Hidden Kia Key Fob Tricks You Should Know
Your smart Kia key fob can do hands-free unlocking or even get you into your car with an analog key if the fob battery is dead.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
From hands-free unlocking to a hidden analog key inside your fob, here are some really nifty Kia key fob tricks.
- Press the lock button twice to activate the panic alarm.
- Press the handle with your thumb (and fob in your pocket) to unlock hands-free.
- Open your key fob to reveal the analog key inside if your fob battery is dead.
- Kia was the first manufacturer to premier the smart key fob.
- Press the lock button twice to activate the panic alarm.
- Press the handle with your thumb (and fob in your pocket) to unlock hands-free.
- Open your key fob to reveal the analog key inside if your fob battery is dead.
- Kia was the first manufacturer to premier the smart key fob.
Kia key fob programming
Before you start to explore hidden features, you may need to program or reset your Kia key fob. Here’s how to do it:
- Shut all doors on your Kia, and put the key in the ignition.
- Turn the key off and on until the door locks cycle, ending with the key turned “on.”
- Push the lock or unlock button on the key fob to test it. If it works, the key fob is ready to roll.
- Turn off the ignition. You’ve successfully ended the programming process when the door locks cycle.
Note that this process varies by Kia models.
Kia key fob basics
Here are all the functions of your key fob—and what to do if the fob fails.
How to lock your Kia
Probably the most important Kia key fob feature is the “lock” function. Here’s how it works:
- ONCE to lock: Push the lock button once to lock all the doors on your Kia.
- TWICE to alarm: Press it twice within two seconds to enable the alarm. You’ll know it’s set when your horn beeps twice.
How to unlock your Kia
The “unlock” function on your key fob is just as crucial as the lock function—and it’s just as easy to use on your Kia.
- ONCE for the driver’s door: Push the unlock button once if you want to unlock the driver’s door only.
- TWICE for all doors and trunk: Press the unlock button twice in two seconds to unlock every door and trunk.
If you do not enter the vehicle within about 30 seconds, the car will auto-lock again.
How to unlock or lock your Kia hands-free
One nifty hack is the hands-free feature on your Kia smart key fob. If you’re in the grocery store parking lot with full arms, you don’t have to fish your Kia key fob out of your bag or pocket to get into the car.
- Proximity: Stand next to the vehicle.
- Touch: Put your thumb on the door handle.
As long as your key fob is in close proximity to your car, the door will open with no problems. The same process works in reverse as a hands-free lock.
How to open your Kia’s trunk/liftgate
Manual trunk or liftgate: Hold the trunk/liftgate button down for a second or two. This unlocks your trunk so you can open it.
Power trunk or liftgate: Hold down the trunk button to open up your trunk automatically. If you want it unlocked but not wide open, just press the button again and the trunk will stop lifting.
How to set off the Kia key fob panic alarm system
To keep you and your car safe, Kia vehicles are equipped to set off the vehicle’s panic alarm. You can use this safety feature to scare off a potential intruder or just find your vehicle in a massive parking lot.
- Activate: Hold down the panic button for at least a half-second.
- Deactivate: To turn it off, hold the button down again.
How to start a Kia when your key fob battery is dead
What happens when the fob’s battery dies and you can’t start your car? There are a couple of different options to get you back on the road:
- Press the fob to the start button: If your key fob’s battery is running low, you can try to start your Kia by pressing the fob to the remote start button in your car to start it up.
- Use the hidden key: If your fob is totally dead, push the button on the back of your key fob to access the analog key within the fob.
You can always call for
Kia roadside assistance
to get help with a key fob replacement. Otherwise, call a dealership or visit a service center ASAP to get a Kia key fob battery replacement.
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How to open your Kia key fob
If you’re ready to replace your key fob battery yourself or you need some help accessing the mechanical key inside, follow these steps:
Standard Kia key fob:
- Set the fob down with the back facing upward.
- Grab a standard flat-head screwdriver and insert it into the slot on the side of the key fob to pry it open.
- Remove the dead battery and place the new battery in its spot.
- Close the fob tightly.
Smart Kia key fob:
- Locate the small button on the bottom of the key fob and press it to release the mechanical key.
- Wedge the mechanical key into the bottom slot of the key fob, twisting it gently to pry it open.
- Remove the old battery and place the new battery.
- Shut the key fob tightly.
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