supported models include ID.Polo, ID.Cross, ID.3neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and ID.Buzz, when used with a compatible Samsung Galaxy mobile phone and vehicles running ID. software 6.0.1. Availability may vary by market and vehicle configuration.