How do I override Ford MyKey?

Although the Ford MyKey allows you to promote good driving habits for your F-150's co-drivers, you may need to turn the feature off at one time or another. How do you turn off MyKey using an admin key? Alternatively, how do you do it if you only have the programmed MyKey? We've done the research for your convenience.

If you have an admin key, then you can use it to turn on your F-150 and clear one or all your MyKey units through the instrument console's menu.

However, if you only have one MyKey unit, you can also turn off the feature using a few tricks.

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• Block your Intelligent Access (IA) key's RFID chip while cycling through the engine start button.
• Use the remote start feature.
• Use an OBD2 scanner and program.

Would you like to know more about the different ways to turn off your F-150's MyKey feature? Read on, because we have quite a few tips for you.

How Do I Deactivate Ford MyKey?

According to the 2022 Ford F-150 owner's manual, you will need your admin key to deactivate or clear any of your programmed Ford MyKey units.

1. Turn your ignition on using your admin key
2. Use the information display control on your steering wheel to navigate through the instrument cluster's digital menu. On newer models, this menu is accessible through the center infotainment screen.
3. Go to "Settings"
4. Select "Vehicle Settings"
5. Go to "MyKey"
6. Select "Clear All MyKeys"
7. Select "OK"

Once done, the MyKey will revert to being another admin key with no restrictions. Check out this short video on how to activate, configure, and deactivate MyKey.

The steps are quite straightforward when you have an admin key. However, there may be times when you only have a programmed MyKey unit, and you cannot access the complete MyKey menu.

How Do I Disable Ford MyKey Without Admin Key?

The Ford F-series has been America's best-selling pickup truck for several years. Just like many vehicle owners, you may find yourself picking up the wrong key when rushing out of your house.

Moreover, the F-150 tops all other vehicles as the most popular model in the used-car market. In some cases, second-hand F-150 trucks may only come with one key.

In both cases, you may only have a pre-programmed MyKey with all the previous restrictions in place. This may be frustrating, especially when you can only drive up to 60 mph, or you can't pick up a call through phone pairing.

Fortunately, there are a few tricks on how to disable your MyKey feature even without the admin key.   

Block The RFID Chip

Our first method of disabling MyKey without the admin key involves "tricking" your Ford into thinking that there is no key in the vehicle. Here are the steps:

1. Use your MyKey to start your Ford vehicle normally, but do not drive the vehicle yet.
2. You will see the MyKey restrictions on your screen.
3. While the engine is running, block your key's RFID chip from sending or receiving signals from your vehicle.  There are a few ways to do this.
   • Hide your MyKey unit inside a tin can
   • Wrap your MyKey in tin foil
   • Ask another person to take the MyKey and walk a few feet away from the vehicle
4. Open and close one of the vehicle's doors. Your screen will alert you that the key is not in the vehicle.
5. Turn the ignition off, and then back on again using your MyKey.
6. The vehicle will start, but it will still not detect your MyKey.
7. From here, you can access your MyKey menu just like you have an admin key.
8. Navigate your MyKey menu and select "Clear MyKeys".
9. Once done, your key is now back to being an admin key.

Use Remote Start To Disable MyKey

If you have a compatible remote start system, then you can use it to disable your MyKey feature without the admin key. By default, MyKey-equipped Ford vehicles treat these approved aftermarket remote start systems as additional admin keys.

Here are the steps:

1. Enter your Ford vehicle and close all the doors.
2. Start your engine using the remote start button. Make sure that your MyKey is also with you.
3. Do not open any doors and do not put the car in any gear because these actions will turn the engine off automatically.
4. Use the information display control on your steering wheel to navigate through the instrument cluster's digital menu. On newer models, this menu is accessible through the center infotainment screen.
5. Go to "Settings"
6. Select "Vehicle Settings"
7. Go to "MyKey"
8. Select "Clear All MyKeys"
9. Select "OK"

Once finished, your MyKey will become an admin key. Here's a video on how to disable MyKey using your remote start system.

Use An OBD2 Scanner And Program To Clear MyKey

You can also choose to buy an OBD scanner and program to disable your MyKey. However, since the previous methods are free, we do not recommend this last one. Nevertheless, we're here to provide you with all possible options.

