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Losing your key fob is a total nightmare, and it can be an extremely expensive job to get it replaced (believe me, I’ve been there)! Luckily, there’s a low-cost option for Toyota key fob replacements. But how can you tell if a third-party key fob will actually work with your vehicle? Are third-party replacements really any good? And how can you get them to actually unlock your car?
I’ve actually been through this process myself, so I know a little about how it works in both buying and programming a new key fob. If you can avoid having to go through a Toyota dealership for a new key fob, you’ll save a lot of cash!
I’ll give you eight excellent recommendations for third-party replacement key fobs for Toyota. From super-tight budget options to slightly higher-end choices, there should be something here to suit you.
Table of Contents
Bottom Line Up Front
It’s tricky to pick the ‘best’ one from this list because if you need a key fob replacement, it’s all going to come down to the model of the car you have.
However, the Keyless Option Remote Smart Key for Toyota is great. The quality is good, it has six buttons, and it works really well.
The OCESTORE 2 Pcs Replacement Key Fob for Toyota is great, too. It’s pricier, but you get two in one pack, and the key fobs are durable too.
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
Best Toyota Key Fobs at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the key fobs we’ll be looking at:
- Key Fob Remote Replacement – a simple, low-cost key fob compatible with several different models
- Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote – an affordable key fob that can be programmed using included instructions
- Keyless Option Remote Smart Key for Toyota – a good-quality key fob with six buttons
- Key Fob Remote Replacement for Toyota Sienna – a great price point with simple self-programming
- Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote for Toyota – a decent-priced key fob that can be programmed manually
- VOFONO Replacement Remote Key Fob for Toyota– a good price point and quality replacement key fob
- 2 x Remote Key Fob for Toyota Prius – a two-key fob pack, great value for money
- OCESTORE 2 Pcs Replacement Key Fob for Toyota – another pack of two key fobs with durable buttons
What to Look for in a Replacement Toyota Key Fob
Buying a replacement key fob, like buying any auto part online, can be tricky: it’s hard to even tell which one is compatible with your car sometimes! Here are a few things to look out for:
Models/Compatibility
Obviously, it’s really important to check that your replacement key fob is actually compatible with the model of your car. Even just looking for the model isn’t enough: not every year is compatible with certain key fobs, so you must triple-check beforehand.
Look for replacement key fobs with the name Toyota clearly displayed in both the title and the product description, and make sure you double-check that your specific model is included.
Often these replacement key fobs don’t include branding on the packaging or on the actual product, so you’ll need to make sure by carefully checking the description.
This can be hard to find online, as not every manufacturer clearly lists every compatible model. It’s a good idea to ask the manufacturer before ordering unless you’re in a hurry and happy to take the risk.
Electronics
One potential pitfall is buying a key fob case rather than a key fob. Some images look very similar when browsing, so it can be easy to get caught out by this.
Make sure the product description includes the phrase ‘electronics included’ to ensure that you’re actually getting the full kit, as opposed to just the outer shell. The price point often gives this away, but there are occasionally some very cheap full key fobs available, so it’s worth triple-checking before you order.
You would use replacement key fob cases if yours is damaged or broken. These are pretty easy to put together if you still have the original electronics intact. However, all the suggested key fobs on this list have the electronics included.
Buttons
Not all key fobs are made equal. Some have just the bare minimum number of buttons (usually three: lock, unlock, and the little red emergency button that will make your car beep if you lose it in a parking lot).
Others include buttons like left-side unlock, right-side unlock, and trunk unlock. There’s not a huge price difference between the number of buttons; the price difference is more about the model you need it for. But still, the very cheapest options tend to just have three buttons.
This comes down to convenience in the end: you might prefer to have as many buttons as possible, or you may find yourself only ever using the main three buttons anyway!
Quality
Some replacement fobs just can’t match the quality of the original. The plastic might feel slightly cheaper, and you probably won’t find a Toyota logo on a third-party replacement!
However, Toyota replacement keys from a dealership are expensive, so the third-party option is still attractive.
Look for buttons that don’t get stuck and thick enough plastic that you won’t have to worry about it falling apart after a few uses.
Programming
Once you get your key fob, if it has a key blade, you’ll need to get it cut. There’s no real way around this, but luckily, this is the cheaper stage of the process.
The expensive part comes if you need to get the electronics programmed. Some of the key fobs on this list have to be programmed by a professional, either by your dealership or a locksmith. This is usually down to the model. Newer, more complex models will require professional input.
However, some key fobs can be programmed. This can be tricky depending on the quality of the instructions, but you can usually find a decent video online to explain it. If you can self-program your key fob, it will save you a good chunk of money, so it’s worth a try if you’re on a budget.
