MyKey is a feature that lets you set restrictions on one of your Ford's two keyfobs.
It's handy for parents sharing a car with a new driver, or if you're lending your car to someone else. You can limit stereo volume, lock safety features on, and restrict the car's top speed.
We'll talk you through what MyKey is, how to set it up and how to turn it off. If you like the sound of MyKey, check out a wide choice of nearly new and used Ford cars for sale at Motorpoint.
What is a Ford MyKey
Your Ford originally came with two keys from the factory. MyKey lets you turn one of them as a 'MyKey' with safety restrictions, while the other will become an 'administrator' key. You can choose what restrictions are applied to the MyKey and then give it to the driver you're sharing the car with – such as your child or someone you're lending the car to.
The driver with the MyKey will then have extra safety restrictions applied to them automatically when they use the car. Any time you use the car with the administrator key, it'll function as normal without the extra safety restrictions.
How does Ford MyKey work?
Your car's keyfob contains a physical key for your car's locks, but it also contains a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip. This chip is detected by your car's electronics for an added layer of security.
Using the MyKey function, you can preset the car's safety restrictions based on which of the two keyfobs is used to start it. This means you can keep the original administrator keyfob and drive normally with no restrictions, while the driver with the MyKey has extra safety settings locked on.
What common MyKey settings are there?
The features controlled by Ford MyKey include:
- Speed limit – this lets you set the car's maximum speed
- Speed warning – this gives the driver a single audible warning if they go past a set speed. You might want to set this close to the speed limiter
- Volume limit – this lets you restrict the maximum stereo volume to limit driver distraction
- Mute stereo while unbelted – the stereo will not play at all until the driver is wearing their seat belt
- Seat belt reminder – plays a loud, ongoing seat belt warning chime until all the car's occupants are wearing their seat belts
- Earlier low-fuel warning – makes the low-fuel warning kick in earlier than normal to reduce the risk of running the tank empty
- Lock traction control – stops the driver from deactivating the car's traction control
- Lock active safety features – stops the driver from deactivating active safety tech like automatic emergency braking or lane-keep assist, depending on what features your car is equipped with
- Lock do not disturb – if a smartphone is connected to the car's infotainment system, it will mute all notifications and send all calls to voicemail
Be aware that the exact features enabled by your MyKey will depend on what equipment your car was originally installed with at the factory.
How to turn on Ford MyKey
To set up a Ford MyKey, you'll need the two keyfobs your Ford originally came with.
- First, decide which of the two keys you want to be the restricted MyKey
- Use the chosen MyKey to start your vehicle. Either slot it into the ignition barrel or place it on the backup slot – usually on the centre console or steering column, but its exact location can be found in the user manual
- On your Ford's infotainment system, select 'settings', then 'vehicle', then 'MyKey'
- Pick the 'Create MyKey' option and follow the on-screen instructions
- This designates the key in the barrel/backup slot as the MyKey – the other key is now the administrator key
- Turn off the car and remove the MyKey – you can now give it to the driver you're sharing the car with
- Any time the car is started with the MyKey, your preset safety restrictions are locked on
- Start the car with the administrator key to adjust the safety restrictions or deactivate the MyKey
How to turn off Ford MyKey
The easiest way to turn off Ford MyKey is to use the administrator key. Simply start the car with the administrator key, then find the same MyKey menu in the infotainment system used to create the MyKey.
Once you've found the MyKey settings menu, simply pick the option to clear all MyKeys – this might be within a 'MyKey Information' submenu. Once you've done this, both keyfobs will return to full administrator keys without any extra safety restrictions applied.
How to turn off Ford MyKey without the admin key
If MyKey is enabled on your Ford and you no longer have the administrator key, the process to disable it is a little more complicated.
Ford's official fix for this situation requires that you buy a new keyfob and have it reprogrammed at an approved service centre. This can be expensive – around £250 or more – but might be the best solution if you only have the single MyKey for the vehicle.
There are unofficial ways to disable MyKey without the administrator key but there's no guarantee these will work on your specific Ford model.
Options include:
- Use FORScan to clear MyKey settings – this is a third-party scanning tool that contains options specific to Ford cars and works with certain OBD-II readers, which you'll need to buy separately. Among its many features is the option to disable any currently set MyKeys. We don't recommend using this tool while your Ford is under warranty as it might void your cover
- Use remote start – some Ford models can be equipped with approved remote-start systems. Sit in your car with the doors closed and use the remote start to start your engine. This will be treated as an administrator start, allowing you to then disable the MyKey normally through the infotainment system
- Block your keyfob's RFID chip – it's possible to 'trick' some Ford models into granting administrator control by blocking your MyKey's RFID chip. Start the car with your MyKey, then wrap the key in foil or ask someone to take it several metres away from the car until the car alerts you that no key is detected – you might need to open and close a door to prompt this message. Get the key back and remove any foil, then place it on the backup slot or slide it into the barrel. After that, turn the car off then back on again. It should start as if it was an admin key, at which point clear the MyKey through the infotainment screen as normal
Save thousands on a fantastic Ford
Shop a huge selection of nearly new and used Ford cars for sale at Motorpoint. For more Ford info, check out our guide to Ford's SYNC infotainment system.
