These Are the Secret Hyundai Key Fob Tricks You Need to Know

Your Hyundai key fob contains a secret mechanical key so you can access your car even with a dead fob battery, but it can also do a lot more.
Written by Sean Boehme
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Your
Hyundai
key fob can do a lot of things you might not have known, such as roll down your windows from outside the vehicle. Better yet, your key fob has a mechanical key inside it—which will come in handy if your battery dies.
  • Your Hyundai key fob contains a mechanical key you can use to lock your car even with a dead key fob battery.
  • In addition to locking and unlocking your vehicle, many Hyundai key fobs also allow car owners to remote start their cars.

How to find the hidden key in your Hyundai key fob

Key fobs are a convenient way to unlock your car from a distance, and most of them have a hidden mechanical key inside in case the battery dies.
Depending on the year your Hyundai was made, your key fob will have a small lock button on either the front or back. If you click this button while pulling on the key ring, you should be able to pull out the mechanical key.
Owners of older Hyundai models will be able to find the keyhole easily on the driver’s side door, but for newer cars, it’s a bit more difficult to locate. If you can’t find your Hyundai’s keyhole, try checking to see if there is a removable cap on the driver’s side door handle. 
Once you’ve found your keyhole, simply insert and turn the key to gain entry into your car!

How to start your Hyundai with a dead key fob

To start your Hyundai with a dead key fob, hold the back of your key fob to the start button before pressing it. On some Hyundais, especially newer models, this is all your car will need to get started.
On older Hyundais, you’ll have to physically insert your key fob into the car. Look around the dashboard for an unused slot that might fit your key fob, then place the fob into that slot. 
With any luck, your car will turn on and you can head out to get a new battery.
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How to replace your Hyundai key fob’s battery

To complete your Hyundai key fob battery replacement, follow these steps:
  1. Open the key fob. On some Hyundai key fobs, you must first access the hidden key before you can pry open the case.
  2. Make note of the old battery. Once you find the circuit board, either pay close attention or take a photo of the old battery. This will make it easier to install the new one properly.
  3. Replace your battery. Most Hyundai key fobs use a CR2023 battery. Make sure the new battery is installed in the same way that the old one was.
  4. Close up your key fob. Now that the battery has been replaced, you can close your key fob back up.
If you follow these steps and the fob still doesn’t work, it’s probably time to shop for a Hyundai key fob replacement. 

How to enable Hyundai key fob tricks

Luckily, all the hidden features available on a Hyundai key fob are already enabled when you get it. The trick is knowing how to use them.

Hyundai key fob basics: remote start, unlock, and lock

To start your Hyundai remotely:
  • Press the lock button on your key fob
  • Press and hold the remote start button
  • When you see the parking lights flash, you’ll know your engine has started
Many new Hyundais also come with Bluelink, which allow you to use a digital key or “smart key” to lock, unlock, and remote start your Hyundai through
MyHyundai App
on your Apple or Android mobile device. You can download the app for free via Google or the App Store.
Keep in mind: Not all Hyundais are equipped with remote start. Here is a list of Hyundais with remote start available on one or more trims as of 2022:
  • Hyundai Accent
  • Hyundai Elantra
  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Hyundai Veloster
  • Hyundai Venue
  • Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5
To unlock your Hyundai with your key fob:
  • Press the unlock button once to unlock the driver’s door.
  • Press the unlock button a second time to unlock all doors and the trunk or liftgate.
To lock your Hyundai with your key fob:
  • Press the lock button once.
  • If you want confirmation you’ve successfully locked your Hyundai press the lock button twice. This will cause the lights to flash and the horn to chirp.

How to roll down your windows using a Hyundai key fob

To roll down your Hyundai’s windows using your key fob:
  • Press the unlock button three times.
  • If this doesn’t work, try pressing and holding the unlock button
Which method works for your Hyundai will depend on the model and model year, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find which works for you.

Additional Hyundai key fob tricks

Hyundai key fobs aren’t quite as well known as some other ones that make for fancy tricks, so most other key fob capabilities should be pretty clearly listed as a button on the device.
For example, a much newer Hyundai will allow you to open the trunk remotely using the key fob, although you won’t have to know some secret button combination to do so. You can simply click the labeled button to have the trunk open for you.
Likewise, your Hyundai key fob also comes equipped with a panic button. While many people only use this button as a way of finding their lost car in a parking lot, the loud panic alarm it sets off is a great way to ward off criminals and avoid danger.
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