How to Change the Battery in a Kia Key Fob

What Sort of Kia Key Fob Do I Have?

Before we can dive into the specifics of how to replace the battery in your Kia key fob, we first need to identify the type of fob in relation to your Kia car. The South Korean manufacturer has two types of key fobs—the standard key fob and the Smart Key fob. The latter is exclusively used on Kia vehicles with keyless entry and keyless start functionality.

If you’re unsure which key fob you have in your possession, grab your key fob, and let us help. The standard key fob has a small, circular silver button that protrudes on the upper-left corner. When pressed, this button releases the key blade from the side of the fob. Meanwhile, the Kia Smart Key’s small rectangular release can be found on the lower backside of this fob.

When Should I Replace My Key Fob Battery?

Like other battery-powered devices, the lifespan of a key fob can display warning signs when it’s beginning to fail. In the case of key fobs, the general life expectancy is between 2 to 3 years for Smart Keys, and 4 to 6 years for standard key fobs.

One of the first signs likely to appear with a weak battery is the gradual loss of range on the fob’s transmitter. In other words, you’ll need to be closer to your Kia vehicle to lock or unlock it. Drivers with keyless entry capabilities may have their Kia car display a message informing them of their low battery life with the Kia Smart Key.

If either of these symptoms occur, it may be time to change your key fob battery sooner rather than later.

What Do I Need and How Do I Change the Battery?

One of the best aspects of the Kia’s standard and smart key fobs is that they use the same battery. You’ll want to look for a single 2032 battery, which you should easily find at any department, automotive, or online store. This battery is shaped like a coin, and is sometimes referred to as a CMOS or coin battery.

Before we dive into the step-by-step replacement guide, the only tool you’ll need on hand is a standard flathead screwdriver. Ready to dive in and get your key fob back in its regular working condition? Let’s dig in.

Standard Kia Key Fob

First things first, make sure the key fob’s front side is facing down on a flat surface. Once that’s done, follow these simple steps:

1. Use your flathead screwdriver to find a slot on the side of the fob
2. Gently pry open the casing of the key fob
3. Remove the worn battery
4. Set the 2032 battery in place
5. Replace the casing on the key fob, and make sure it’s secured

Kia Smart Key Fob

Before you can access the inside of the Kia Smart Key fob, you’ll first need to press the small silver button at the bottom of the fob. This releases the emergency mechanical key, which you can then use to open the fob. Once accessed, this key can fit into the slot at the bottom of the fob.

Gently twist the key in this slot in either direction until it pries open the key fob casing. Once open, all you need to do is:

1. Remove the old 2032 battery
2. Set the new battery in place—with the writing on the battery facing down
3. Carefully and gently snap the key fob back together