How to copy a key fob for your vehicle

This typically refers to keys that allow access to apartments, condos, offices, and other buildings.

CloneMyKey specializes in copying this technology.

Since you’re reading this article for copying an automotive key, you probably don’t have this.

This is your standard, old-school metal key that has been used to start automobiles for decades. These keys have become more complex in recent years. Recent iterations have been developed that make creating copies difficult and sometimes impossible. For the latest releases, often the vehicle manufacturer is the only source capable of creating copies (see our recommendations below).

The classic remote that hangs from a keychain contains buttons to unlock and lock your vehicle. This remote may also feature a trunk opening function, and even a panic button that sets off your car’s horn in emergency situations. However, the remote itself will not start the car (refer to the proximity key below).

Newer remotes often now contain a concealed metal key that can be utilized as a backup to gain access to the vehicle if the remote’s battery has died or the remote itself has been damaged.

This is a combination of the above two technologies (Remote + Metal Key). It’s a remote with push-buttons for gaining entry to the vehicle. This key also contains an additional button that, when pressed, releases a metal key in a manner reminiscent of a switchblade. This part is used to start the vehicle using the traditional method of inserting it into the ignition and rotating.

This technology can be incorporated into any of the above keys (metal, remote, switchblade). It includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) computer chip embedded in the key that communicates with the vehicle.

Older vehicles (typically those from 2011 and earlier) contain simple RFID chips that transmit a code, which the vehicle verifies before starting. This code does not change, and this technology can easily be copied today, see recommendations below.

Newer vehicles (typically from 2011 and onwards) have RFID chips that transmit a more complex code. Each time the key is used, a unique, one-time-use code from the chip is transmitted and verified by the vehicle before it starts. This helps protect the vehicle owner from malicious actors attempting to steal their vehicle with a surreptitiously copied key. This technology is often referred to as rolling-code, which is the primary protection method used in many radio-based access control systems — including garage door and gate remotes.

This newer and incredibly convenient technology enables users to leave their keys in their pockets. The process of locking and unlocking is simply completed by walking up to the vehicle door and touching the handle. Once inside the vehicle, users typically can start the engine with the press of a button. This key is often combined inside a remote that locks and unlocks your car from a distance.

Cool Fact: Most newer vehicles can detect if the proximity key is left inside and will prevent the user from locking the vehicle. This feature helps to avoid accidental lock-outs.

Several automotive brands are introducing methods for accessing and using vehicles via mobile phone technology. Mobile phone manufacturers are also developing their own technologies, which some vehicle manufacturers are starting to adopt. This technology communicates with the vehicle through one of several methods, including near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or even the ultra-wideband (UWB) chips found in the latest generation of phones.

Worth mentioning Some vehicles incorporate a built-in cellular modem. This technology allows users to interact with their vehicles via the internet, enabling functionalities like locating the vehicle, locking/unlocking it, and even starting it to either warm or cool the interior. However, this technology is not intended for authentication purposes, and therefore does not permit users to fully operate the vehicle.