Key Fob vs. SmartAccess Key vs. Digital Key

[ab01]

What are people using for Key access to their GX? I see each key type as having positives and negatives.

The traditional Key Fob is great, and you can do remote start and roll down the windows (if in range) but is large in your pocket. The SmartAccess Key means you have to walk up to the car, and can be a bit thick in your wallet. The Digital Key means the phone must sync with the car as you approach, and the Lexus app is open, and you have Wireless coverage.

 

[gvan1998]

I just bought the key card fob, getting it programmed on Monday.
I dont like digital key since you have to have a paid subscription

 

[Lextech]

I enjoy using Siri to unlock and start. It seems to be the fastest. “Hey siri, start my car “

 

[Luca]

Digital Key is my number one choice.

 

[nopantz]

I don’t think you need internet for the digital key, just to signal the vehicle to unlock from the app. That said, it is quite finicky, sometimes disappearing from the app. Tesla definitely did a better job. I mostly carry the smart key and no wallet.

 

[gvan1998]

I don’t think you need internet for the digital key, just to signal the vehicle to unlock from the app. That said, it is quite finicky, sometimes disappearing from the app. Tesla definitely did a better job. I mostly carry the smart key and no wallet.

From my understanding, you do need internet, a paid subscription from lexus.

 

[nopantz]

From my understanding, you do need internet, a paid subscription from lexus.

When I tested it with my data / wifi off on my phone, the digital key still worked to start the vehicle. However, if I wasn't signed in to the app, I was blocked until I had internet to sign in, which makes no sense. So, I just don't think it can be trusted enough to be useful.

PS: the vehicle comes with a ~3yr "trial" subscription.

 

[gvan1998]

Can you add digital keys to gx that didn't come with digital.keys

 

[NoriGreen]

I'm still getting used to all the different "keys".

Just yesterday I drove to my office and upon arrival noticed I didn't have my key fob in my pocket! My first thought was how on earth did it let me start the engine without a key. Then I remembered the credit card key thing was in my briefcase.

Later in the day I opened the Lexus app and got a message saying to download the "key" and pair it. But oddly, the app still lets me unlock, lock and start the vehicle remotely. So not sure why it needs to download the key.

I can see the phone or credit card key being useful when skiing or mountain biking....

 

[JorgeR]

I was really enjoying the digital key until I was at the gas station trying to leave and it would not connect to the car. It took a minute or two, it was saying something to the effect that it was running slower than usual. I was finally able to start the car but decided it was not reliable enough. Also, if you do need internet, I could see a scenario where I went somewhere with no coverage, hiking, off roading, and being stranded due to no internet.

Also, I found that sometimes it does not connect with the car and the doors won't unlock by keyless entry method and I have to open the app and request the doors be unlocked from the app.

 

[JorgeR]

I'm still getting used to all the different "keys".

Just yesterday I drove to my office and upon arrival noticed I didn't have my key fob in my pocket! My first thought was how on earth did it let me start the engine without a key. Then I remembered the credit card key thing was in my briefcase.

Later in the day I opened the Lexus app and got a message saying to download the "key" and pair it. But oddly, the app still lets me unlock, lock and start the vehicle remotely. So not sure why it needs to download the key.

I can see the phone or credit card key being useful when skiing or mountain biking....

I believe it is asking to download the "digital key" so you can start the car as normal without the fob or card key. You'll have to have the app open.

 

[DukieGuy]

I don't think the digital key is reliable enough, so I would always plan on a backup. I've had it fail to unlock/lock/remote start while I'm standing next to the car with a strong signal and had to try a few times before it finally took.... or I just gave up and used a different method.

I've been using a mix of digital and smart access key with no issues. I think the only key I would "trust" as a standalone would be the traditional key fob.

 

[Let’s Gooo!]

I enjoy using Siri to unlock and start. It seems to be the fastest. “Hey siri, start my car “

How did you add it to your Apple wallet? I can’t figure it out and I think that’s the only way to have Siri interact with it, right?

 

[spiderjoe]

I'm still getting used to all the different "keys".

Just yesterday I drove to my office and upon arrival noticed I didn't have my key fob in my pocket! My first thought was how on earth did it let me start the engine without a key. Then I remembered the credit card key thing was in my briefcase.

Later in the day I opened the Lexus app and got a message saying to download the "key" and pair it. But oddly, the app still lets me unlock, lock and start the vehicle remotely. So not sure why it needs to download the key.

I can see the phone or credit card key being useful when skiing or mountain biking....

Similar happened to me. Drove off and realize I did not have physical remote with me. Panicked. I thought, the keys must be in the car otherwise how could I have unlocked and drove away? Turned out my dealer had setup the digital key in my Lexus app lol. My dealer also warned me about the credit card key battery life. Apparently the battery drains very quickly if you store the key next to magnetic items or MagSafe compatible devices. Even the manual states that the card battery drains faster than the regular remote. Also read somewhere that if you leave it in your wallet and sit on it, it can break.

 

[spiderjoe]

How did you add it to your Apple wallet? I can’t figure it out and I think that’s the only way to have Siri interact with it, right?

You add the siri commands within the Lexus app and it will then ask if you want to add to Apple wallet. It will ask you to record a voice command for each of the available feature.

 

[Danh63]

I use the key card. Has been great so far. Winter is almost hear so will hopefully be able to start with phone and still use the key card on those cold days

 

[nopantz]

I don't think the digital key is reliable enough, so I would always plan on a backup. I've had it fail to unlock/lock/remote start while I'm standing next to the car with a strong signal and had to try a few times before it finally took.... or I just gave up and used a different method.

I've been using a mix of digital and smart access key with no issues. I think the only key I would "trust" as a standalone would be the traditional key fob.

I agree, which renders the digital key useless if I have to carry a backup. This is refund terrory.

I never carry the RFID key for the Tesla and never had a problem, except when my phone got too cold and died. That's on me.