Get Entry and security Guide for Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

6. Entry and security

Learn about the various features associated with entering and exiting the car, including how the keys and

alarm work.

This section of the manual covers the different types of keys, opening and closing the doors, locking and unlocking, and the

alarm.

Learn more about the different types of keys and how you can customise the way your car reacts when you lock or unlock it.

6.1. Keys

Your car supports two types of keys. Use your keys to lock, unlock and start the car.

Important

Using keys is fairly straightforward, but you should be aware of the limitations of each key type for safety and security

reasons. Therefore, it is important to read all of the information in this manual about keys and how to use them.

Car and key wireless technologies may cause disturbances in other devices. You can find more information about these

systems in the specifications section of this manual.

For safety and security reasons, never leave unattended keys in an exposed place.

The car supports the following types of keys:

Digital key

Key card

Key tag

Note

Ordering new or additional keys

Your car comes with a limited number of keys. Contact a Volvo dealer if you lose a key or simply require additional keys.

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Key reading locations

2

1

The car reads your key when placed on a specific point on the driver's door pillar.

To start the car, place the key on the card reader between the front seats.

2

User profiles and keys

You can assign keys to a user profile. This allows the car to automatically identify who's unlocking it and apply all of their cus-

tomisations. You can read more about which customisation options are available in a separate section of this manual.

Note

Unresponsive car

If the car has been turned off for a long time, it may take several seconds for it to unlock. This is because the car needs

time to turn its systems back on, to recognise the key and to give you access.

If the car's batteries go completely flat, it will not respond to any key.

Important

When the car is locked, key cards can still be used to start the car. For safety and security reasons, never leave unattended

keys in an exposed place.

6.1.1. Key tag

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You can use your key tag to lock, unlock and drive the car.

Place the key tag on the driver's door pillar with the logo facing towards you to lock or unlock the car.

To start your car using the key tag, place it on the card reader between the front seats.

Note

You can replace the key tag battery. It uses a CR2450 battery.

6.1.1.1. Replacing the key tag battery

You can replace the battery in your key tag when it goes flat.

If the key tag signal appears to be unreliable, this may be due to a low battery. You can replace the battery yourself. The tag re-

quires a flat CR2450 disc or button battery.

Tip

You may find it helpful to use a small screwdriver to unlock the tag lid and to lift the battery from its slot.

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Important

For safety reasons and to ensure optimal battery performance, use hand protection such as a medical glove when

handling a new battery.

Used batteries must be recycled in an environmentally sound manner.

Warning

Check that the battery is fitted correctly with the correct polarity. If the key tag will not be used for a long time, remove

the battery to avoid battery leakage and damage. Batteries with damage or leaks may cause corrosive injury on contact

with the skin. Therefore, use protective gloves when handling old or damaged batteries.

Keep batteries out of the reach of children.

Do not leave batteries lying around since they can be swallowed by children or pets.

Batteries must not: be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into open flames.

Do not try to charge non-rechargeable batteries. They may explode.

Check battery operated products for signs of damage on a regular basis. The key tag should not be used if anything

indicates that the tag or its battery has been damaged or has started to leak.

Keep defective products out of the reach of children.

1

Hold the tag with the Volvo logo facing upwards. There is a small opening on one of the tag's short sides. Pry open the

tag from this side by pulling the edge outwards and upwards.

Lift the tag lid to access the battery.

2

Pry the battery from the locking teeth and slide it towards you to remove it.

3

4

Slide the new battery into the slot and press it down to lock it into place. Make sure the positive side of the battery is

facing upwards.

Close the tag lid so that it clicks into place.

5

If the key tag signal is still unreliable, this may be due to signal interference outside of the car. If the tag fails to work at all, re-

peat the steps and ensure that a fully-charged battery is properly installed. If you think that you may need a new key tag, contact

a Volvo dealer.

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6.1.2. Key card

Your key card can lock and unlock the car, and allows you driving access.

You can lock and unlock the car by placing the key card on the driver's door pillar.

Key reading location on the driver's door pillar.

