How to enable UWB on Android

Google Pixel 7 in lemongrass color. — June Wan/ZDNET

Have you ever wanted to unlock your car with your phone?

Sounds futuristic, right? Well, the future is ahead of us, thanks to UWB.

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UWB, or ultra-wideband, is used as a short-range wireless communication protocol to track the location of objects with an accuracy of less than half an inch. This technology measures the travel time of short radio pulses between devices. UWB was originally designed to transmit data, but its ability to track such precise positioning has made it quite useful in modern devices.

One of the most common uses of UWB is Apple AirTags, and technology is gaining momentum. Another exciting application of UWB is unlocking cars and smart homes. An increasing number of car manufacturers offer vehicles compatible with UWB. (As of this writing, the list includes BMW, Audi, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Genesis, Jeep, Kia, Mini, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Ram, Porsche, Subaru, Rivian, Toyota, Volkswagon and Hyundai.)

Other UWB use cases include keyless access to homes, manufacturing and logistics, sports, asset tracking, and more.

Both iOS and Android devices can use UWB. However, the list of phones compatible with UWB is surprisingly short and includes the following models:

Apple iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14
Apple Watch series 6, 7, 8 and Ultra.
Google Pixel 6 Pro 7 Professionals
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra,Galaxy S23Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold 4
Xiaomi Mix 4.

If you have one of the above phones, you can use UWB to unlock your car and do other cool things. Of course, not every vehicle works with UWB. For example, my Mini Cooper is too old and not supported. On the other hand, my wife’s car works.

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The good news is that UWB is popular and we should expect to see more cars and devices supporting this technology. And because UWB is so accurate at pinpointing locations, you can be sure it will find even more applications soon.

For example, with UWB enabled, cars will (eventually) be able to recognize your device when you get close enough to it and automatically unlock it. I imagine this feature will put an end to many thrillers and TV series where the bad guy kidnaps or attacks someone trying to open a car.

Note: Even if your phone is listed above, UWB may not be fully functional yet. For example, Samsung S21 was listed and UWB was found in Android settings. However, when you searched for UWB in the Settings app, it showed up but took you to the Connections page where UWB wasn’t listed. Over the past few months, Samsung has withdrawn UWB support from the S21 and only implemented it on the S21+ and S21 Ultra.

Don’t see the UWB option available on your phone listed as supported? Hopefully it will eventually appear in an update.

The UWB range looks something like this:

Range: 30-600 feet (10-200 meters)
Accuracy: 0.1-0.5 m (0.33-1.64 ft)

UWB not only has a good range, but is also very accurate.

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Although a small percentage of Android phones support UWB, it’s worth knowing how to turn it on (if your car supports it). I’ll show you how it’s done.

What you will need: To enable UWB, you need an Android device that supports the protocol. I’ll demonstrate it on mine Pixel 7 Pro running Android 13. (The steps should be similar for other supported Android phones).

The first thing to do is open the Settings app. To do this, open the app drawer, find and tap the Settings launcher.

In the Settings app, tap Connected devices, then tap Connection preferences.

Connection Preferences list on Pixel 7 Pro with Android 13. — You can access the UWB feature in Calling Preferences in Android 13.

Screenshot: Jack Wallen/ZDNET

At the bottom of the Connection Preferences page, you’ll see an entry for UWB. Touch the ON/OFF slider until it is in the ON position to enable this feature.

UWB switch in Android 13. — Turning on UWB on Pixel 7 Pro with Android 13.

Screenshot: Jack Wallen/ZDNET

UWB is now enabled.

If your car supports this protocol, you should now be able to configure it to automatically unlock when you approach your car.

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However, please note that you will probably need to install the app in your car or configure this feature in your car’s system. This process will vary depending on your car, so check the manufacturer’s instructions on connecting your phone and car.