Rivian owners can use their Samsung phones as a digital car key

Rivian has announced a new end-of-the-year software update for its cars. This update introduces Universal Hands-Free driving and three new drive styles (Mild, Medium, and Spicy). Additionally, it enables you to lock, unlock, and start your Rivian car using just your phone. The digital key is compatible with modern mid-range and high-end phones, including many Galaxy phones from Samsung.

The 2025.46 update for Rivian's R1 Gen 2 cars brings the Rivian Digital Key feature, which is based on the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard. It allows R1S or R1T owners to create a digital car key and add it to a digital wallet (like Samsung Wallet) on their compatible smartphone. It works with Samsung's select Galaxy phones, Apple's iPhones and Watches, and Google Pixel phones.

Simply bring your phone close to your car door to unlock it. Once inside, you don't need a physical key fob to start the car; your phone will replicate its functions. You can even share your Digital Key with family and friends for added convenience, eliminating the need for physical key sharing.

This feature works with the Samsung Wallet app, and it needs the Rivian app (version 3.8.0), Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), NFC, and running at least Android 15 (One UI 7.0).

You need to hold your phone near the car's door for it to work. When you enter your car, you need to place your phone on the wireless charging pad for the car to authenticate your phone, and only then can you start your car. A phone with UWB works even better, as you don't have to hold your phone near the car's door or place it on the wireless charging pad.

You can find more information about setting up a Digital Car Key for your compatible car on your compatible Galaxy phone here.

Image Credits: Rivian