With the advancement of intelligent vehicles, car keys are no longer just for unlocking doors; they also provide functions such as anti-theft, remote control, and spare key creation.
A powerful tool is crucial for car owners and mechanics. Autel Universal Key excels in this area, providing efficient and reliable solutions for key generation, using the Autel key programmer, and creating spare keys.
This guide will provide a detailed understanding of the Autel Universal Key, its functions, compatible vehicle models, and how to use it, helping you make the most of this tool in 2025.
Autel universal keys primarily refer to the Autel IKEY series. As universal programmable smart keys, the Autel IKEY can be programmed to replace the smart keys for over 700 vehicles, including those from BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, and General Motors.
The IKEY is a multi-frequency (315M/433M and 868M/915M) programmable smart key that meets factory quality standards. It supports two- to seven-button configurations and comes with a high-quality battery. Programming for supported vehicles takes just one minute using the KM100 tablet.
Autel universal keys come in various types.
Autel universal keys support a wide range of brands and models, including mainstream European, American, and Asian models. These universal key fobs come in different sizes, with varying frequencies, compatible vehicle brands, and button functions.
| Type | Coverage | Appearance |
| Premium (Universal Handset) | These are applicable to models with key frequencies 315/433MHz, except all BMW and MINI models and some Volvo models | OE |
| Standard (Universal Handset) | Autel | |
| Premium (Ford) (Dedicated Handset) | 868M/915MHz It is applicable to Ford models with key frequency 868/915M. |
OE |
| Toyota (8A) (Dedicated Handset) | Applicable to Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and other vehicles with IMMO type 8A. | OE |
| Razor (Dedicated Handset) | It is applicable to all BMW and MINI models and some Volvo models with key frequency 315/433M | OE |
There are many car brands in the world, and there are also many different types of keys. Some car keys have higher security factors, and our universal keys may not be fully compatible with all models. Our universal keys are also limited to smart key types. So how should you choose when purchasing Autel universal keys?
The frequency information and chip model should be found in the vehicle manual. Of course, you can also use the Autel KM100 key programmer or other tools to obtain the frequency and chip type of your original key. The above information can help you better confirm whether your vehicle and original key are compatible with Autel IKEY.
After you obtain the above information, you can contact our customer service staff via email or WhatsApp. Our customer service staff can help you confirm the Autel IKEY model you should purchase.
In addition to contacting our customer service staff for confirmation, you can also confirm it yourself using the form linked below. Simply enter your FCC ID to confirm whether the Autel universal key is compatible with your vehicle.
Then, use the Autel Universal Key Compatible Vehicle Table to select the model and key layout that matches your original vehicle.
The steps to generate a key are very simple. The following is the process of generating a basic Autel universal key using Autel KM100:
You can watch the official video below to see how to generate the key:
It is best to use the Autel key programming tool to program the Autel universal key, which is the best way to adapt to the programming process. Of course, you can also try other tools.
The process of programming the Autel universal key is basically the same as programming the OE original key. The following are the steps to program the generated Autel IKEY into the car's IMMO system:
No. The Autel universal key is compatible with a limited number of vehicle models. You can confirm whether the Autel IKEY is compatible with your vehicle using the above method.
No, you need to install the battery first. Autel Ikey does not include battery accessories, you need to purchase and install them yourself.Here is a tutorial video on How to put battery in autel universal key:
The Autel IKEY is a programmable key compatible with multiple car brands. It's affordable ($10–40 USD), supports a variety of chips and frequencies, and can be generated using tools like the Autel KM100. It's ideal for locksmiths and multi-brand repair technicians, often used for key duplication, lost keys, and replacements.
Original equipment key (OE Key) is specific to a specific car model and offers the best functionality and compatibility. It typically requires no additional programming, but carries a higher price tag ($100–400 USD) and is more suitable for owners who value the original car's authenticity.
Autel universal keys refer to the Autel IKEY series. Whether you choose to purchase an Autel universal key or go to a car dealer to buy an original key, it's a wise choice.
Autel universal keys are relatively affordable and support IMMO system functions such as universal key generation and key programming, giving you a unique experience. Of course, before purchasing, please confirm that they match your original key.
No tool is perfect, and it's inevitable that you'll encounter various issues during use. Today, we'll focus on common software glitches with the Autel key programmer and share solutions to help you use it more smoothly and efficiently.
Today, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to the upgrade methods for Autel scanners, covering the steps during the free update period, how to purchase and use the software upgrade service after the subscription expires, and our advantages over other Autel dealers, to help you fully resolve any questions you may encounter during the upgrade process.
In our previous post, we shared how to program a BMW key using an Autel key programmer. Today, we'll take a different approach and show you how to program a Honda key fob at home, and explore the specific methods that make this easy.
