Sounds like perhaps there /were/ multiple keys registered but not all were provided. Might need to speak with the seller. There are ways to fix this but most involve going to a Service center to have any missing keys "unregistered" from your car.

 

I was thinking this tbh but was hoping for a less costly route

 

Just to be absolutely clear, you are following the steps to pair the phone to the car from inside the car, and you have placed the key you have in the cubby hole cupholder?

 

Yes that’s correct - the phone is connected via Bluetooth but not getting past ‘searching for key’

 

I recall needing both keys. The “normal” one and the “activity” key. Like the car knew what to expect.
It was a pain.

 

I recall needing both keys. The “normal” one and the “activity” key. Like the car knew what to expect.
It was a pain.

That's the thing- the car does know what to expect; whether you have physical possession of the keys or not. For example, if there are 3 keys registered to the car (like my '21 LE), then all 3 keys must be present in the car to enable the Digital Key functionality. If you don't have all registered keys, then you need to get the missing ones removed from the car. This can be done at the Service center (for a fee).