I'm pretty uncomfortable with this being discussed on an open public forum given the history of security issues with relay theft etc.
I am also wondering why people would want to use their phones to unlock a car when the fob will do the same from a distance anyway ?

 

The phone or digital key is actually more secure as the UWB checks the time signal propagation time as well as signal strength negating ‘relay’ theft.

Don’t believe it’s available on any jag model at the moment though. Certainly not as standard. Don’t think the activity key option uses UWB

I’d love to use my phoneI hate carrying keys about and the car keys are the biggest bulkiest of the lot, if I could just have my phone in my pocket and dispense with my keys and wallet that’s be fine by me !

 

I'm sure people may have their reasons for wanting this "facility" if it can be done.
It just won't be detailed on here if there is a way of doing it.

Any further info can be passed on via Pm off-board to the OP.

 

Having considered some of the views put forward elsewhere this one is open again.
However, if I or any other member feels that it could compromise security then I may have to close it again.
Tread very carefully please.

 

Plenty of info on the web, so not sure what your "does anyone know how it's done" question is seeking to establish?

Can my smartphone unlock my car? | Bluetooth® Technology Website

Blog I am usually good about keeping track of my valuables (wallet, phone, gum, etc.). But last week, for the first time ever, I locked my keys in my car. It was a simple mistake. While dropping off a…

www.bluetooth.com

https://mobokey.com/unlock-your-car-smartphone-app/

 

When I was 5 I had a MOBO scooter (64 years ago) I cannot see any use for this device and I cannot lock my keys in my XE. I had the spare set in a case and tried to close the boot. No way would it close. Some people seem to have more keys on them than the warders at the Tower of London.

 

I know that there is currently a wish amongst many to make virtually everything in life do-able from your Smartphone. I do have my doubts about this - for example if you're relying on your phone to make payments, how do you cope if the battery is exhausted? At least a credit or debit card does not need a battery. And the article quoted in these postings about accidentally locking your keys in the car and using your Smartphone to get back in overlooks the fact that, on the XE at least, you cannot lock your keys in either the car or the boot. If they are anywher inside the car, the locks won't operate. Each to his own of course, but I personally don't think Smartphone car unlocking is all that useful!

 

I agree and operating the bollards on my drive using my phone is a pain in the butt. Will only work when the app is open on the screen, which then takes it's time to establish a connection and authorise the key. So operation requires pressing the phone's home button to wake up the screen, opening the app, waiting for connection and authorisation, then tapping the button on the screen to lower or raise the bollard. Would much rather have fob that requires one press and has a significantly greater range than the bluetooth app.

 

What people seem to be referring to is via Bluetooth so basically the same as using in control to lock / unlock.

what I was referring to as something that will work in the background using UWB

after having looked again it seems a lot of car manufacturers are already using UWB with the conventional keys to stop relay theft. Having that tech on board doesn’t mean that you can open the car with your phone though that requires dedicated software from the manufacturer which jag don’t do and I assume associated additional hardware in the car.


Here’s a snippet from one of the the articles I read

In addition to UWB technology for the key fob, BMW offers Digital Key Plus as an option for several models, including the BMW 220i Active Tourer. This allows the owner to store the electronic key in the digital wallet on a smartphone. For this to work, the "My BMW" app must first be downloaded and installed to the owner's own smartphone. For those who opt for the key fob, the door unlocks as if by magic shortly before you reach the vehicle and also locks automatically not too long after the driver leaves the car. The engine can also be started by pressing the start button in the center console, because as soon as the owner of the key enters, the car recognizes the driver.

The app offers numerous information and functions as well. For example, the current fuel level and approximate range can be viewed on-the-go. The app can also be used to lock and unlock the vehicle simply by pressing a button on the corresponding symbol. Anyone who has forgotten the location of the car can press the "Vehicle Finder" button and the exact position will be displayed on a map.

Even if the smartphone battery runs out, the system takes care of that issue: all the driver has to do is hold his or her smartphone directly up to the door handle. The doors unlock via the NFC chip integrated with the smartphone itself. In addition, every BMW customer continues to receive a conventional key fob with buttons in case the smartphone is lost or stolen. What else is practical? The digital key can also be shared with other people, such as family members, via the app.

So it’s basically an evolution of the in control type apps and I personally would find it very useful you will still get a key fob or two to lose too I’m sure 😊