The key card starts the car when placed on the card reader located between the two front seats. When you start using the ped-

als, you can remove the card from the card reader.

If the car is stationary without a card on the card reader for a while, you will need to put the card back on the reader for the car

to reactivate driving mode.

Note

The card reader and wireless charger are located in the same place. Therefore, if you have any kind of car key on the card

reader, you have to remove it to be able to wirelessly charge a phone.

Important

Do not place cards with NFC^[1], such as key cards or electronic payment cards, between the wireless charger and the

device when using the charging function. This could damage them.

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Warning

The car's use of Bluetooth, UWB^[2]and NFC signals may cause disturbances in other devices at certain distances.

[1]

[2]

Near Field Communication

Ultra-wideband

6.1.3. Phone as digital key

The mobile app for this car works as a multifunctional key, working at range using Bluetooth. This allows you

to lock, unlock and drive the car.

This digital key allows you to lock and unlock the car from a distance.

Tip

Windows can be remotely opened or closed using your phone.

The digital key works passively, allowing the car to lock and unlock as you come and go. When you enter the car, the car allows

you to access its functions and drive.

You activate and manage digital keys through the mobile app.

Tip

Sometimes signal interference may cause connectivity issues between your phone and car. If this happens, remember

that your phone can work as a key card due to its NFC^[1]ability.

If you're having problems with your connection, make sure that:

your phone is charged

there are no obstructions, such as concrete pillars, between the phone and the remote sensors in the car

your phone's Bluetooth is on and connected to the car

your phone app and your car's display are updated

any required access settings are selected.

Note

If the digital key appears to not be working as intended, try restarting the app or phone. You can also try to temporarily

disconnect Bluetooth. If you still experience trouble, contact Volvo support.

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[1]

Near field communication

6.1.3.1. Creating a digital key

The mobile app for this car works as a distance-capable key. This allows you to lock, unlock and drive the car.

You create a digital key through the mobile app. However, you must have your key card with you and be in the car. You will also

need your Volvo ID to hand.

Access your mobile app and follow the instructions.

1

When the car's display gives you a notification to do so, place a key card on the card reader located between the two front

2

seats.

Follow any further instructions in the app or the display, such as scanning a QR code in the display with your phone.

3

To save some customised settings, you should assign a key to a profile.

6.1.3.2. Deleting a digital key

You can delete digital keys at any time.

Deleting your own key

Anyone with a digital key can delete and remove it from their phone's wallet.

Deleting friend keys

The owner can delete a shared key either by using their phone's wallet app or via the display. The key will then be instantly dis-

abled. The owner can also delete all of the digital keys from the car at the same time by selecting Reset digital keys in the pro-

file settings.

Note

Deleting the digital key on a lost phone

It's a good idea to keep a key card with you in case a device with a digital key is lost or stolen. This way, you can still ac-

cess the car and delete the digital key for the lost device via the display. You can also check with your phone's manufac-

turer if they are able to delete or suspend your digital key remotely.

If you have any shared keys, they will remain active until you remove them manually.

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6.1.4. Key reading locations

There are some key interaction points where your car can detect your keys to let you lock, unlock or drive.

Interaction points for keys

2

1

Interaction points for keys

1

Key reading sensor in the driver door pillar

Card reader between the front seats

2

Exterior key reader

You can lock and unlock the car by placing any type of key on the key reading sensor in the driver's door pillar.

Key reading location on the driver's door pillar

Make sure the card or device is laid flat against the reader. If you're using a key tag, the logo should be facing towards you.

Interior key reader

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You can place your key card or a discharged key tag on the card reader between the front seats to get driving access.

Card reader location

Note

The card reader won't work at the same time as the wireless charger.

6.2. Opening and closing

Your car has a few features and situation-specific behaviours you should be aware of when opening and

closing the doors.

Doors

You open the doors manually, but you can set how the doors unlock and under which conditions via the display.

The rear doors are equipped with a double-pull feature to help protect against accidental opening of the rear doors. To open the

rear doors from the inside, you need to pull the door handle twice.

