Os26 Digital Key Passive Entry and Start not working since update

BMW, Volvo and Kia owners with iPhone 15’s reporting that passive entry and passive start UWB (keep the phone in your pocket) is not working after updating from OS18 to OS26.


reinstalling vehicle app and recreating keys does not work.


holding phone to door handle and putting phone on charging pad works.


sharing key with Apple Watch works as intended.


But UWB functions are not working with phone.


going back to OS18 works. Definitely a problem with OS26 and Apple.

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 3, 2025 6:17 AM

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Posted on Dec 21, 2025 5:01 PM

So my issue appears to have resolved after installing iOS 26.2 and then deleting, followed by reinstalling, the digital key on my iPhone….and finally resetting network connections. The key has been working consistently for 4 days now so I’m hopeful it is resolved once and for all. Good luck to others experiencing the same issue!

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Dec 21, 2025 5:01 PM in response to Al_C_25

So my issue appears to have resolved after installing iOS 26.2 and then deleting, followed by reinstalling, the digital key on my iPhone….and finally resetting network connections. The key has been working consistently for 4 days now so I’m hopeful it is resolved once and for all. Good luck to others experiencing the same issue!

Dec 26, 2025 4:54 AM in response to gmac93

For those with a BMW recreating the digital key also worked with 26.2 but with the following steps.


  1. Delete the existing key from the Apple wallet.
  2. Delete the myBMW app from my iPhone 15 Pro.
  3. Download the MyBMW app again from the App Store.
  4. Sign into the app using the original login.
  5. Use the prompt in the app main page to create a new digital key.
  6. Add new key to Apple Wallet, if you receive an error restart the phone and recreate the key again.


so far it’s been a week and it is working again.

Nov 10, 2025 4:49 AM in response to ahmerf

I’ve had the same issue with my BMW iX since updating to iOS 26 on my iPhone 15 pro max. I’ve tried everything recommended and have been able to get it to work once but then reverts back to the same issue again. I’ve reinstalled the BMW app and the digital key, reset network settings, reset my car’s display….but nothing works for good. It is very frustrating that Apple is unable to resolve this as it seems common and often reported via multiple forums. We need some attention to this!!!!

Dec 22, 2025 6:28 AM in response to gmac93

Have had the same problem with my Polestar 3. Tried deleting and recreating the keys on iOS 26.1, no effect. I guess i'll have to try again on 26.2. My wife is still on IOS 18 because of this, which is concerning, given that she'll no longer receive security updates. Given how widespread this issue is across various vehicle brands, this is definitely an Apple / iOS 26 issue.

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Os26 Digital Key Passive Entry and Start not working since update

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