Deactivating Your Toyota’s Smart Key System
If you’re trying to deactivate your Toyota’s smart key system, it can be a confusing process.
There are a few different ways to deactivate your smart key, so we’ll explain all the different options.
Most people need to deactivate the smart key to start their car when the key fob isn’t working, however there are a few other scenarios where you might need to deactivate the key (such as theft prevention or long-term vehicle storage).
We’ll start by discussing the primary reason for deactivating the smart key, as well as other methods for different situations.
What Does the Smart Key Deactivation Switch Do?
Before deactivating the smart key system on your Toyota, let’s talk about what this switch does.
The primary function of the smart key deactivation switch is to turn off the smart key system so you can start your vehicle in the event of a dead key fob battery or key fob malfunction. Turning off the smart key system allows you to start your vehicle when your key isn’t working.
There are also a few other reasons for deactivating the smart key, such as theft prevention or permanent disabling, which we will talk about later in this article.
Where Is the Smart Key Deactivation Switch?
A common misconception is that there is a physical switch that deactivates the smart key.
Most Toyotas do not have a physical switch to deactivate the smart key! Generally, Toyotas 15 years or older will have a physical switch, while newer Toyotas will use an invisible detection switch built into the key fob.
For Toyotas Less Than 15 Years Old
If your Toyota was manufactured within the last 15 years, you probably don’t have a physical smart key deactivation switch. This is a general rule of thumb, but it may vary depending on your model, trim level, or country.
If your Toyota is less than 15 years old, the smart key deactivation switch is built into the Toyota logo on the key fob. It will communicate wirelessly with the vehicle to deactivate the smart key system.
To use the wireless switch, hold the key fob’s Toyota logo up to the “ENGINE START STOP” button. A buzzer will sound which indicates your smart key system is temporarily deactivated, then you will be able to start your vehicle.
NOTE: If you want to deactivate your smart key for different reasons, please read more below.
For Toyotas More Than 15 Years Old
If your Toyota was manufactured more than 15 years ago, you probably have a physical switch that can be used to deactivate the smart key system.
On Toyotas greater than 15 years old, the smart key deactivation switch can typically be found on the dashboard underneath the steering wheel. Simply press the button to deactivate the smart key system.
NOTE: If you want to deactivate your smart key for different reasons, please read more below.
3 Ways to Deactivate Your Toyota’s Smart Key System
Most people want to deactivate their smart key so they can start their vehicle when the key fob is not working properly. However, there are a few other reasons why you may want to disable your smart key system.
The method you use to deactivate your smart key will depend on why you want to disable it.
In this section, we’ll cover three reasons why you may want to deactivate your smart key, including how to do it!
1. Deactivating Your Smart Key Because Your Fob Isn’t Working
If your smart key system is malfunctioning, you may be unable to start your vehicle. This could be due to a dead fob battery or some other smart key system malfunction.
Don’t worry! You can use Toyota’s smart key deactivation switch so you can start your car even if the key fob isn’t working.
As we mentioned before, the method varies depending on how old your Toyota is:
- Toyotas less than 15 years old: Hold the key fob’s Toyota logo up to the “ENGINE START STOP” button
- Toyotas more than 15 years old: Press the deactivation switch on the dashboard below the steering wheel
2. Deactivating Your Smart Key for Long-Term Storage or Theft Prevention
You may want to disable your smart key for long-term storage (to prevent key fob battery depletion) or for theft prevention.
To do this, you’ll need to use a different deactivation method than we mentioned previously.
For more Toyotas, you can deactivate your smart key fob by performing the following actions on the fob:
- Hold down the lock button
- Hit the unlock button twice
NOTE: This process may vary by your vehicle’s model, trim level, and country. Check your owner’s manual if this method does not work.
Keep in mind that this is only a temporary deactivation. The key fob will reactivate when you hit any button on the fob.
3. Deactivating the Smart Key System Permanently
If you don’t want to use the smart key system at all, there is also a permanent option to deactivate the smart key system.
Unfortunately, you cannot do this yourself.
To deactivate your smart key system permanently, contact your local Toyota dealership.
Be sure to talk with your Toyota dealer about how this will impact your vehicle’s functionality. There may be a different process required to unlock, lock, and start your vehicle.
Recommended Read: Using the Toyota RAV4’s “Hold” Button
In Summary
Deactivating your Toyota’s smart key system can be confusing. There’s a lot of misleading information out there on the internet about this topic, so we hope this comprehensive guide help your deactivate your smart key system properly!