The era of digital keys is expanding, and Motorola is the latest smartphone brand to enter the automotive access space. The company has officially announced that BMW has added Digital Key access for Motorola Razr+ and Edge 50 Ultra, allowing users to unlock and start their BMW vehicles using their smartphones.
With near-field communication (NFC) technology, the Motorola Razr+ can now function as a car key, eliminating the need for physical key fobs. Meanwhile, the Edge 50 Ultra gets an even more advanced upgrade, supporting BMW’s Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which enables auto-locking, proximity-based unlocking, and additional security features.
Motorola Razr+ and Edge 50 Ultra Join the Digital Key Revolution
How Digital Keys Work
Digital car keys are steadily replacing traditional key fobs, offering greater convenience and security. Several automakers, including BMW, Tesla, and Hyundai, have embraced smartphone-based key technology, integrating it into their companion apps and digital wallets.
For BMW owners, Motorola’s Digital Key compatibility means that Razr+ and Edge 50 Ultra users can now:
- Unlock and start their BMW vehicles using NFC.
- Share digital keys with family or friends, allowing multiple users to access the car.
- Enjoy seamless access without a physical key fob.
Digital Key vs. Digital Key Plus
There are two tiers of digital key technology available to Motorola users:
-
Standard Digital Key (for Motorola Razr+)
- Uses NFC to unlock and start compatible BMW vehicles.
- Requires the phone to be tapped against the door handle to unlock.
- Functions without an internet connection, making it reliable in low-signal areas.
-
Digital Key Plus (for Motorola Edge 50 Ultra)
- Uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for proximity-based unlocking.
- Allows for hands-free entry and exit—the car locks and unlocks automatically when the phone is nearby.
- Can set additional security measures, such as requiring the phone to be present for a physical key to function.
With Digital Key Plus, BMW drivers no longer need to remove their phone from their pocket or bag—the car detects the phone’s presence and unlocks automatically.
BMW’s Digital Key: How to Set It Up on Your Motorola Device
To enable BMW Digital Key on a Motorola Razr+ or Edge 50 Ultra, users must:
- Ensure their BMW vehicle is compatible with the Digital Key system.
- Download the BMW Digital Key app (separate from Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet).
- Follow the on-screen setup instructions to link the digital key to the car.
- Activate NFC (for the Razr+) or UWB (for the Edge 50 Ultra) for seamless functionality.
- Optionally share the key with trusted users, such as family or friends.
Why Digital Keys Are the Future of Vehicle Access
Convenience and Ease of Use
- No need to carry a physical key fob.
- Multiple users can have secure access to the same vehicle.
- Works seamlessly with Android’s digital wallet ecosystem.
Enhanced Security
- Digital keys are encrypted and cannot be easily duplicated.
- Digital Key Plus prevents unauthorized access by ensuring that a physical key is only functional when the owner’s phone is present.
A Growing Trend in the Auto Industry
More automakers are adopting smartphone-based digital keys, with companies like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Toyota integrating similar technology into their vehicle ecosystems.
System Requirements and Compatibility
- The BMW Digital Key app requires Android 14 or newer to function properly.
- While Digital Key Plus is only available for the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, the Motorola Razr+ still gets standard Digital Key functionality for locking and unlocking.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
