Can Someone Tell if You Copied a Fob?

A common concern among tenants and homeowners is whether someone can tell if a fob has been copied. Can someone tell if you copied a fob? The answer is both, yes and no. Here’s why.

In many buildings, there are restrictions on how many fobs each unit can have. This can be frustrating for people who need extra fobs for family members, babysitters, or cleaning services. At FobToronto and MiniFob, we offer quick and reliable key fob duplication services to help solve this issue. But the question remains: Can someone tell if you copied a fob? Or more specifically, will your building management know you’ve duplicated it?

The truth is, access control systems cannot distinguish between a copied fob and the original. When you use a copied fob, it will function exactly like the original one. This means property managers won’t be able to detect that it’s a copy through the access system. However, the copied fob may look different from the original, so if someone physically sees it, they might be able to tell. Want to know what our fob copies look like? Check out our “What Will You Get” page for examples.

Is It Legal to Duplicate a Fob?

While we offer this service to make things more convenient, it’s important to check your lease agreement first. Some leases explicitly forbid duplicating key fobs. If your building has strict rules, you could face issues if you break them. Always make sure you’re following the guidelines set by your building or property management.

For more information about the legality of copying fobs, be sure to read our blog post: “Is Copying Fobs Illegal?“

Does Copying a Fob Affect the Original?

If you’re worried about whether copying your fob will affect the original, don’t be. Copying a fob does not alter or damage the original in any way. The process involves reading the data stored on the original fob and transferring it to a new one. The original fob will continue to work just as it always has, and the access system won’t record or detect that a copy was made.

Our Services

At FobToronto and MiniFob, we specialize in fast and secure key fob copying. Whether you need additional fobs for family members, roommates, or service providers, we’ve got you covered. We also offer key duplication and garage remote copying. Our services are fast, reliable, and always guaranteed to work.

Conclusion: Can Someone Tell if You Copied a Fob?

So, can someone tell if you copied a fob? The short answer is no — building management cannot detect a copy through the access system. However, keep in mind that a copied fob may look physically different from the original, which might raise questions if someone sees it. Make sure to follow your lease agreement and building rules, and if you need extra fobs, FobToronto and MiniFob are here to provide fast and secure duplication services.