Bonnet

The bonnet is opened by using a lever near the driver's seat.

Boot

You can open the boot via the display or using the button on the boot hatch.

Open door warning

Regularly check that the bonnet, boot and doors are fully closed.

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Open doors are highlighted in red on the car symbol in the display. The car will also use warning sounds to indicate improperly

closed doors.

6.2.1. Opening the bonnet

Opening the bonnet provides access to the front storage compartment. Be sure to close the bonnet again

before driving the car.

Location of release lever

The interior lever as seen from the driver's seat.

The lever to open the bonnet can be found below the dashboard on the driver's side, just in front of the door hinge.

Opening the bonnet

Pull the bonnet lever upwards twice.

1

The bonnet releases from its fully locked position.

>

Lift the bonnet by its front edge and open it to its fully extended height, which is just above a 45-degree angle.

2

The bonnet stays in position.

>

Warning

Do not drive with the bonnet open

Stop the car immediately if there is any indication that the bonnet is not completely closed.

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Note

Open bonnet warning

If you see an open bonnet warning in the driver display, open the bonnet and check for obstructions before closing it

again. Contact Volvo support if the notification doesn't go away.

6.2.2. Closing the bonnet

Take extra care to ensure that the bonnet completely closes after being open.

Make sure nothing gets in the way of the bonnet as it closes.

Warning

Pinching and crushing hazard

Keep all hands away from the bonnet's closing path. Take extra caution when children or pets are nearby.

From the fully opened position, simply pull the bonnet down by holding the outer edge.

1

Carefully lower the bonnet until it reaches the locking mechanism.

2

3

Press down with both hands on the front edge of the bonnet lid. Make sure the bonnet fits into the locks at the same

time. Keep the front edge flat as it closes.

The bonnet noticeably locks in place on both sides.

>

Make sure there are no significant gaps or any indication that the bonnet is not completely closed.

4

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Note

Open bonnet warning

If you see an open bonnet warning in the driver display, open the bonnet and check for obstructions before closing it

again. Contact Volvo support if the notification doesn't go away.

Warning

Do not drive with the bonnet open

Stop the car immediately if there is any indication that the bonnet is not completely closed.

6.2.3. Boot access

Open and close the boot via the display or the button on the boot hatch.

Warning

Be aware when the boot is opening or closing. Make sure that no persons are in the vicinity of the boot when it is in mo-

tion. Always use the boot access functions with caution.

Do not interfere with the boot's support arms, these are highly pressurised and tampering with them can result in serious

injury.

After use, check the display for indications that the boot is fully closed.

If the car is unlocked, you can open the boot using the button in the middle of the boot hatch.

You can also open the boot from inside the car via the display.

Button on the boot's interior

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Location of the boot closing button.

Press the close button on the inner right side of the boot hatch to close it. Press the button twice to activate a delayed close.

The delay is approximately 30 seconds.

You can also use the close button to adjust how far the boot opens. This is useful if you want the boot hatch to stay within easy

reach or if you are somewhere with a low ceiling, such as a garage.

Locking with the boot open

Locking the car with the boot open will lock all doors and set the alarm only for the closed doors. If you then close the boot

hatch, it will lock and the alarm will be set for the boot.

6.2.3.1. Adjusting boot opening height

You can adjust how much the boot hatch opens.

If the car is often in places with a low ceiling, such as a garage, you may want to reduce the boot opening height. To have more

room to access the boot, you can raise the boot opening height.

Once adjusted, the boot hatch will continue to open to the newly set height until changed.

Open the boot hatch.

1

Adjust the boot hatch to the desired height using the close button on the inner right side of the boot hatch.

2

Use the close button marked with the associated symbol.

To lower the boot hatch, move it manually to the preferred height, then press the close button to stop it. If you do not

press the close button, the hatch will continue to lower until it closes.

To raise the boot hatch, move it manually to the preferred height.

Press and hold the close button for a few seconds to set the new height.

3

A chime sound confirms that the new height is set.

>

A height adjustment is saved to the profile being used at that time.