Push-to-Start
Not many replacement key fobs work with push-to-start models, but there are a few out there. They’ll need to be programmed, and if they do work with push-to-start, it should say it clearly in the product description.
Other key fobs literally work just to lock and unlock your car.
Top 8 Toyota Replacement Key Fobs
The following eight replacement key fobs for Toyota span several models, including Corolla, Camry, Tacoma, Tundra, Sienna, Highlander, and more. It’s always worth checking the manufacturer’s descriptions, of course, but you should be able to find something here that will work with your vehicle.
We’ll look at compatible models, the buttons included, the general quality of the key fob, and whether it can be programmed yourself. There’s a wide price range here to pick from, too.
KeylessOption Key Fob Remote Replacement for Toyota (Pack of 1)
The Key Fob Remote Replacement for Toyota is a great option. It works with the following:
- Toyota Corolla 2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019
- Toyota Camry 2014-2017
- Toyota Tacoma 2016-2017
It’s a keyless entry remote control in a pack of 1 (with a H chip). Your local locksmith or dealership should be able to work with this very quickly. The transmitter doesn’t work on push-start button vehicles, which is worth noting.
It has four basic buttons: lock, unlock, trunk release, and search button. It’s decent enough – it looks pretty simple, but it does everything you need it to do and functions brilliantly with a compatible vehicle.
It’s reasonably priced, too: at $29.95, it’s cheaper than getting an official replacement key from Toyota. It feels decent to hold, not too cheap, and the buttons don’t feel flimsy.
There is a downside, however. There is a slight time delay when pressing a button, which can take a little getting used to compared to the instant response of your original key fob.
Pros
- Does everything you need it to do
- Compatible with several different models
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Slight delay when pushing a button
- The transmitter doesn’t work on push-start button vehicles
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.
Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote
This Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote is a good option for models including:
- 2005 – 2016 Toyota Tacoma
- 2007 – 2016 Toyota Tundra
- 2004 – 2016 Toyota Sienna
- 2008 – 2016 Toyota Sequoia
- 2007 – 2015 Toyota Highlander
This is a pretty basic model. It locks and unlocks your car, so it has just three buttons, including the emergency button. There’s no Toyota logo, either. It won’t unlock your car, and it doesn’t look particularly exciting.
But the good news is that it’s a cheap option that would make an excellent replacement key if you’re on a tight budget!
It doesn’t feel flimsy to hold, and the buttons work well. There is a downside in that the instructions aren’t great. You’ll need to look up a decent tutorial online when you’re trying to program it, but if you can find a good video, it takes just a few minutes and will save you more cash by not taking it to a dealership.
It comes with a battery, too.
Pros
- Cheap, but not flimsy
- It can be programmed yourself, saving you even more money
- Compatible with several models
Cons
- Doesn’t have a specific trunk release button
- The instructions aren’t great
KeylessOption Remote Smart Key for Toyota
Another good option, although a little pricier, is the Keyless Option Remote Smart Key for Toyota. It works with Toyota Sienna, and although it doesn’t have a Toyota logo, it looks pretty good, and the buttons work well.
It has six buttons: lock, unlock, left side unlock, right side unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency alarm. It does require dealer or automotive locksmith programming, and the key blade needs to be cut before use, but it’s still a little cheaper than buying an official replacement Toyota key.
The only thing to look out for is that the manufacturer doesn’t make it completely clear which models are compatible and which aren’t. For example, they state that the 2023 Toyota Sienna isn’t compatible, but they don’t have a complete list.
So you may need to look through reviews or perhaps contact the manufacturer to double-check before you order.
Pros
- Has six buttons
- Looks pretty good
- Works well once programmed
Cons
- Will need to double-check which models are compatible before ordering
Key Fob Remote Replacement for Toyota Sienna
This Key Fob Remote Replacement for Toyota Sienna has a bargain price point! It’s a good emergency replacement option if you need a new key fob quickly. While it’s cheap, the buttons work well. It has a surprising number of buttons for the price, too: lock, unlock, left-side unlock, right-side unlock, trunk unlock, and an emergency button.
It doesn’t look particularly fancy, however, and there’s no Toyota logo. For the price, however, it’s pretty good.
It’s compatible with the Toyota Sienna 2004-2017. It’s not compatible with push-start button vehicles. You can self-program if your Sienna is older than the 2010 model; if not, you’ll need to take it to a dealership or professional locksmith to be programmed.
The programming process is fine, although you may need to look up a video for this process to make it a little easier!
It contains a battery already, too.
