I just saw a window sticker on a 2024 ES300h. It had the Lexus key card as a $100.00 option. I wish they would just figure out a way to provide a functional card to all owners instead of continuing to offer the unreliable and more expensive digital key. It should also be provided free to anyone that is still waiting for their 2nd key. I don't think as of now it technically will work on a RX model? Who ever was responsible for developing the digital key should be sent back for retraining or fired.

 

Looking at the 2024 and under the digital key it still says 4g network dependent. It still makes you think it has to be connected to network. No key card for 2024 as Lexus is sticking to digital key money maker only even though they know for a fact not to rely on it.

 

Network is required to provision. They're not lying.

It just isn't required to use a provisioned key.

 

If they can offer the key card on the 2024 ES they should make it available to RX buyers especially since the digital key is a white elephant.

 

Worked for me for months (mostly). Did not depend on it really, just ended up using it for short runs when I thought I had the fob. After 4 months of this (working mostly) now it has stopped working. Removed it from the car, tried many times to re-pair and it shows up on my phone bluetooth list, but never gets connected. Removed from phone, start the app over again, restart the car, same result. Get the "two beeps" then a request to pair, but then a message saying it can't pair. "Make sure your phone is charged (yes), Make sure the car is started (yes), stay close to the car (yes, I'm sitting inside), and Try Again. Ugh! Really don't want to do a factory reset after five months of customization. Really buggy and not dependable. Just get me my second key fob!!!
Don't buy any package that includes "Phone as a Key" for that feature alone.

 

I recall from previous threads on this that when you can't re-pair it, something is stuck in the Lexus database and you have to call the 800 number to get it cleaned up.

 

I'm trying to find more info about this since I'm having the same issue right now. Do you know what exactly I need to say to the representative?

 

I would say, sent me a check for $300.00 for my aggravation and price paid.

 

The first rep just takes the information, they will need your VIN of course and all the information to identify the car, and then tell them you suspect something needs to be cleared in their central database - hopefully it will be sent to a tier2 person who is familiar with the situation.

 

Thanks! I tried this route and told about the central database. And it worked. I think they cleared everything about keys so even the physical key got erased? I wasn't able to enter the car with the fob, had to use the key. Then it paired to the phone and now it works. I called the general line and they forwarded me to someone from Brand Engagement who fixed it.

 

The actual fob stopped working also when they cleared the digital key?

 

Yep, I think the clear in central database clears all the keys linked to the car (even the physical fob) and restarts pairing. I was able to get to the car with the physical key, then pair the fob and phone as well for digital key. The central database mention made things much smooth.

 

Finally called the 800 number after being unable to get past the pairing. The key pairs with my bluetooth but the process won't finish. Mentioned the database clearing idea several times as they had me do exactly what I have done before many times with no results. It was on deaf ears. After 25 minutes on the phone, removing the key, pairing the key, removing the key, restarting the car, removing from bluetooth, UGH! No results and at the end the rep told me someone from tech will call me back in the next couple of days. DAYS! One can only hope this will resolve the issue... stay tuned LOL.

 

This digital key is garbage, even when it is working correctly. You still need to have the app up in running and have cell service, you can't store it in apple wallet. It will kill you phones battery if that app is running all time and on top of that even with cell service it is hit or miss it loads or works. The only advantage I can see for it, is if you want send your key to someone in emergency to access or move your call, that is only value of it.

Lexus app always even without the key was always flawed..

 

I’ve been a fairly big(ish) proponent of the Digital Key and have pretty much made it work for me. But as time wears on, I’m realizing that you are right. I’ll continue to use it until, if ever, I get the second FOB. And continue to use the one FOB for backup. But once I get the second FOB, I’m done with the DK. Truthfully a class action lawyer should take on getting refunds for the $350. I’ve been beat out of way worse than $350 and I find the new RX to be great overall. So I’ll let it go and move on. Digital Key works for me but other than eliminating a few ounces in my pocket, it’s more work than the old (FOB) way. Oh and Lexus never addressed the rear hatch close-and-lock inability to work w the DK