2025 Audi A5/Q5 Digital Key Card Deactivation TSB

Owners of certain 2025 Audi models, including the A5, Q5, S5, and SQ5, may notice that their Audi connect Digital Key card does not remain permanently activated. This behavior, where the digital key card deactivates after the ignition is turned on using a traditional vehicle key or another digital key, has prompted Audi to issue Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2077333/2 to clarify the intended functionality of this feature.

This TSB, released on August 1, 2025, addresses customer complaints and provides important information regarding the design and purpose of the digital key card. It aims to prevent confusion and manage expectations about how the digital key card operates within the vehicle's access and start authorization systems.

What Owners Are Reporting

Customers have reported that the digital key card does not maintain a permanent activation status. Specifically, the 2025 Audi A5 digital key card deactivation occurs after the vehicle's ignition is engaged using a different key. This perceived issue leads to several functional concerns:

• Door Unlocking: Owners report issues with "door unlocking with key card" functionality.
• Engine Start: Difficulties with "engine start with key card" are noted.
• Door Locking: Problems with "door locking with key card" have also been raised.

These reports indicate that the digital key card's functionality, related to access control, start authorization, and anti-theft protection, appears to be intermittently unavailable or non-functional from the owner's perspective.

Audi's Clarification: Intended Use of the Digital Key Card

Audi's TSB 2077333/2 clarifies that the Audi connect Digital Key card is not designed to serve as a permanent, standalone key replacement. Instead, its primary purpose is to offer a convenient, temporary access solution. This is particularly useful in situations where handing over a mobile device (which typically hosts the primary digital key) is impractical or undesirable.

For example, the digital key card is intended for use during service work, valet parking, or in the event of a breakdown, allowing temporary vehicle access without requiring the owner to part with their personal mobile device. The TSB emphasizes that the digital key card's deactivation after ignition by another key is an expected operational characteristic, not a fault. Owners should consult their vehicle's Owner's Manual for comprehensive information on the digital key card's functionality and limitations.

Important Considerations for Owners

Owners should understand that the 2025 Audi A5 digital key card deactivation is a normal part of its operation. This means:

• Not a Permanent Replacement: The digital key card is not meant to permanently replace your primary vehicle key or the digital key on your mobile device.
• Temporary Access: Its utility is focused on providing temporary access for specific scenarios like service appointments or valet parking.
• Consult Owner's Manual: For detailed instructions and further clarification on the Audi connect Digital Key card's features and limitations, referring to the Owner's Manual is highly recommended.

This TSB is purely informational and does not indicate a defect requiring a repair under warranty. It serves to inform both technicians and customers about the correct operational parameters of the digital key card system.

TSB History and Scope

Technical Service Bulletin 2077333/2 was initially published on March 20, 2025. It underwent a revision (Revision 2) to include additional models, indicating that the clarification applies to a broader range of vehicles. This TSB is specifically for the United States market and applies to various 2025 Audi models. The TSB is informational only and does not fall under any Audi warranty claims.

NHTSA ID: 11022640