Is the Lexus digital key free?
The core digital key feature—unlocking and starting a compatible Lexus with your smartphone—generally does not require a separate purchase on eligible models. However, advanced remote capabilities and key-sharing functions can incur subscription costs after any trial period, and availability varies by model year and region.
As automakers expand phone-as-key technology, Lexus has rolled out digital key support through Apple CarKey and Android-based solutions on a growing lineup of recent vehicles. This article explains what’s typically free, what may cost extra, and how to determine if your Lexus supports digital key in your market.
What the Lexus Digital Key does and who can use it
In practical terms, the digital key lets you use a smartphone as a stand-in for the physical key fob. Supported devices communicate with the car via Bluetooth (and in some cases ultra-wideband) to perform basic functions. Below is a snapshot of what’s typically included and what might require additional services.
What’s typically included at no extra charge
- Unlocking and locking the doors with a compatible smartphone.
- Starting the engine or enabling push-button start when the phone is recognized by the vehicle.
- Using your own phone as your primary vehicle key for daily access on supported models.
What may require a paid subscription or trial
- Remote features such as remote locking/unlocking, vehicle status, and remote start via the Lexus app.
- Key sharing or temporary access for others via the Lexus app or Wallet integration, which may be limited by region or model.
- Access to premium connected services (for example, extended remote capabilities) after any introductory trial period ends.
In practice, owners who have a compatible Lexus model can usually use the digital key for daily access without paying extra. Remote and sharing features, however, are commonly tied to a paid service plan that may require renewal after a trial period or ongoing subscription, depending on where you live and which model you own.
Which models and years support Lexus Digital Key
Digital Key availability has expanded across Lexus’ lineup over several model years. It generally appears on newer vehicles and in markets where Lexus supports Apple CarKey or Google/Android key solutions. If you’re unsure whether your specific car supports digital key, check your owner’s manual, the Lexus app, or contact a local dealer.
- Model-year generations in the mid-2010s onward that have received software updates enabling smartphone key functionality.
- Recent NX, ES, RX, IS, UX, and LC family vehicles in many regions, subject to regional configuration and hardware compatibility.
Because features depend on the exact vehicle configuration and regional offerings, always verify with your dealer or the Lexus owner portal for your country to confirm support and any applicable fees.
How to check if your car supports Digital Key
Follow these steps to verify compatibility and set up the digital key on your model, noting that steps can vary by market and model year.
- Confirm your vehicle’s compatibility in the owner’s manual or the official Lexus website for your model/year.
- Check the Lexus app (or Apple Wallet/CarKey settings on iPhone, or Google Car Key on Android) for a “Digital Key” or “Phone Key” option.
- Ensure you have a compatible smartphone (iPhone with iOS 16+ and Apple CarKey support, or an eligible Android phone with the required BLE/UTP features) and the latest vehicle software.
- Complete the setup steps in the app, following on-screen prompts to pair your phone with the car and enable features you want to use.
If you can’t locate the option, contact your Lexus dealer for model-specific guidance and any regional restrictions that may apply.
Regional differences and how costs are applied
Costs and trials for Digital Key-related services vary by country and even by dealership. In some regions, the basic digital key functions are bundled with the vehicle, while remote and sharing features are offered as part of a paid plan with a defined trial period. Pricing structures can change, so it’s important to verify current terms with your local Lexus dealer.
- In many markets, owners receive at least a limited trial of remote services after purchase.
- Ongoing access to remote features and key sharing typically requires a paid subscription or activation of a connected services plan.
- Prices and term lengths (monthly vs. annual) vary by region and model.
Because these terms differ by region and model year, the best approach is to check your regional Lexus terms of service and your dealership’s current offering.
What to consider when evaluating the digital key option
Beyond cost, consider security, ease of use, and privacy. A digital key relies on your smartphone’s security features (biometrics, device lock, and OS-level protections) and encrypted communications with the vehicle. If you share keys, you’ll want to understand how access controls, revocation, and expiration work within the Lexus app or wallet integration.
Additionally, if you frequently use multiple phones or family members’ devices, look into how digital-key sharing is managed and what limits exist in your region or model.