Check out this video on how to use a program called FORScan to disable your MyKey.

What If There Is No Clear MyKey Option?

If you turn your Ford on and can't find a "Clear MyKey" option in your menu, then it means you're not using an admin key. As a MyKey user, you may be able to access some MyKey options, depending on what the admin key user configured.

Configurable settings that MyKey users can modify include the following:

• 911 Assist
• Do Not Disturb feature
• Advance Trac

How To Turn Off MyKey Volume Limit

If you're a MyKey user and you want to turn off the audio volume limiter, then you will need an admin key to do so.  If you've got the admin key (and the permission) from the admin key owner, here are the steps.

1. Turn your ignition on using your admin key.
2. Use the information display control on your steering wheel to navigate through the instrument cluster's digital menu. On newer models, this menu is accessible through the center infotainment screen.
3. Go to "Settings"
4. Select "Vehicle"
5. Go to "MyKey"
6. Scroll down to  "Volume Limiter"
7. Move the volume limiter's slider button to the left to turn the restriction off.

To test your success, turn off the ignition and get the admin key out of the vehicle. If both keys are inside a push-button ignition Ford, the vehicle will recognize only the admin key and not the MyKey unit.

Turn on the ignition again using the MyKey unit to test your audio volume.

What Is Ford MyKey?

The Ford MyKey feature allows you to program your extra set of keys or key fobs to have restricted access to your F-150 or other models in the Ford lineup. Using MyKey, you can help your family members get used to good driving habits.

Once programmed, a MyKey unit has configurable and non-configurable settings.  

MyKey Configurable Settings 

• Vehicle speed limiter - the vehicle will not be able to go faster than your preset speed limit.
• Vehicle speed reminders - these can be turned on to alert the driver visually and audibly about the vehicle's speed.
• Audio system volume limiter - your MyKey user can only turn the audio system's volume up to a maximum of 45%.
• "Always On" setting - the MyKey user cannot turn off the following features:
  • 911 emergency assistance - the Ford vehicle automatically alerts 911 after an accident which deploys the airbags.
  • Advance Trac (traction control) - minimizes aggressive driving activities like intentional burn-outs during hard launches.
  • "Do not disturb" feature - prevents the MyKey user from receiving and answering phone calls and messages through the infotainment system while driving.

MyKey Non-configurable Settings

These settings are automatic and cannot be changed, even by the admin key user.

• Seat belt reminder - the reminder lights and beeps will always be on. Additionally, the audio system will go to mute when any front seat passenger does not fasten the appropriate seatbelt.
• Earlier fuel level warning - this alert will give the MyKey user more time to plan for the next refueling stop.
• "Always On" setting for specific driver assist features, if equipped.
  • Parking assist
  • Blind Spot Information System (or BLIS)
  • Cross Traffic Alert

These settings may vary slightly for each model or each Ford geographic market depending on local restrictions.

How Do I Get A Key Made For My Ford F-150?

Having at least two keys for your vehicle is always a good idea. Even if you lose one key, you know that you still have a backup at home or with a family member. 

To get a new key for your F-150, we recommend two options.

• Contact your Ford dealership
• Call up an automotive locksmith

We recommend the dealership option if you only have one key or key fob left. For newer Ford models, you may need to shell out $400 to $500 for a new set of keys.

If you already have at least two working keys or key fobs, then you can buy an aftermarket replacement key yourself. You will need to have the mechanical key cut by a locksmith, but you can do the programming yourself.

Check out this video on how to program a Ford IA key fob.

Wrapping Up

Although the Ford MyKey feature helps promote safe driving, it can also become frustrating in some instances. You can turn off the MyKey feature with or without the admin key.

• Cycle through your ignition while "hiding away" your MyKey's RFID transponder
• Use a Ford-approved remote start system
• Use an OBD2 scanner and software

Thank you for reading. We hope we were able to help you understand more about operating your Ford F-150's MyKey.

For more interesting reads about Ford and other automotive topics, you can also check out these great articles below.

How do I disable MyKey on Ford without admin key?

How do I deactivate Ford MyKey?

How do I get rid of MyKey key limit?

How do I turn off MyKey without MyKey?