How to Charge a BMW Key

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: March 14, 2025 Fact Checked

If you own an E, 5, or 7 series BMW, your key probably has some sort of rechargeable battery. You may see a service message on the dashboard of your car indicating that the battery is low, or you might notice that the buttons on the fob don’t always work—which is often a sign of a weak battery. The key is built to charge inductively while you are driving, but there are a few hacks you can do at home if your battery is completely dead and won’t work to lock or unlock your car.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Driving Your Car to Charge the Key

Download Article

1
Keep your BMW key battery charged with regular driving. Each time your key is inserted into the ignition and turned to position 1 or position 2, the battery will automatically charge. If you don’t drive your car regularly, try to at least take it on 1 or 2 long drives per year to make sure the battery stays charged.
- Position 1 or “KL R” turns on the accessories.
- Position 2 is when the car is running.
Driving your car for about 30 minutes will charge the key battery enough to get 15 key presses on the fob. The longer you drive, the more the battery will charge and the more key presses you will be able to make.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Drive 30 hours total to fully recharge a dead key battery. The discharge time on the key battery is about 18 months. Since the key battery charges while you drive, it’s not likely that your key will ever fully die until it reaches the end of its life. At this point, the battery (or the entire key, depending on the model) will just need to be replaced.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- A completely dead key most likely occurs with a spare key that has gone unused for at least 18 months.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Inductive Chargers

Download Article

1
Invest in a wireless cell phone charger to double as a key charger. Wireless phone chargers charge cell phones by inductive charging, which uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between 2 objects. This will work to charge your BMW key as well.
- Simply set your key on top of the charging pad and keep it there for a few hours or overnight.
- You can find a wireless charger online or in your local department store for as little as $10.00.
2
Charge the key on an electric toothbrush charger if you own one. The BMW key charges through induction and so does an electric toothbrush. Take the electric toothbrush off of its charging station and place the key there instead.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Allow the key to rest on the charging station for a few hours or overnight.
Simply set the key in the cradle of the smart watch charging station. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to recharge the battery in your key.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Charging the Display Key on a 5 or 7 Series BMW

Download Article

1
Insert the display key into the charging pocket for wireless charging. Open the center console of equipped BMW models and locate the charging pocket along the side of the console, closest to the driver’s seat. Put the display key into the center of the pocket.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Make sure the lock button on the key fob is facing upwards.
2
Ensure that the blue LED light is illuminated. Once the display key is properly inserted into the charging pocket, the blue LED light will turn on to indicate that the key is charging.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If the light is not on, re-position the display key until it comes on.
3
Plug the display key into a micro USB cable for wired charging. Insert the power connecting end of the USB cable into the USB port in your car. Plug the device-connecting end of the micro USB cable into the charging port on the display key.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can also charge the display key on a micro USB cable connected to your home computer or another charging station in your home.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I find the wireless charging pocket in a BMW 5 series?

Hailey Scott

Top Answerer

In a BMW 5 series, you will typically find the wireless charging pocket within the center console. Lift the armrest to access the storage compartment, where it is usually positioned along the side closest to the driver's seat. Simply place your Qi-compatible phone into this pocket for charging, ensuring it is centered for optimal connection.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

Where do I find the USB charging port for my BMW key?

Hailey Scott

Top Answerer

The USB charging port for your BMW key is usually in the vehicle's center console. Look for a small USB port or charging socket, often near the armrest or within a storage compartment. If you have a display key, you can also use the wireless charging pocket in the center console; ensure the lock button faces up for charging.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I charge my BMW key on an Apple Watch charger?

Hailey Scott

Top Answerer

Yes, you can charge your BMW key with an Apple Watch charger because both devices utilize inductive charging. Simply place your key on the charger, ensuring proper alignment with the charging area. Be aware that charging times may vary, and it might be less efficient than the key's dedicated charger. For optimal results or if issues arise, use the original charger designed for your key.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If the battery completely dies and will not charge at all, check with your local dealership for options. Some models allow you to replace the battery, but many newer models require that you replace the entire key.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

You may find some information online that suggests you can replace the battery by cutting open and then soldering the key. Please note that the fob wasn’t made to be serviced, which is why it is so difficult to open and reseal.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 4