Remote entry guide 2025: phones, keys, and security

Remote entry has evolved from simple lock/unlock buttons to phones that act as keys and apps that check vehicle status from anywhere. For drivers in South Africa, where cellular coverage varies and signal jamming at busy parking areas is a concern, understanding how each method works—and their limits—helps you stay both convenient and secure. The essentials below break down setup basics, the latest technology landscape in 2025, and practical security habits that fit local conditions.

How to access your car remotely: Guide

Before using remote entry, confirm what your vehicle supports. Many recent models ship with a standard key fob plus an app-based service for lock/unlock and status. Check your owner manual or the manufacturer’s website for supported features, compatible phones, and whether a subscription is required for connected services. Set up your account with strong, unique credentials and enable multi-factor authentication if offered.

Pair your phone according to the manufacturer’s workflow. This typically involves verifying your vehicle identification number (VIN), adding the car in the app, and completing an in-vehicle confirmation. Some systems store a digital key in your phone’s secure element or wallet app, allowing you to unlock by tapping the door handle (NFC) or simply approaching (Bluetooth/UWB) while the phone stays in your pocket. Test lock/unlock and start functions in a safe area before relying on them.

Keep a fallback plan. Most key fobs include a hidden mechanical key blade that can open the driver door via a concealed cylinder. Practice using it so you’re prepared during loadshedding or if your phone battery dies. Also learn how to place a low-battery fob in the emergency start area inside the cabin—often near the steering column—so the car can recognise it even when the fob’s battery is weak.

How to access your car remotely: 2025 guide

In 2025, three core technologies power remote access: NFC (tap-to-unlock with phone close to the handle), Bluetooth Low Energy (hands-free unlock when you approach), and Ultra-Wideband (precise distance measurement that helps resist relay attacks by confirming the phone is physically near the car). Availability varies by brand and model; consult official documentation for your vehicle and phone.

Smartphone platforms continue to integrate car keys into native wallets and device security. On iOS and compatible Android devices, digital keys can be stored in a secure element, protected by biometrics and device PIN. Some brands allow time-limited or restricted “key sharing” with family members. When selling your car or changing phones, remove digital keys from old devices and revoke shared access within the app.

Connectivity matters in South Africa’s mixed coverage environment. While NFC/BLE/UWB features can work offline for proximity unlock, remote lock/unlock via apps usually needs mobile data. Test your setup on your network of choice (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C) and consider eSIM or dual-SIM if you frequently travel. Keep your phone and vehicle software updated to get security patches and reliability improvements.

If your car lacks built-in digital key support, aftermarket options exist. Professionally installed alarm/telematics systems can add app-based notifications, lock state alerts, and other convenience features. Check warranty implications and insurer requirements before installing third-party hardware, and prefer solutions with clear documentation, encryption, and local support.

How to access your car remotely: security essentials

Remote entry convenience raises new risks. Relay theft can extend a key fob’s signal from inside your home to a thief standing near your car. Remote jamming can block the lock command from your fob in busy car parks, leaving doors unlocked without you realising. Account takeover—where someone gains access to your vehicle app—can also expose your car to unauthorised control.

Adopt layered defenses. Store spare and primary fobs in Faraday pouches at home to limit relay attacks, and don’t keep keys near doors or windows. If your car supports it, enable a “PIN to drive” or similar secondary authentication. When parking at shopping centres, watch for the lock confirmation (audible chirp, mirror fold, or indicator flash) and physically check a door handle if anything seems off. If you suspect jamming, lock again from a different spot.

Harden your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable app-based multi-factor authentication. Review connected-car app permissions, remove old drivers, and promptly revoke access from lost devices. Update your vehicle’s firmware and your phone’s OS. Avoid using unsecured public Wi‑Fi for account changes; mobile data is typically safer.

Plan for low-power and offline scenarios. Keep a compact power bank in the glovebox or your bag so a flat phone battery doesn’t strand you. Know the exact steps to access the hidden key cylinder and the emergency start procedure. During extended loadshedding, proximity unlock should still work, but remote commands may queue or fail if either the car or your phone lacks connectivity; verify the vehicle’s status physically when in doubt.

Respect privacy and resale hygiene. Clear personal data from the infotainment system before selling or servicing the car. Unpair old devices, delete addresses, and sign out of streaming or navigation accounts. For app-controlled services with subscriptions, transfer or cancel the plan rather than leaving an active account tied to a vehicle you no longer control.

In South Africa, trackers and recovery services add another layer of protection. While these solutions typically focus on location and recovery rather than door unlocking, they can deter theft, enable rapid response, and sometimes provide alerts that complement remote entry features. Discuss options with your insurer to ensure coverage alignment and to understand any fitment requirements.

A balanced approach works best: leverage the convenience of phone-as-key and connected apps, keep your mechanical backups ready, and apply everyday security habits that account for local network conditions and crime patterns. With the right setup, remote entry in 2025 can be both practical and resilient for daily driving.