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6.3. Locking and unlocking

Use your key on the driver's door pillar to lock or unlock the car.

Using the key reader

You can use any of your keys to lock or unlock the car by putting the key on the NFC^[1]reader in the door pillar.

Key reading location on the door pillar

Make sure the card or device is laid flat against the reader. If you're using a key tag, the Volvo logo should be facing towards

you.

Using the button panels inside the car

You can lock or unlock your car from inside using the buttons on the armrest between the front seats. The lock and unlock sym-

bols are visible on the buttons.

Lock symbol

Unlock symbol

Emergency unlock

In the event of a collision, the car will automatically unlock. If the damage to the car is minor, the car can be locked again. With

significant damage to the car, you will not be able to lock the car again. In that case, the locking function can only be restored

by Volvo technicians^[2]

.

Child lock

The child lock can increase passenger safety in the rear seats. When the child lock is active, the passengers in the rear seats are

unable to open the rear doors. You can read about how to activate the child lock in a separate section of the manual.

Double pull

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Your car's rear doors are equipped with a double-pull feature to help protect against accidental opening. This means that it takes

two pulls on the inner door handle to unlock and open the door from inside the car.

Warning

Volvo recommends not leaving people or pets in a locked car. The driver is always fully responsible for the well-being and

safety of anyone left inside.

Some regions have laws prohibiting people or pets being left inside a locked vehicle.

[1]

Near Field Communication

[2]

Volvo recommends an authorised Volvo workshop.

6.3.1. Activating child lock

You can activate and deactivate the child lock manually.

Important

The child lock does not affect the rear windows. You can lock the rear windows in settings.

When driving with children in the rear seats, check that the rear doors are secured with an active child lock.

The child lock can increase passenger safety in the rear seats. When the child lock is active, the passengers in the rear seats are

unable to open the rear doors.

Child lock switch location.

The child locks are accessed from inside the car and are located on the rear doors.

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You need a tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, to activate or deactivate the child locks. The direction for enabling or disabling

the locks is indicated around the switch.

1

Child lock with turn directions for activation.

Insert a tool into the switch hole.

Turn the tool in the indicated direction to enable the lock.

2

When the lock is enabled, you will hear a click.

>

Disabling the child lock

To disable the child lock, use the tool to turn the lock in the direction opposite to the one indicated on the lock.

6.3.2. Settings for locking and unlocking

You can customise how your car reacts when locking or unlocking.

Note

Different settings affect how and when your car is locked. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the different options and

how they affect the locking and unlocking behaviours.

General locking behaviour

You can customise many of your car's general locking behaviours. For example, you can turn feedback responses on or off and

choose whether all of the doors should unlock automatically when you park.

Presence warning

The presence warning setting allows the car to remind you that there may be passengers or pets still in the car after you lock it.

You can turn these warnings off temporarily.

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Warning

Volvo recommends not leaving people or pets in a locked car.

Some regions have laws prohibiting people or pets being left inside a locked vehicle.

6.3.2.1. Adjusting locking and unlocking settings

You can adjust several of your car's locking and unlocking responses and behaviours in settings.

Important

Changing locking and unlocking settings

Enabling or disabling certain features affects how and when your car locks and unlocks. Make sure you familiarise your-

self with the different key types as well as the locking and unlocking features. Misunderstanding a feature might lead you

to believe that your car is locked when it isn't.

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure the car is locked, even when automatic functions are enabled.

Press the car symbol

in the bottom bar and go to Settings.

1

Go to Controls → Locking.

2

3

Adjust your locking and unlocking settings.

Warning

Volvo recommends not leaving people or pets in a locked car.

Some regions have laws prohibiting people or pets being left inside a locked vehicle.

6.3.3. Unresponsive lock

If your car doesn't lock or unlock as expected, there are some steps you can try.

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Note

If the car's batteries go completely flat, it will not respond to any key.

If the car has been turned off for a long time, it may take several seconds for it to unlock. This is because the car needs

time to turn its systems back on, to recognise the key and to give you access.