Summary
In short, the digital key functionality to unlock and start a Lexus with a smartphone is generally included for free on eligible, supported models. However, most owners should expect that advanced remote features and key sharing will be part of a paid connected-services plan after any trial period, with costs and availability varying by region and model year. Always verify your specific vehicle’s capabilities and current pricing with your local Lexus dealer or the official Lexus owner portal for your country.
For the most accurate, up-to-date information, contact your local Lexus dealership or consult the official Lexus digital key resources for your region and model year.
Do I need a subscription to remote start my Lexus?
Yes, Lexus requires a subscription for app-based remote start, but new vehicles typically include a complimentary trial period (usually three years). After the trial, a subscription is necessary for the service to work. Key fob remote start functionality also depends on an active subscription due to the need for a data connection module (DCM).
How it works
- Initial period: New Lexus vehicles include a trial for remote start and other connected services.
- After the trial: Once the trial ends, the service will stop working unless you purchase a subscription.
- App vs. key fob: Both the Lexus app and the key fob remote start rely on an active subscription because they both use the vehicle's data connection module (DCM) to function.
- Subscription options: You can subscribe to different packages, such as Remote Connect only, or other packages that include features like remote lock/unlock, climate control, and vehicle location.
How much is a Lexus digital key subscription?
The Lexus digital key is included in the Remote Connect subscription, which can be purchased for approximately $8 per month or $80 per year. Some sources indicate a higher monthly rate of $15 or a bundled price of around $16 per month for the Drive Connect service, which includes remote features. Pricing can vary depending on your region, bundled service packages, and if you choose a monthly or annual payment option.
Monthly subscription options
- Remote Connect: Approximately $8$ 8$8 per month, which includes the digital key feature.
- Drive Connect: Approximately $16$ 16$16 per month, which includes remote features and is bundled with other services like navigation.
- Some owners report a rate of $15$ 15$15 per month for the digital key, possibly in a different subscription package.
Annual subscription options
- Remote Connect: Approximately $80$ 80$80 per year.
- Drive Connect: Bundled with other features, the annual cost can be higher.
Key factors to consider
- Bundled services: Lexus offers different packages that may include the digital key. The price can change depending on what other services, like safety features or in-car navigation, are included in the bundle.
- Regional differences: Pricing can vary by country or region.
- Payment plan: Paying annually is often cheaper than paying monthly.
- Free trial: New vehicles often come with a free trial period, after which you will need to pay for a subscription to continue using the service.
Does Lexus offer a digital key?
Yes, some newer Lexus models have a Digital Key feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a car key. This feature requires the Lexus app and an active subscription to the Remote Connect with Digital Key package to work. The Digital Key allows you to lock, unlock, and start your vehicle with your smartphone.
This video explains what Lexus Digital Key is and how it works: 55sLexus CanadaYouTube · Aug 24, 2022
How it works
- App-based functionality: The Digital Key is an app-based feature that lets you use your smartphone to operate your vehicle's locks and start the engine.
- Automatic access: When set up, you can automatically unlock and remote start the vehicle when you are within a certain distance.
- Bluetooth required: Your smartphone's Bluetooth must be enabled, and the Lexus app must be installed and running (either in the background or foreground) for it to function.
- Subscription needed: You need an active trial or subscription to the Lexus Remote Connect with Digital Key package to use the feature.
How to set it up
- Download and register an account in the Lexus app.
- Ensure you have an active trial or subscription to Remote Connect with Digital Key.
- Follow the steps within the app to set up the Digital Key, which will involve being inside your vehicle with the physical key fob to complete the pairing process.
- Test the unlock, start, and lock functions to confirm it is working.
Is there a fee for the Lexus app?
Yes, the Lexus app is free to download, but many of its features require a paid subscription to Connected Services after an initial trial period. The cost of the app is separate from the subscription cost, which is required for things like remote start, remote lock/unlock, and other vehicle management functions.
- Downloading the app: You do not have to pay to download the Lexus app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
- Connected Services: Most of the app's advanced features require a subscription to Lexus Connected Services, which includes a free trial period for new vehicles.
- Subscription fees: After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is necessary to continue using these features, like starting the engine remotely or checking the fuel level.
- Data charges: Your wireless service provider may charge data fees for using the app.
