Accidentally locking your keys inside your car can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. If you drive a Kia, especially models like the Telluride, and find yourself in this situation, you might wonder how to regain access, particularly if your key fob is inside the locked vehicle. Fortunately, Kia offers a solution through its Kia Access app, provided you have the right subscription.
For Kia owners with a UVO Plus subscription (or the initial free UVO Ultimate subscription that comes with a new car purchase), remote locking and unlocking becomes a convenient feature. This is particularly useful if you need to lock your car while it’s running, perhaps to keep pets comfortable with the AC on a warm day.
Here’s how you can use the Kia Access app to unlock your car when the key fob is inside:
- Ensure your Kia is running and you have exited the vehicle, taking your key fob with you. The car will typically beep for a short period to alert you that the engine is running and the key is no longer inside.
- Open the Kia Access app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the lock/unlock controls within the app.
- Tap the “Lock” icon if you initially want to lock the doors (optional, but relevant if you are aiming to lock a running car). You will hear the doors lock. Note that when locking via the app in this manner, the lights might not flash, and the side mirrors may not fold in, which is different from the typical locking response when using the key fob.
- To unlock the car, tap the “Unlock” icon in the Kia Access app. This will remotely unlock your Kia, even with the key fob inside.
It’s important to note that once you lock the car using the Kia Access app while the engine is running, your physical key fob will not function to unlock the doors. You must use the app to regain entry.
An alternative, though less direct, method if you don’t want to use the remote unlock feature while the car is running, is to turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and lock it using the physical key or the app. Then, you can use the Kia Access app’s Remote Start feature to turn the engine and air conditioning back on. However, be aware that the Remote Start feature typically has a 15-minute auto-off timer for safety and security.
In conclusion, for Kia owners subscribed to UVO Plus or Ultimate, the Kia Access app provides a reliable way to remotely unlock your vehicle, even if you’ve mistakenly locked your key fob inside. This feature adds a layer of convenience and security, especially in situations where you need to lock a running car or have accidentally left your keys inside.