Locking not working

If the car won't lock, check that all of the doors are properly closed.

Rear doors not unlocking

If the rear doors don't open when you pull the inner door handles, make sure the child lock isn't active and that you pull the

handle twice. The first pull unlocks the door and the second pull opens it.

6.4. Anti-theft

Your car has a number of systems and features which help to make your car secure when it's locked.

When you lock the car, some of its functions and systems are either shut down or activated to help protect the car from theft.

For example, the alarm is automatically armed.

Warning

Do not leave your keys unattended in your car. They can be used to disable the security systems.

Alarm

The alarm is automatically armed when you lock the car and disarmed when you unlock it.

You can adjust the alarm sensitivity in settings.

Immobiliser

The immobiliser is an anti-theft system that prevents your car from being driven until it is started using a valid key. If your car

can't find the key or fails to authenticate it, your car will remain immobilised. A notification appears in the display if the key can't

be found or has a low battery. If your car is unresponsive to a battery-powered key, try using a key card. If the car appears to

have no power, the cause could be flat batteries or something affecting its electrical systems.

Steering wheel lock

Your car's steering wheel lock is automatically engaged when you lock the car. This is to prevent unauthorised driving of your

car, such as if it's stolen. When you unlock your car, the steering wheel is also unlocked.

Double lock

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The double lock feature allows you to simultaneously lock your car from the outside and the inside. This is to prevent unauthor-

ised attempts to open the car using the inner door handles.

There isn't a specific setting to activate or enable double locking. For double locking to take effect, you need to disable the re-

duced alarm setting and then lock the doors as usual. The double lock system then activates after a few seconds.

Warning

Volvo recommends not leaving people or pets in a locked car. The driver remains responsible for the well-being and safety

of anyone left in the car.

Some regions have laws prohibiting people or pets being left inside a locked vehicle.

Note

Presence warning

By default, the car alerts you when it suspects that there are occupants in the car when locking. When this happens, the

car will not activate the double lock. This is intended to help you be more aware of and responsibly use double locking.

Tip

If the double lock is not active but occupants in the rear seats still can't exit the car, check that the child lock is disabled.

6.4.1. Alarm

The alarm helps deter unwanted interference with your car when it’s parked.

The alarm is automatically enabled when you lock the car from the outside and disabled when you unlock it.

Note

Locking with bonnet or boot open

If the bonnet or the boot is not properly closed when you lock the car, the alarm won't be fully enabled. In these cases,

the alarm will only protect the side doors.

The car also won't detect any motion inside if you've locked it with the bonnet or boot still open.

Once you close the bonnet or boot, it will lock and be covered by the alarm.

Triggering the alarm

The alarm triggers when an unauthorised attempt is made to open the bonnet, boot or any door.

Movement inside the car can also trigger the alarm.

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Once the alarm is triggered, the following happens:

The alarm warning lights flash for up to 5 minutes.

The alarm sound starts.

The alarm cycle restarts several times over if whatever triggered the alarm isn't resolved.

Tip

Alarm sensitivity

You can turn reduced alarm sensitivity on in settings, which is especially useful if the car is parked on a ferry where it can

be affected by external motion or vibrations.

The alarm may also be triggered if you use a carjack, connect a trailer or have the car towed. In such cases, you should al-

ways activate reduced alarm sensitivity.

Stopping the alarm

Unlocking the car while the alarm is triggered will stop any alarm sounds and warning lights.

Important

Do not make any changes or additions to the alarm system, or it may not work properly.

6.4.1.1. Reducing the alarm sensitivity

Reduce the alarm sensitivity when you expect significant movement in or around the car when parked.

This setting is especially useful if the car is parked where it can be affected by external motion, such as when travelling on a

ferry.

Note

While the reduced alarm sensitivity setting is active:

the car won't double lock

you can't install software updates.

Press the car symbol

in the bottom bar and go to Settings.

1

Go to Controls → Locking → Reduced alarm mode.

2

3

Turn reduced alarm sensitivity on or off.

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Entry and security for Your Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

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