Unlocking a car with an iPhone calculator!? The TikTok trend of "opening with a calculator" goes viral, but it's actually a complete fake.

Introduction──Can a Car Be Unlocked with Just 8 Digits?

"Even if you forget your keys, just type '95011680' into the iPhone calculator and press '=' and you're good to go"—such a video rapidly spread in Brazil. In the footage, the doors of a Fiat Strada and Chevrolet Onix open smoothly, making the "magic number" appear genuine. However, to conclude, this is merely a staged act. UOL Carros confirmed with experts that it's impossible to unlock a car using a smartphone calculator.UOLBOL

What Was Claimed

The storyline of the viral video is simple. Enter "95011680" into the iPhone's native calculator app and press '=' to unlock the door. The person filming changes the model and "succeeds" again, hinting at its versatility. However, a wireless communication engineer who spoke to UOL stated, "The frequencies and protocols of smartphones and car keys are different," and "smartphones lack passive transmission coils," making this mechanism impossible.UOLBOL

Why It Is Physically and Logically Impossible

Modern keyless entry systems typically combine low-frequency RF communication with encrypted rolling codes. The transmitter (key) sends a one-time code that changes each time, and the receiving car body synchronizes with the same algorithm internally. This is why simply recording and replaying won't work as a "duplicate key." The smartphone calculator, and even standard smartphone wireless (Wi-Fi/cellular/Bluetooth), do not emulate this band or method.Wikipedia

"Smartphones as Keys" Do Exist—Which Makes It Confusing

On the other hand, "smartphones as keys" is not entirely fiction. Recently, "digital keys" that can unlock and start cars using NFC or UWB (ultra-wideband) have been put into practical use, with BMW expanding its compatible models. These involve collaboration between manufacturers and OS vendors, equipped with multiple layers of security mechanisms like secure elements, proximity authentication, and distance estimation (UWB). In other words, a "properly paired smartphone" becomes the key, not a "calculator app."BMW USAApple SupportBMWMacRumors

Understanding Reactions on Social Media

After spreading, there were four main types of reactions on social media.

• Experiment Reports: "Tried it but it didn't open," "Changing the numbers doesn't work"—numerous experiment reports.TikTok

• Jokes and Parodies: Posts jumping on the comedy bandwagon. Some "bait" simply displayed the infamous numbers on screen.TikTok

• Technical Explanations and Verifications: Clips explaining why calculators can't work, the concept of rolling codes, and the difference from digital keys.Wikipedia

• Chain of Misinformation: Short videos with a "life hack" vibe also emerged on Instagram, with the numbers taking on a life of their own.Instagram

Why Do People Believe It?

There are two reasons. First, the "magic number" is easy to remember and replicate. Anyone can open a calculator and input it, and even if it doesn't work, there's the excuse of "not compatible with my car model." Second, the existence of real cases where "smartphones become keys" lends an air of credibility to the fake. This "fusion of fact and fiction" is the breeding ground for viral content.MacRumors

The Basics of Technology: Rolling Codes and Frequencies

Most keyless systems operate in the sub-GHz band, using rolling codes to prevent replay attacks. The era of unlocking by recording and replaying is over, requiring attackers to use different approaches like relay or jamming. In any case, there's no room for a calculator app to intervene here.Wikipedia

How Real Digital Keys Are Protected

According to Apple's security guides and BMW's materials, they combine NFC for key distribution/storage, Bluetooth LE for session establishment, and UWB for precise distance measurement, ensuring safety with proximity confirmation and encryption keys. Practical operations like fallback during battery depletion and key sharing management are also considered. This, too, is unrelated to "calculators."Apple SupportBMW USA

The Side Effects of "Life Hack Videos"

Fakes like this one hinder the understanding of legitimate digital key technology, and in some cases, stir up excessive anxiety about "easy theft." Additionally, they can lead to cases where people are directed to suspicious apps or phishing. When you encounter the idea of "**unlocking with just entering numbers**," it's best to be skeptical.UOLBOL

Media Verification and Expert Comments

UOL Carros interviewed experts, who clearly stated it was an "staged act". They denied it from the incompatibility of frequencies and hardware configurations between smartphones and car systems, and the absence of electromagnetic coils, negating it from the physical layer. As a result, the video's "success" is presumed to be due to editing or staging.UOLBOL

Reasons to Still Have Hope for "Smartphones as Keys"

While the fake is debunked, the future of digital keys is bright. As more smartphones and cars support UWB, near-hands-free unlocking and automated application of personalized in-car settings will become widespread. Sharing keys with family or temporary lending can also be done safely. This evolution is only possible with proper standardization and implementation.BMWBMW USA

Information Literacy "Practical Checklist"

• Refer to Primary Information: Who, when, and under what conditions was it reproduced? What is the source? (In this case, UOL's verification is available)UOL

• Beware of "Similar but Different Real Things": Do not confuse with real technologies like CarKey.MacRumors

• Imagine the Physical Layer: Does the path from calculator → wireless signal → in-car receiver make sense? (Band, coil, protocol)Wikipedia

• Don't Take "Majority Vote" on SNS at Face Value: Spread on TikTok ≠ truth.TikTok

Conclusion

"Unlocking a car with a calculator" is an urban legend. However, "smartphones becoming keys" is a reality. Confusing these two can make a fake seem real in an instant