Google Wallet adds role-based permissions for digital car key sharing with co-owner, guest, and service access levels

by | May 26, 2026 | Latest E-commerce News & Updates

Google Wallet now lets users share a digital car key with different people at different permission levels, rolling out as part of the May 2026 Google system services update, according to Digital Trends. The update introduces three roles: co-owner, which grants full access similar to a spare key; guest, a more limited tier for lending a car to a friend or family member; and service, designed for mechanics or valet drivers with just enough access to do their job. Owners can also set specific restrictions for each person, including speed limits, acceleration limits, and a cap on stereo volume. Sharing is done by opening Google Wallet, selecting the digital key, tapping share, verifying by fingerprint, and choosing a contact, after which a passcode lets the recipient activate their key. The update also makes it easier to sync a digital car key across a user's own devices, including a Wear OS smartwatch.

Paul Drecksler is the founder and editor of Shopifreaks, covering the most important stories in e-commerce.

Companies: Google

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