Samsung Wallet Digital Key Needs Play Services Update

It looks like Samsung Wallet’s Digital Key feature is experiencing some problems with an older version of Google Play services. Samsung has recently sent a notification asking Wallet users to update the system app. The company did not share technical reasons behind this move but said Digital Key won’t run unless you do so.

Update Play services to keep the Samsung Wallet Digital Key working

For the uninitiated, the Digital Key feature in Samsung Wallet lets Galaxy users replace physical car keys with their smartphones. You can do tasks like locking and unlocking your car and starting the engine. It operates using NFC (Near Field Communication) or UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, depending on device compatibility.

This feature appears to depend on Google Play services, an important background system component on Android devices. An outdated version of this service may have recently prevented the Digital Key from working properly, and installing the latest version could help resolve the issue. As spotted by Sammyfans, Samsung Wallet users are receiving update requests through a notification.

The notification is likely being rolled out gradually, so all eligible users may receive it in the coming days. Once you tap, it will take you to the update page on the Google Play Store. If a new version is available, you should install it as soon as possible. Note that this system service usually updates automatically in the background, so a manual update may not be needed. You just have to make sure you are running the most recent version (the latest update date is April 11).

If you cannot wait to receive the notification, you can still access the update page manually. Open your phone’s Settings, then head to Apps> Google Play services. Look for the “App details in store” option. This will redirect you to the Google Play Store page, where you can check for an update and install it right away.