Did you delete and re-add the key to the Apple Wallet?

Last year when I got a new phone and did the iOS update, I and to remove and replace my digital key. This year nothing changed after the update, and all was seamless.

 

@dugu333, this also happened to me. Digital key stopped working. Also the Data Privacy menu was disabled (not sure if this had to do the updating IOS, but it happened at the same time).

Like @exxxviii suggested, delete the keys and go through the process of adding them again. It takes a few minutes.

 

Thank you, both! Let me try tonight and will post back. I was resisting this as I saw some posts stating that folks had trouble readding the keys

 

I had no problems with my Digital Key after upgrading to iOS26. It's been working fine for me all week.

But my new iPhone Air is coming this afternoon, so I'll have to set up everything from scratch again anyways.

 

I had this issue also. It would open the car but would not start. It said I needed a physical key. I restarted my iPhone and it reconnected. Since I am not having any other connectivity issues , I suspect this is a BMW software issue.

 

I recommend you try a diagnostic reset of the car - before you delete and reinstall the digital keys.
A reset like this cures many connectivity problems!

 

Facing the same issue. Digital key will only works with NFC tray. Tried deleting and adding again but issue still persists. Is it an iOS26 issue or BMW issue?

 

Same issue here. Switching the primary user solved the problem for me before but it is not working for me any more. Anyone find the solution?

 

Have you tried a diagnostic system reset?
This normally fixes connectivity problems

 

I did NOT update to iOS 26 and I have no trouble with my digital key, before or after the July vehicle update.

 

I also have this problem. Has anyone reported this yet?

 

I have reported to Apple. Its a iOS26 issue it seems.

 

Just delete the keys and add them again. It takes a few minutes. Follow instructions on MyBMW app to add them again.

 

Doest work. It temporarily solves the issue but once the car goes to sleep and you cone back say after 15/20 mins the issue comes back. Its an iOS26 issue that the connection doesnt sustain and crashes after some time.

 

Report it TO GENIUS! i just did and they already have compaints. The more compaints they get the quicker the fix.

 

Report this to GENIUS! I just called them and they noted that lots of people are reporting this as well.

 

My 2024 X7 has this problem too. I have deleted everything and all apps even in my phone and reinstalled the digital key multiple times. Its a BMW glitch. I have to restart my phone to get into the car after it has gone to sleep and it works for a ew moments but if i get out and let the car sleep... it doesn't detect the key at all UNTIL I restart my phone again...

 

Exactly same issue with my 530i

 

It’s interesting. I have the same phone and I’ve done the same upgrade and I have not had an issue.

 

I have a 15 pro (non-max) and a 2024 x7 m60i

 

My 2024 ix also have the same issue. I tried everything including diagnostics reset with no luck. I basically had to restart my phone to unlock and drive. I even paid Apple $99 to replace my phone. Still no luck.
However, the Apple Store genius suggest me to try a different model phone so I pulled out my old iPhone 12 Pro also with iOS 26 and moved main key to it, everything worked flawlessly for 3 days now.

 

Key fobs rule!