I am curious if it is true that the activity key can not be used in the 2020 Defender (I have a First Edition). I found on the LR accessory page two listings for it, one for MY21 and one for pre MY21. Part Number: LR117932,LR147249. I would stand to reason you could use it if they make a pre MY21 setup? Does anyone have it as my dealer has no idea and says they are backordered anyway. Thanks.

 

I did not order it when ordered my 2020 because it was not available. I actually got a 21 and I am annoyed as it is now available I believe but my dealer is saying it's expensive and complex to retro fit. I am not sure if he is saying this as it is true or just for a quiet life. So I would like to know if you can retire oder.

I am also curious to now if you could use the LR app on apple watch instead. Can you lock the Defender with the app with normal key inside and then open it on your return ? could be an alternative option.

 

That is a good thought, I have used the iPhone app to lock and unlock but have not thought to try the watch. My dealer seems to take forever to respond to questions like this and I feel like these vehicles sell themselves so they really do not try very hard to do anything above and beyond (to parody the LR slogan).

 

My understanding is that, in the US where it works in the 315Mhz frequency, the new activity key (the one with the time display) can be programmed to work with any Defender - including MY2020s - as long as fitted with factory keyless entry. The part # for the 315Mhz key that works in the US is LR147248.

In other countries (key works at 433Mhz), retrofit on 2020s may be a bit more complicated as the vehicle needs to have keyless entry from the factory, AND an upgraded Keyless Vehicle Module (KVM) needs to be fitted into the vehicle to make it compatible with the activity key. The parts #s are listed in the first post here, KVM and 433Mhz key respectively.

I just purchased an activity key from a fellow Defender owner here in the US, who ordered it with his MY21 but then decided he didn't want it. I received it yesterday and will take it to my dealer soon to hopefully confirm it can be retrofitted to my 2020 with keyless entry. It comes in a box with no instructions, a longer wrist band and USB charger.

First impression about the activity key is that it feels incredibly cheap, like a $10 quartz watch from the 90s. I can see why the previous owner decided he didn't want it. As long as it works to lock and unlock the car without key I am OK with that, looks are not the point I guess. But for $250 list one would expect something a bit more substantial from Land Rover, instead of a plastic wristband that weighs an ounce and looks like a toy watch. I am amazed this thing claims to be waterproof.

 

Good intel, thank you. Please let use know the result. My main use will be for when I am doing water sports, biking, hiking or even theme parks with my kids so I do not risk loosing my key. So as long as it holds up I am fine with it be 1980s cheap retro.

 

I think this is the primary function of the activity key as it deactivates the regular key. I think using the app on say the apple watch would give you lock/unlock and remote start functions, but not alleviate having to carry the key while you raft down the Deschutes river.

 

So does that mean using iwatch you could lock the door - with the normal key inside - making it safe but not if someone broke a window and for the normal key ?

 

I believe the regular key is deactivated if you are using the activity key.

 

No, you can't lock the doors with the remote app on your phone or iWatch when the key is inside the vehicle. Only the activity key will allow you to do that, because it disables the key left in the car.

 

I have been able to lock and start my Defender from my phone with the key in the car. It doesn't seem like this should be able to happen, but it does with mine. I normally leave the key in the car when I am parked int he driveway, and in the mornings I can remote start and lock the car. I also found that I can lock the car with the second key in it as well. Maybe this is a software glitch, but I do like being able to leave a key in the car for this reason.