Kia EV6: Opening and closing / Smartphone Touch Control

The Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 smartphone touch control system allows the driver to conveniently lock or unlock the vehicle doors simply by touching a compatible smartphone to the exterior door handle, without needing to manually open the Kia Access App.

In addition, the Kia EV6 can be started by placing the registered smartphone onto the wireless charging pad located inside the vehicle. For proper operation, ensure that the smartphone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna is aligned correctly with the authentication area on the vehicle.

The advanced smartphone authentication system of the Kia EV6 combines convenience, security, and modern wireless connectivity technologies for everyday driving.

Door handle authentication pad Smartphone's NFC antennas

Because NFC antenna locations vary depending on smartphone manufacturer and model, users should position the correct area of the device against the Kia EV6 authentication pad for reliable operation.

On Apple iPhone ® devices, the NFC antenna is generally positioned near the upper rear section of the phone, while the Apple Watch ® places the NFC antenna near the center of the display. These are typically the same locations used for contactless payment functionality.

If you are unsure where the NFC antenna is located on your smartphone, contact the smartphone manufacturer for additional technical information.

Locking and unlocking the doors

• If the driver touches the smartphone NFC antenna to the Kia EV6 driver-side or passenger-side exterior door handle authentication pad for more than approximately 2 seconds, the doors will either lock or unlock automatically.

• After unlocking the Kia EV6 using the smartphone digital key, the doors automatically relock after approximately 30 seconds unless a door is opened.

• If the smartphone digital key does not respond properly, move the smartphone at least 4 inches (0.1 m) away from the Kia EV6 door handle authentication pad and try the operation again.

To lock or unlock the Kia EV6 using a registered smartphone without UWB functionality, place the smartphone’s NFC antenna directly against the authentication pad located on the driver or passenger exterior door handle for approximately 2 seconds.

• To lock or unlock the Kia EV6 doors, carry the compatible smartphone with you and touch the exterior door handle lock/unlock sensor located in the curved sensor area of the handle.

• If the Approach Unlock feature is enabled, the Kia EV6 automatically unlocks the front doors when the driver approaches the exterior door handle while carrying the registered smartphone.

The Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 system is designed to provide seamless and intuitive vehicle access while minimizing the need for physical keys.

WARNING

NOTE

Starting the vehicle

To start the Kia EV6 using Digital Key 2 smartphone authentication, place the registered smartphone onto the wireless charging pad, press and hold the brake pedal, and then press the EV button.

• Once the Kia EV6 has started successfully, the smartphone can be removed from the wireless charging pad.

The smartphone-based starting system of the Kia EV6 offers an additional level of convenience for drivers who prefer using digital vehicle access technology.

For additional information regarding startup procedures, refer to the EV button section of the Kia EV6 owner’s manual.

• To start the Kia EV6, position the smartphone’s NFC antenna directly over the center of the wireless charging pad, then press the brake pedal and press the EV button.

• After the Kia EV6 enters the DRIVE READY state successfully, the smartphone may be removed from the charging pad.

• If smartphone recognition does not occur immediately, slightly reposition the device on the charging pad and try the authentication process again.

Some smartphone models may experience inconsistent NFC communication because of their internal antenna layout or hardware structure. If authentication with the Kia EV6 wireless charging pad does not respond correctly, slightly reposition the smartphone toward the left or right side of the charging pad until proper communication is established.

• Carry the registered smartphone inside the Kia EV6 cabin, press the brake pedal, and then press the EV button to start the vehicle without using the physical smart key.

• To remotely start the Kia EV6, use the smartphone manufacturer’s compatible digital wallet or vehicle control application to lock the vehicle first using the door lock command, then press the remote start button within 4 seconds. Once activated successfully, the Kia EV6 will start and the hazard warning lights will flash for confirmation.

• To switch the Kia EV6 off after remote start operation, press the remote start button again through the compatible smartphone application or device interface.

Operating the liftgate

• When the Kia EV6 is locked, press the liftgate open button while carrying a registered Digital Key 2 smartphone to automatically unlock and open the liftgate.

• If the Smart Liftgate function is enabled, the Kia EV6 liftgate opens automatically when the driver stands within the detection zone behind the vehicle for more than approximately 3 seconds while carrying a registered Digital Key 2 smartphone.

The Smart Liftgate system of the Kia EV6 improves convenience during loading and unloading by allowing hands-free liftgate operation.

CAUTION

For smartphones with UWB support, Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 functionality is only available while the smartphone and vehicle maintain an active Bluetooth connection.

• The operating range of the Kia EV6 Bluetooth connection may vary depending on nearby electronic devices, obstacles, wireless interference, and surrounding environmental conditions.

• Bluetooth signal quality may decrease depending on the type of window tint film installed on the Kia EV6.

• If the smartphone is stored inside a back pocket, handbag, backpack, or other enclosed location, the wireless signal may become partially blocked. This can reduce Bluetooth performance and cause delayed door locking, unlocking, or vehicle starting responses.

For smartphones equipped with UWB support, Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 operation may remain active for a limited time period in order to help optimize battery consumption for both the smartphone and the vehicle.

You can verify the connection status between the Kia EV6 and the registered smartphone through the smartphone settings menu or by using the application supplied by the smartphone manufacturer.

WARNING

NOTE

How to delete Digital Key (Smartphone)

Before deleting a Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 linked to a smartphone, switch the vehicle on using the smart key and keep the smart key inside the Kia EV6 throughout the entire deletion process to ensure proper authentication and system access.

1. To Delete All Digital Keys

   Digital Keys Smartphone key

   With the Kia EV6 powered on, open the infotainment menu and select Setup > Vehicle > Digital Keys > Smartphone key > Shared keys > Delete all.

   • This procedure removes both the owner’s smartphone digital key and all shared Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 users connected to the vehicle.

   • If no digital smartphone key has been registered, the Delete All option will remain unavailable.

2. To Delete the Owner’s Digital Key

   Digital Keys Smartphone key My Smartphone Key Delete

   If you only want to replace the owner’s smartphone while keeping shared Digital Key 2 users active in the Kia EV6, select My Smartphone Key and delete only that entry instead of using Delete All. Afterward, you can register a new owner device.

   With the vehicle switched on, select Setup > Vehicle > Digital Keys > Smartphone Key > My Smartphone key > Delete through the Kia EV6 infotainment system.

   • Once the My Smartphone Key profile is removed, another smartphone can be paired and registered as the new Kia EV6 Digital Key 2 owner device.