Quick answer: Samsung Wallet now supports Digital Key access for select General Motors vehicles in the United States and Canada. The rollout begins with specific Cadillac EVs: the 2025-2027 LYRIQ, 2026-2027 OPTIQ and 2027 VISTIQ. With a compatible Samsung Galaxy device and Digital Key enabled, owners can lock, unlock and start the vehicle without using a physical key. Samsung says more GM models will be added by the end of 2026.
Which GM vehicles support Samsung Wallet Digital Key?
Samsung’s October 6 announcement names three Cadillac electric vehicle lines in the first wave. Supported model years are important because not every car carrying the same badge is automatically compatible.
- Cadillac LYRIQ: model years 2025 through 2027
- Cadillac OPTIQ: model years 2026 and 2027
- Cadillac VISTIQ: model year 2027
Samsung says support will expand to additional General Motors vehicles by the end of the year. Until those models are formally named, owners should not assume that every Chevrolet, GMC, Buick or Cadillac vehicle can be added to Samsung Wallet.
What can the digital key do?
Once a compatible car and Galaxy device are set up correctly, Samsung Wallet can act as a vehicle key. Samsung says the system can automatically unlock the vehicle as the phone approaches and lock it again as the user walks away. The phone can also be used to start the car.
The feature uses Ultra-Wideband and Bluetooth Low Energy on supported hardware. That combination allows proximity-based access rather than requiring the owner to open an app and tap a button every time.
Can you share the key with another driver?
Yes. Samsung says Digital Key access can be shared from Samsung Wallet. The owner can control permissions and later withdraw access remotely. That is useful for households with multiple drivers because the primary owner does not need to hand over a physical key.
If the Galaxy device is lost or stolen, Samsung says the Digital Key can be suspended or deleted remotely through Samsung Find from a computer.
Which Galaxy phones support UWB?
Samsung lists Ultra-Wideband support on a range of higher-end Galaxy devices, including selected Plus, Ultra and Fold models. The exact list is long and may change as new phones launch, so the safest approach is to check Samsung’s current compatibility notes before relying on hands-free proximity access.
Samsung’s announcement includes devices from the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra onward in several flagship generations, newer Fold models, the Z TriFold and other supported devices. A compatible phone still needs the relevant Samsung Wallet and vehicle setup to use the feature.
How secure is Samsung Digital Key?
Samsung says vehicle keys are stored in the phone’s embedded Secure Element rather than treated like a simple password saved in an ordinary app. The Wallet environment is also protected by Samsung Knox.
The company says its Digital Keys meet EAL6+ certification requirements, which are designed to test protection against advanced access attempts. Users can also remove a key remotely with Samsung Find if the phone goes missing.
Does this replace the physical car key?
For everyday use, the feature is designed to let a compatible Galaxy phone handle locking, unlocking and starting. That does not mean every owner should immediately stop carrying a physical key. New digital-key systems can depend on phone compatibility, vehicle software and account setup, and users should understand their vehicle’s fallback procedure before relying on a phone alone.
Why this rollout matters
Samsung Wallet has been expanding beyond payments and passes into identity and access. Vehicle keys are a major part of that strategy because they turn the phone into something that can replace a separate physical object in daily life.
The GM rollout is especially notable because it starts with several current Cadillac EV families and is scheduled to reach more GM vehicles before the end of 2026. That could make Samsung Wallet relevant to a much larger North American driver base.
Frequently asked questions
Does Samsung Wallet work with the 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ?
Yes. Samsung lists the 2025, 2026 and 2027 LYRIQ among the supported vehicles in the first GM rollout.
Does Samsung Wallet support the Cadillac OPTIQ?
Samsung lists the 2026 and 2027 OPTIQ as supported models.
Can I unlock the car without touching the phone?
On compatible hardware with Digital Key configured, Samsung says UWB and Bluetooth Low Energy can enable automatic unlocking as the user approaches and automatic locking when the user walks away.
What happens if my phone is lost?
Samsung says owners can suspend or delete the Digital Key remotely using Samsung Find.
Sources
Related AVARIXO coverage: Android October 2026 security patch guide.
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