If you use your Android phone as a car key, Google just improved the whole experience. The May 2026 Google system services update is rolling out now, with a big upgrade to how digital car keys work in Google Wallet.
You can now share your car key with different people and assign them different levels of access, almost exactly like you would with a physical key fob.
What are the new car key sharing roles in Google Wallet?
Previously, sharing your digital car key in Google Wallet was pretty basic. The new update introduces three distinct roles: co-owner, guest, and service.
A co-owner gets full access, much like handing a spare key to a partner. A guest role is more limited, ideal for lending your car to a friend or family member. The service role is designed for mechanics or valet drivers, giving them just enough access to do the job without handing over full control.
Besides choosing a role, you can also set specific restrictions depending on who you are sharing with. These include speed limits, acceleration limits, and even a cap on how loud the music system can go.
To share, open Google Wallet, select your digital key, tap Share car key, verify with your fingerprint, and choose a contact. A passcode will appear for the other person to activate their key remotely.
The update also makes sharing across your own devices easier
This update also simplifies moving your digital car key between your own devices. If you use a Wear OS smartwatch alongside your Android phone, syncing your car key across both is now smoother. It is a small but practical improvement for anyone who regularly switches between devices throughout the day.
