Can You Copy a Fob from the Serial Number?

If you’ve ever flipped your key fob over and noticed a sticker or an engraved code, you may have wondered: Is that a serial number? And if so, can someone copy a fob just from it? These are common questions, especially for apartment and condo residents who rely on fobs for everyday access.

Let’s break down what a fob serial number actually is, how to find it, and whether it can be used to make a copy.

What Is a Fob Serial Number?

A serial number is a unique code assigned to each fob. It ensures that every fob can be identified separately in a system. These numbers often include a mix of letters and numbers and may be found on a sticker, engraved on the casing, or stored electronically.

For example:

• Apartment fobs: The serial number is what your building management uses to activate, deactivate, or track access.
• Keycafe fobs: Their fobs also have stamped serial numbers that are used to uniquely identify each one.
• Car key fobs: Instead of a serial number, these are often linked to your vehicle identification number (VIN).

How to Find a Fob Serial Number

Here are the most common ways to locate it:

1. Inspect the back of the fob
   Look for a white sticker or engraved code. This often contains the serial number, part number, or FCC ID.
2. Check inside the fob
   If no sticker is visible, you can gently open the casing (similar to replacing a battery). Some manufacturers place the serial number on an inside sticker.
3. Enroll the fob into a system (Honeywell example)
   Some panels, like Honeywell Lyric or LYNX Touch, allow you to auto-enroll the fob. The panel will then display the serial number during setup.

Can You Copy a Fob from the Serial Number?

Technically, yes — in some systems, the serial number can be used to duplicate or reprogram a fob. However, this is not the standard way fobs are copied.

Most duplication services, including ours, copy fobs directly on the spot. This process usually takes 5–10 minutes and doesn’t require knowing or entering the serial number. It’s faster, more reliable, and doesn’t depend on whether a sticker is damaged or missing.

At MiniFob, we don’t duplicate fobs based on serial numbers — we clone directly from your working fob to make sure it functions exactly as the original.

Why Serial Numbers Still Matter

Even if you can’t use the serial number alone to copy a fob, they serve important purposes:

• Identification: Helps property managers track which fob belongs to which tenant.
• Support: Useful when contacting the fob manufacturer or services like Keycafe.
• Organization: Handy for businesses managing multiple fobs.

Final Thoughts: Can You Copy a Fob from the Serial Number?

While it may be technically possible to duplicate a fob from a serial number, the quickest way is to copy it directly from the fob itself. The serial number is mostly for identification and management, not duplication.

If you need a quick and reliable duplicate of your apartment key fob, garage remote, or spare key, services like MiniFob can get it done within minutes.