Picture this: You’re walking toward your MINI, phone in pocket, hands full of groceries. Just ten feet away, your car senses your approach, wakes up, unlocks, and seamlessly adjusts to your personal settings—all without a key in your pocket. Ok that’s also what MINI’s modern key fob can do. So what makes MINI Digital Key Plus different? We investigate.
The magic described above is thanks to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which allows your MINI to determine your exact location—right down to whether you’re approaching the driver’s door or standing on the passenger side.
Digital Key Plus is available as part of the Comfort Access package (SA 322) with Teleservices (6AE) and is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, as well as the Apple Watch.
The quick answer is both a lot and very little. But let’s get into the details and also throw in the standard MINI Digital Key and the MINI Key Card into the mix.
| Feature | MINI Digital Key Plus | MINI Digital Key | MINI Key Card | Traditional Key Fob |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Ultra-Wideband (UWB) + Bluetooth | Near Field Communication (NFC) | NFC | Radio Frequency (RF) |
| Unlocking | Hands-free (automatically unlocks as you approach) | Requires holding phone to door handle | Requires holding card to door handle | Remote unlock with button press |
| Locking | Hands-free (locks when you walk away) | Requires holding phone to door handle | Requires holding card to door handle | Remote lock with button press |
| Starting the Car | Phone just needs to be inside the car | Phone must be placed in the smartphone tray | Must be placed in the smartphone tray | Push-button start when fob is inside the car |
| Personalized Welcome Scenario | Yes (lights, profile, settings load automatically) | No | No | Yes (lights, profile, settings load automatically) |
| Phone Battery Dead? | Works for up to 5 hours (iPhone Express Mode) | No function | No function | NA |
| Shareable Key? | Yes, via text (also offers usage restrictions available) | Yes, via text | No | No |
| Security | High (UWB most secure as it prevents relay attacks) | Moderate (NFC requires physical contact) | Moderate (NFC requires physical contact) | Moderate (RF signals – least secure & can be intercepted) |
| Best Use Case | Hands-free, high-security, seamless daily use | Basic digital key alternative | Backup for valet or service appointments | Traditional physical key for all functions |
Digital Key Plus is the most advanced option, offering hands-free access, personalized settings, and the highest security.
Digital Key is a step down, requiring a tap-to-unlock approach but still offering digital convenience.
Key Card is best as a backup solution for valet or service situations.
Traditional Key Fob is the most similar to the Digital Key Plus in the way it works day to day but offers less flexibility to share and is much less secure.
In short, Digital Key Plus is the next-level experience—hands-free, automatic, and packed with personalized features. It beats out the standard key fob in its flexibility to share and robust security. The standard Digital Key and Key Card is more of a tap-to-unlock solution replying on NFC.
MINI Digital Key Plus availability depends on your MINI’s market and trim level, as well as the smartphone model and software version. However it is mandatory to get the Comfort Access package (SA 322) and and make sure your MINI comes with Teleservices (6AE) option.
I’ve had a few times where I needed a valet to take my car, but my only key on hand was my phone. But overall I think the phone key has been amazing. Not to mention a few times where my apple watch will unlock the car if I left my phone in my house.