Pros
- The very cheap price point
- Good buttons
- It can be self-programmed on certain models
- The programming process is simple enough
Cons
- Doesn’t look very fancy
- Some models require the key to be programmed by a professional
Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote for Toyota
This is another simple key fob, but it works really well. The Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote for Toyota is compatible with:
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Yaris
It’s a basic key fob with three buttons: lock, unlock, and the all-important emergency button. It works really well if you need a replacement key fob in a hurry! It has a decent price point, but it looks decent enough, although it doesn’t have a Toyota logo. The buttons work well, which is the most important thing.
It can be programmed manually. It comes with a link to a website where you can input your car’s model and year to find exact instructions. Unfortunately, the instructions aren’t great. They have a chatline where you can ask for further help, which is very useful given the kind of fuzzy instructions!
You’ll need to get the key blade cut, of course, but if you can work out how to program it yourself, it will still save you some money.
Pros
- Great price point
- It can be programmed manually
- Buttons work well
Cons
- Unclear instructions
VOFONO Replacement Remote Key Fob for Toyota
The VOFONO Replacement Remote Key Fob for Toyota is a basic key fob for the Camry and Corolla with four buttons: lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency button. It is decently priced, and it feels like a good-quality key fob.
This key fob works with the following models:
- Toyota Camry 2007/2008/2009/2010/2011
- Toyota Corolla 2009/2010
It has to be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith or dealership. It doesn’t work with push-start button vehicles, either. It comes with a battery and has been pre-tested, so as long as it’s compatible, it should work fine.
The downside is that it can be easy to get caught out thinking that your car should work with this key fob, only to find that if it is manufactured in a certain place, it won’t work. So it’s worth triple-checking before you order.
Pros
- Decently priced
- Quality is good
- Has been pre-tested
Cons
- It can be easy to get caught out if your model isn’t 100% compatible
2 x Remote Key Fob for Toyota Prius
This 2 x Remote Key Fob for Toyota Prius is a little more of an investment than some of the others on this list, but the good news is that you get two in one pack, so you’ll have a backup if you lose the first one!
It’s compatible with Toyota Prius, and the quality is good. It has three buttons (lock, unlock, and emergency), and the buttons are chunky enough to use again and again with no issues.
You will need to have this programmed professionally, along with getting the key blade cut, so that’s not great from a cost-saving perspective. However, the pricing is way cheaper than a replacement key, let alone two!
Pros
- Two in one pack
- Good quality
Cons
- Needs to be programmed by a professional
OCESTORE 2 Pcs Replacement Key Fob For Toyota
The OCESTORE 2 Pcs Replacement Key Fob for Toyota is excellent value, as you get two key fobs for the price of one! The price point is decent for two key fobs, and the quality is good, with durable buttons (it has four: lock, unlock, trunk unlock, and emergency button). It’s good value for money, for sure.
It is compatible with:
- 2018-2021 Camry
- 2020-2021 Corolla
You will need to have this key fob professionally programmed, which obviously costs more (on top of the key blade cutting). However, it’s still cheaper than getting an official replacement from Toyota.
Pros
- Good value for money with two key fobs included
- Good quality
- Durable buttons
Cons
- Has to be programmed by a professional
FAQs
Answer: It can cost anything from $200-$400. This depends on a few factors, including the model of your car. This is an expensive option but the most reliable. You’ll get a high-quality, fully compatible Toyota key fob by professionals.
However, using a third-party key fob, it’s completely possible to have a great experience without too much difficulty in the setup process. So it does come down to budget.
Answer: No, it’s not difficult! It’s a good idea to look up a video, and then you can follow it step-by-step.
Answer: If you lose your car keys, what to do next depends on the situation. Check your insurance policy, as this might cover both vehicle breakdown and the cost of replacement. If not, you can order a new key fob online.
You can also call an auto locksmith. This will enable you to use your new car key. They can cut the key blade and program the key fob for you.
To Wrap Things Up …
Hopefully, this has helped you to find a cheaper replacement key fob for your Toyota vehicle.
The Keyless Option Remote Smart Key for Toyota is worth checking out if your vehicle is compatible: the quality is decent, so it should last for a while, and it has six buttons, which is useful. For a cheap key fob, it’s a good choice.
However, if your car is compatible, you may want to invest in the OCESTORE 2 Pcs Replacement Key Fob for Toyota, which will provide you with two good-quality key fobs just in case you happen to lose one!
Visit CarAndTruckRemotes.com to find backup or replacement key fobs for any vehicle. Since 2003, they have been the go-to source for replacement key fobs, transponder keys, and keyless entry remotes at up to 75% savings.