After discovering the need to unlock first, I have had no problems with my Mini recognizing the associated profile. So, it does work, at least on my Mini (2024 SE). It doesn't need to be locked, I just need to get its attention by pushing the unlock button. There must be something else getting in the way for you - good luck!

 

I too have the same problem with my 2024 Mini Cooper SE. I have tried various combinations to get it working properly, but I will now try your method, first with my key and then with my wife’s. I will let you know if it works 👍🏻.

 

So I was initially surprised that no one replied to this post. But I now realize that probably 98% of MINI owners only have one key fob or are driven only by a single driver.

I finally found some other people complaining about the same problem (see <Key assignment to Driver Profile>), with no resolution.

So there appears to be two issues.

One is that the driver profile doesn't automatically switch just because you have a key fob in your hand (that would be nice!). Obtusely documented in the manual, it explains that the automatic driver profile switching only occurs when:

• You unlock the car with the fob (convenience lock doesn't seem to count)
• You enter in the driver's side door
• There is only one key fob present in or near the car

This explains why it doesn't switch profiles in my garage.

But the other problem is this:

• It just doesn't work

I know this because I've carefully documented the problem. After the car has been sitting and locked for at least a half hour, I approach the car with a single key fob, use the key fob to unlock the car, and enter through the driver's side door, and the driver profile selected is still wrong (i.e. not the profile I explicitly assigned an hour earlier).

Since everyone seems to just scratch their heads on this one I'm going to conclude that this feature is just broken and I'll hope they get it fixed in the next generation.