How Does Digital Key Technology Simplify Montreal Winter Mornings?

Winter mornings in Laval test your patience. You're bundled in layers, your hands are cold, and fumbling for your key fob in a jacket pocket or purse adds unnecessary frustration. The 2025 and 2026 Kia Digital Key 2 Touch feature changes that routine. Your smartphone becomes your key, allowing you to lock, unlock, and start your vehicle without ever reaching for a physical fob.

Digital Key 2 Touch uses NFC (near-field communication) technology—the same technology found in contactless payment systems and hotel card keys. Tap your phone near the driver's door handle to unlock. Place it on the wireless charging pad to start the engine. Pre-warm the cabin from inside your home before you even step outside. Winter mornings become simpler, and your vehicle is ready when you are.

Key Takeaways

What is Digital Key 2 Touch?

Digital Key 2 Touch turns your compatible smartphone into a secure vehicle key. Instead of carrying a separate key fob, you use your phone to access and start your Kia. The system stores a digital key in your Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Google Wallet, depending on your device.

To unlock your vehicle, hold the back of your phone near the driver's door handle. The NFC sensor recognizes the digital key and unlocks the door. To start the engine, place your phone on the wireless charging pad, press the brake pedal, and push the engine start button. Once the engine is running, you can remove your phone from the charging pad.

Pre-Warming Your Vehicle from Inside Your Home

One of the most practical uses of Digital Key 2 Touch during Quebec winters is remote start. Before leaving your home, open your phone's wallet app and use the remote start function. The engine starts, the cabin begins warming, and the windshield defrosters activate. By the time you're ready to leave, your Kia is warm, the windows are clear, and you avoid sitting in a freezing cabin waiting for the heater to kick in.

This feature works from inside your home, meaning you don't need to step outside in freezing temperatures to start your vehicle manually. On mornings when temperatures drop well below zero in Laval, this saves time and discomfort.

No More Fumbling for Keys in Winter Layers

Winter clothing adds bulk. Thick gloves make it harder to grip small objects like key fobs. Pockets on heavy coats don't always position keys conveniently. Digital Key 2 Touch removes that friction. Your phone is likely already in your hand or easily accessible in a coat pocket. Tap it against the door handle, and the vehicle unlocks. No digging, no dropped keys in snowbanks, no frustration.

This convenience extends beyond winter. Whether you're carrying groceries, wrangling kids, or holding a coffee in one hand, Digital Key 2 Touch simplifies access to your vehicle.

Sharing Digital Keys with Family Members

Digital Key 2 Touch allows you to share your vehicle's digital key with family members remotely. Open your wallet app, select the digital key, and send an invitation to another person's phone. You can set access levels—full access (lock, unlock, and drive) or limited access (lock and unlock only, no engine start).

This is useful for households where multiple drivers share the same vehicle. A teenager borrowing the family car can receive temporary access for the day. A spouse can unlock the vehicle to retrieve something without needing the physical key fob. Keys can be revoked remotely at any time.

Compatible Devices and Models

Digital Key 2 Touch works with a range of smartphones and smartwatches:

iPhones: iPhone XS or later
Apple Watches: Apple Watch Series 6 or later
Samsung Phones: Galaxy S20 5G or later, Galaxy Note20 5G or later, Galaxy Z Flip 5G or later, Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G or later
Google Devices: Pixel 6 or later

All devices should run the latest version of their operating systems (iOS, Android) and the respective wallet apps (Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet).

Digital Key 2 Touch is available on select trims of the following Kia models:

• 2025 Niro HEV
• 2025 Niro PHEV
• 2025 Niro EV
• 2025 Telluride
• 2025–2026 Seltos

Setting Up Digital Key 2 Touch

To activate Digital Key 2 Touch in your vehicle, at least one physical key fob must be present inside the vehicle during the pairing process. Follow the instructions in your vehicle's infotainment system to pair your smartphone. Once paired, the digital key is stored in your wallet app and ready to use.

If you lose your phone or upgrade to a new device, you can transfer the digital key to your new phone through your wallet app. The old device's access is automatically revoked once the transfer is complete.

Learn More at Lallier Kia Vimont

Digital Key 2 Touch simplifies vehicle access during Quebec winters and throughout the year. Walk up to your Kia, tap your phone, and you're in. Start your engine remotely, pre-warm the cabin, and step into a comfortable vehicle every time. Visit our team right here in Laval to learn more about Digital Key features and which Kia models offer this technology.

To learn more about Kia Digital Key 2 Technology, visit Kia.ca