We’ve learned a lot about the all-new, 14th generation Ford F-150 since it was revealed a few months back. But there are still some little details that remain a mystery. One of those details was what, exactly, the 2021 Ford F-150 key fob was going to look like, and whether or not it would feature a new design or different functions and/or features. Now, we can answer those questions, because Ford Authority was able to get a close look at the new F-150’s key fob recently.
Right away, it’s pretty obvious that the 2021 Ford F-150 key fob is, well, exactly the same as the outgoing 2020 F-150 key fob. As in, identical. Every little detail, including the button layout and graphics, are exactly the same. While the 2021 F-150 is an all-new design with completely new body panels, Ford didn’t deem it necessary to mess with what wasn’t broke in terms of the key fob, anyway.
In all fairness, the F-150’s key fob is a nice one. It has a slick feel to it, and the buttons are nicely laid out and make a satisfying clicking noise when pressed. Compared to some of the cheaper fobs out there in the automotive world, this one’s above average for sure. And unlike some others, it still has a manual key inside in case the battery goes completely dead.
It’s worth noting that in our pictures, the 2021 Ford F-150 fob belongs to a King Ranch trim truck, while the 2020 is from a Platinum. Thus, these upper trim level trucks have power tailgates and remote start functionality. These buttons are not present on F-150s that don’t have those features.
The key fob isn’t the only thing about the 2021 Ford F-150 that didn’t change from the previous generation. As we exclusively reported recently, the bed of the new pickup is also identical to the outgoing model, save for the addition of Pro Power Onboard and new tailgate features.
2021 Ford F-150 production is already underway at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant, and the first deliveries will begin to arrive at dealerships next month.
We’ll have more on the new F-150 very soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Personally, I’d rather have the key fob on my phone, and leave the real key fob at home.
Clickbait. Useless article.
Clickbait is defined as a link that leads to misleading information. What’s misleading about this?
Another monstrosity of a key fob. How about an app for my watch that opens the truck?. That would at least be innovative. you cant tell me this is state of the art microelectronics. C’mon Ford.
Ford has an app called FordPass which I think competes with apples virtual key that BMW and some other manufacturers are offering. It has not yet been offered on the F150, it would’ve been nice if the author had discussed this instead of a grade school level article comparing pictures of two key fobs. I agree they are cumbersome, there is no reason that a device that has five functions should be half as big as my phone.
Ford has an app called FordPass which I think competes with apples virtual key that BMW and some other manufacturers are offering. It has not yet been offered on the F150, it would’ve been nice if the author had discussed this instead of a simplistic article comparing pictures of two key fobs. I agree they are cumbersome, there is no reason that a device that has five functions should be half as big as my phone.
We’ve covered the FordPass app many times already, you can hit the search bar at the top of the page and find those articles. This article is about the 2021 F-150 key fob. We’ve also covered Digital Key in the past at the link below. Currently no Ford vehicle supports this but hopefully they will in the future.
https://fordauthority.com/2020/06/lincoln-rival-bmw-becomes-first-automaker-to-implement-iphone-digital-key-support/
With a new model coming out….you picked a key fob to talk about?
Wow
You must not frequent the site, because we’ve covered every aspect of the 2021 F-150 in detail.
Exactly… to quote the article:
“Right away, it’s pretty obvious that the 2021 Ford F-150 key fob is, well, exactly the same as the outgoing 2020 F-150 key fob. As in, identical. Every little detail, including the button layout and graphics, are exactly the same.”
So, Brett Foote, where’s the story? If it’s the same damned fob, then who really gives a crap about it? There is no change, and thus, no story The publisher must pay you by the word, so you concoct a non-story to pump up your Friday paycheck. What’s next? a story about how Ford has changed the ribbing pattern on the tire valve stem caps?
Unfortunately Robert A., your assumptions are 100% incorrect. And while you may not think so, the fact that an otherwise all-new truck has the same key fob as its predecessor is, in fact, newsworthy.
The 2021 F-150 will have digital key features. I’ve seen the technology.
Useless article. Why do we need to know if nothing changed?
That key fob sucks. I have one on my 2018 150. It is too thick and the panic button is RIDICULOUSLY sensitive.
So Ford hasn’t addressed the issue of the panic button being to easy to accidentally activate the panic horn alarm on the fob? It would be easy to fix by recessing the button or reprogramming it so it is to be held for a few seconds or double tapped to activate the panic horn alarm. I can’t be the only one that finds this to be a problem.
Howabout… a key?
I have a cover on my 2020 F-150 key fob that matches the color of my truck.. My other key fob for the 2017 I previously owned the panic button was overly sensitive.. This newer one doesn’t seem as bad..
That is one good looking truck. Love that 2 tone color combo! I would love to see this ssme truck with a 61/2 foot bed. Good job Ford!
Every key fob I’ve ever owned, I’ve opened up and physically removed the Panic Button from the circuit board, disabling it permanently. The most worthless BS “feature” that needs not ever be on my keyring.
What’s a key fob? Asking for a friend. -TeslaOwner.
Tesla owners have no friends.
The bed of the truck has changed, its already been stated that every body panel has been changed , hell look at the tail lights and tailgate i
After the way ford cheated people on f150 from 04 to 09 I wouldn’t own another one. Thousands of fords 4.6 and 5.4 engines left people setting and stuck or digging money out of there pockets to have junk engines and transmissions replaced with more junk engines!!! I have been a ford man all my life. NOT ANY MORE!!!!!
The fob is the same on my 2019 Raptor. It’s nice, but it’s huge. I have Fordpass and Sync 3 so I can see where my vehicle is, the tire pressures, odometer, service needed and when, lock, unlock, and remote start or stop the engine.
I agree with the oversensitive panic button I disconnected my horn because I was sick of being embarrassed by it going off! And what grown man in a pickup truck needs a panic alarm. The alarm is no better acorns dropping sets that off as well
I would hope that Ford will soon upgrade Ford Pass/Ford Connect to eliminate the fob or at least make it possible to lock it in the vehicle, and lock/unlock/start the vehicle solely from the Ford Pass App.
You can remotely lock/unlock the doors and start the vehicle, but you must have a fob present and press the Start button (or insert the key into the ignition and turn to “On” on some models) before you can drive off.
If you own two or more Fords with the Intelligent Access fob, you’ve got quite a pocketful of hardware- “Do y’alls own a couple Fords or are you just glad to see me?”
Dislike reading all this Ford hate. Reminding me of our politics.