Questions, answered.
Everything people ask before and after buying K1. Can’t find yours? Write to us — a real person answers.
Before you buy
Does K1 fit my car?
Look at your key: if the fob has lock and unlock buttons, K1 fits. Push‑to‑start and insert‑and‑turn keys get the full experience; a metal key with buttons still starts the car by hand.
Is it safe? Can someone hack it or steal the car?
Three layers protect it: an encrypted key for each car, a measured distance, timed authentication. With no authorized phone nearby, K1 keeps your key unpowered — for a thief, there is no key in the car. More on the Security page.
What data does Keynex collect?
Only what the app needs to work: your email, phone number, device information and key activity. Your car’s location is used on our servers only while a shared key is active and with your consent; otherwise it stays on your phone. All data is encrypted.
Will it void my car’s warranty?
No. K1 works through your key fob’s buttons and doesn’t touch the car’s software. And in the US, a carmaker can’t refuse warranty work just because aftermarket equipment is installed — it has to prove that the equipment caused the problem.
What if my key is a metal key with buttons?
Your phone will lock and unlock the car, but the engine still starts with the key. Keep it in the car or in your pocket — your choice. We tell you this before you buy so there are no surprises.
Which phones work with K1?
iPhone and Android. Keyless works over Bluetooth on any of them; with UWB in the phone the distance is measured to the inch. Keynex runs on your watch, too.
What is the price and what’s in the box?
$399 plus taxes. Shipping and installation are included. The box holds K1, a 12 V power cable, an OBD‑II cable and a quick guide.
Do I need a subscription?
No. Opening and closing your car, keyless entry, two permanent keys and in‑person handover for up to four hours are free forever. Keynex Plus — $8.99 a month or $79 a year, first week free — adds keys by name with days, hours and a zone, live location, trips, speed alerts, a third permanent key, a drawing of your car, widgets and Watch.
Installation
What happens to my key fob?
The technician moves the circuit board of one fob inside K1. Your other fob stays as it is.
Where is it installed?
At your door: our installation partner comes to your car. After delivery you pick a date, time and address by email.
Will it drain my car battery?
No. K1 draws 1.3 mA — a tiny fraction of what a car battery holds, so even weeks of parking won’t run it down.
Using the app
How does keyless entry work?
Your phone and K1 measure the distance between them — to the inch with UWB, to a few feet over Bluetooth. Walk up — the car unlocks; walk away — it locks. You set the distances yourself.
How do I give someone a key?
Nearby: hold your phone to theirs — four hours or forever, free, no account needed on their side. By name, for days or weeks with hours and a zone — with Keynex Plus. Take any key back at any time.
Can someone open my car while I’m away?
Yes — send them a key and their phone opens it. K1 itself only talks to phones near the car, over Bluetooth and UWB, like your key fob.
What if my phone dies?
Same as a dead battery in a key fob: charge it and you’re back in. Your other fob still works as it always did.
What if I lose my phone?
Log into your Keynex account on another phone and the key comes back; Keynex works on one phone at a time, so the old one stops. No account? Email support and we block the car’s app access.
What if a guest’s key expires on the road?
The car stops opening when the key ends. They’re warned 15 minutes before and can ask you for more time from the app; you extend it from the notification.
I changed my phone. What now?
Log in on the new phone and your cars are back. Trips stay on the old phone.
Shipping, returns & support
Where do you ship and how fast?
From our US warehouse, free, with USPS Ground Advantage. Tracking arrives by email.
Returns and refunds
Within 30 days of the shipping date, in like‑new condition and original packaging. Cancel any time before shipment for a full refund. Already installed? Taking K1 out is simple: unplug it and put the board back in your fob. Our technician can do it for a fee, or any car electronics shop. Details in the Return policy.
Is there a warranty?
Yes — see the Limited Warranty and Return Policy for terms.
How do I reach you?
support@keynex.com, or write to us here. A real person answers.
Keynex K1
$399 · free shipping · installed at your door