Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a low-power form of Bluetooth radio used for nearby-device discovery and data communication.
Its role in a digital key
BLE can let a vehicle and authorized phone discover one another, establish protected communication, and exchange commands or authentication data without the energy use of a continuously active high-throughput link. This makes it suitable for phone-as-a-key systems.
Signal strength can provide a rough proximity indication, but it is affected by the body, buildings, radio reflections, and device orientation. It should not be confused with precise, secure distance measurement. CCC Digital Key Release 3 combines BLE communication with UWB ranging for location-aware hands-free access, while NFC supplies a close-range tap option.
Bluetooth support alone does not establish digital-key compatibility. The vehicle and device need the correct hardware, credentials, software, security design, and manufacturer support. Different cars may also use BLE only for app commands or infotainment pairing rather than as an access credential. See Digital Keys for the wider architecture.