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How to Open a Kia with a Dead Key Fob
This page holds all of the emergency open or back-up open procedures needed for Kia vehicles if the battery in the key fob dies or if there are electrical signals interfering with the 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.
Separate mechanical key
A number of Kia models are now supplied with a new key fob and separate mechanical key shown to the right. By 2026, Carnival, EV6, EV9, Sorento, Sportage and Telluride all use this key fob. This trend will likely spread to the rest of the line.
To use the mechanical key, a protective cover must be removed and its handle rotated down.
In our opinion, this development is a prescription for disaster, as the mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind.
There is certainly a smart phone app available from Kia, and I can attest to the fact that it works smoothly. However, lock and unlock features are available by paid subscription only.
We can’t help but feel like this combination will come back to haunt both Kia and Hyundai.
Mechanical key in the key fob
Kia has used a flip key key fob since 2015 and they remain in use today (2025) in some models. The mechanical key is found by pressing the chrome button on the end opposite the key ring. The mechanical key is released and remains attached to the fob.
To use the most common Kia key fobs, 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. They too remain in limited use today (2025).
Kia added a new fob in 2022 that features all the the buttons on the side (right). The button at the very top — that is, the one closest to the key ring end — is the one to push in order to release the mechanical key.
If a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.
Hidden Keyholes
Two Piece Door Handles
Starting with the 2014 Cadenza and K900, the manufacturer adopted the hidden keyhole trick. The Optima and Sportage were added in 2016. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the right, press the mechanical key into the slot found under the cover at the back of the driver’s door handle (1) and pull forward and up by hand (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 and the cap is immediately to move!
A “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2024 in the Sorento and Telluride. 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 right, 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, with the two-piece handle one way or another you must pull a piece of your car off, but its ok! The cover will come off exposing the keyhole.
One Piece Door Handles
EV6
Kia EV6 vehicles feature a flush door handle. A push on the front of the handle will rotate the rear part outward. Then pull the handle out as far as it will go. The key hole is immediately visible (right). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle.
EV9 and 2027 and newer Telluride
The EV9 is a very special case. Once again, to access the key hole, the front of the door handle is pushed inward, after which the entire handle can be pulled outward. This exposes a small cover at the back (right) which must be removed.
The mechanical key is supposed to be used to do this but we used a finger nail and feel like the cover could be damaged by the key. The key hole is now exposed for use by the mechanical key.
Check our videos for additional help.
Models examined include Cadenza, Carnival, Forte, K5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Stinger and Telluride. Model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Continue to Part II, Getting Started …
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The material on these pages is provided 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.
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.
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.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY