Open a Hyundai, Genesis and Kia with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Hyundai, Genesis and Kia with a Dead Key Fob

• First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, you can find video help here!
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Retrieving the mechanical key

For a Hyundai, Genesis and Kia, press and hold the release button at the key ring end of the remote control or ‘clicker’ and pull the key ring to remove mechanical key. Use the key to unlock the driver’s door.

Newer version key fobs are available from all three car makers. They look very similar and operate in the same way. Press and hold the release button which is on the back and near the top of the remote control and pull the key ring to remove the mechanical key.

If a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.

Genesis has added a new key fob, which has the mechanical key inside the fob. To remove the mechanical key first place a soft cloth over the groove on the side of the fob (narrow arrow). The cloth is for protection of the plastic. Then use a small screwdriver to pry open the cover. Do this carefully! The press the mechanical key (large blue arrow) on the bottom end and remove it from fob.

Genesis has also introduced new digital access options, which has resulted in a mechanical key being supplied separately from yet another new fob! It is removed by putting a little pressure on the long end and pushing it out. This is a prescription for disaster, as it can easily be lost or simply left behind, so by all means activate the additional unlock features described below!

Hidden Keyholes

Two Piece Door Handles

Starting with the 2014 Kia Cadenza and K900, the Hyundai Genesis, and the new independent Genesis line, these manufacturers have also adopted the hidden keyhole trick. The Kia Optima and Sportage were added in 2016 and more will likely be added. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the left, press the mechanical key into the slot found under the cover at the back of the driver’s door handle (1) and pry or pull forward and up (2).

Pulling the cap while holding some upward pressure will work best. There is a black button in the slot that is being pushed up with the key in this move.

A “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2020 in the Hyundai Sonata. The mechanical key is again slipped into a slot beneath the back of the door handle and pushed upwards. Now however, a small cover, seen in blue to the left, is slid to the side and out of the way. This should be done when the mechanical key is still inserted and pushed upward. The keyhole is then revealed.

And yes you must pull a piece of your car off, but its ok! The cover will come off exposing the keyhole.

One Piece Door Handles

In 2019, a very different hidden key hole style was introduced in the Hyundai Santa Fe, the new Palisade model a year later and the Elantra in 2021. The handle for all intents and purposes is one piece, but a small piece of horizontal trim located just behind the black entry button (arrow) is removable. Pull the handle outward. This exposes another small black button just behind the handle (2, below). Look at the handle from behind to find it.

Push the button inwards using the mechanical key. This releases the trim piece that can be swung away exposing the keyhole. The key can then be turned to unlock the car. Pull the key out before opening the door to avoid damaging the door handle.

We have a video of the process on this page.

Afterwards, the cover can be pressed back on, but your immediate concern is getting into your car.

Finally, new Hyundai Ionic, GV60,  G90 and Nexo and Kia EV6 vehicles feature a flush door handle.  A push on the front of the handle will rotate the rear part outward.  Pull the handle out as far as it will go.

In all vehicles except the Nexo, the ley hole is immediately visible (first image). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle. In the Nexo, a plug protects the key hole, likely from water and debris. Use the mechanical key to pry the plug away (second image) and then insert the key to unlock the car.

In new Genesis G80 and GV80 models, the keyhole is revealed immediately behind the driver’s door handle when it is pulled to the open position.  The mechanical or emergency key can then be simply inserted into the keyhole and turned to unlock and open the vehicle.

Digital Unlock Options

Genesis vehicles that include a separate mechanical key include two digital options and a facial recognition option. Digital options include a pre-registered card key and a smart phone app on a registered smart phone. The card key and app can also start the car. However, facial recognition will only open the vehicle, so the key fob, card key or smart phone app will be needed to start the car.

Place the registered smart phone or card key against the pad for two seconds to unlock the driver’s door and for four seconds to unlock all the doors.

Facial recognition is accomplished using a camera mounted in the pillar behind the driver’s door. Again, this will only allow entry and other means will be needed to start the car, so this is of limited value.

However, given that the mechanical key is supplied separately and can be far too easily misplaced, we highly recommend following the instructions in the owner’s manual to activate both the smart phone and facial recognition features as back up entry options and to keep the card key with you at all times.

Also, check our videos for additional help.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.