Many residents wonder “How do I get a replacement fob without the original?”, and the good news is that in most cases, you can still get a working copy — as long as you have another active fob available.
In today’s blog post, we explain your options, what buildings require, and how services like MiniFob and FobToronto can help you get a replacement quickly and safely.
Do You Need the Original Fob to Make a Copy?
You do NOT need the original — you just need a working fob
A common misconception is that only the very first fob issued by the building can be duplicated.
This is not true.
If you have any active fob — whether it’s:
- Your roommate’s fob
- A backup fob you rarely use
- A second fob issued years ago
- Or a fob you normally share with someone
— then we can create a replacement from that.
What matters is that the fob works at the building door today.
If it opens common areas (lobby, amenities, parking doors), it can be duplicated.
What If You Don’t Have Any Working Fob?
If you’ve lost every fob tied to your unit, your only option is:
Contact building management or the concierge
They can:
- Deactivate the lost fob(s)
- Issue a brand-new one with a new ID
- Update the system so only the new fob works
Key fob copy services (including us) cannot create a replacement without a working chip to read — there is no universal master code for buildings, and we cannot access building databases for security reasons.
How to Replace a Fob If You Still Have One Active Copy
If you still have one functioning fob, replacing it is simple:
- Bring the working fob to MiniFob or FobToronto
- We scan the RFID chip
- We duplicate the fob on the spot
- You walk out with a replacement in 5–10 minutes
- No appointments. No verification delays. No waiting for the building to issue a new one.
This is especially helpful for:
- Roommates
- Tenants sharing access
- Airbnb hosts
- Property managers
- People who have lost their “main” fob but still have a spare
Why Get a Replacement Before You Lose Access Completely
Losing the last remaining fob is much more expensive than copying one you already have.
Buildings may charge:
- $100–$400+ per replacement, depending on your condo
- Extra admin fees
- Delays before you can receive a new one
- Mandatory ID and verification steps
- Having a backup fob prevents lockouts and keeps costs down.
For more guidance, you can also read our related post “How Many Spare Keys Should I Have?”
We Can Help With Quick Replacement Copies
If you still have a working fob — even if it’s not the original — we can help.
At MiniFob and FobToronto, we offer:
- Same-day duplication
- Copies in 5–10 minutes
- Lifetime functionality guarantee
- Fob, key, and garage remote duplication
- Multiple locations in Canada and the US
Use our Store Locator to find your closest MiniFob location.
Final Thoughts: How to Get a Replacement Key Fob Without the Original
You can get a replacement key fob without the original — as long as you still have any working fob from your building.
If you’ve lost all of them, only your building management can issue a new one.
The smartest approach is to create a backup before you need it.
And if you’re ready for a replacement, we’re here to help with fast, secure, and reliable fob duplication.
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