Xhorse Key Programming: Key Tool Plus & Max How-To Guide UK

Whether you're a professional locksmith or a DIY enthusiast, Xhorse key programming tools have become essential equipment for cutting and programming vehicle keys. The Key Tool Plus and Key Tool Max are two of the most popular devices in the Xhorse lineup, offering powerful capabilities for working with transponder keys, remotes, and smart keys across a wide range of vehicle makes.

At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we use professional-grade Xhorse equipment daily to provide key programming services across Blackpool and North West Lancashire. This hands-on experience has given us detailed knowledge of how these tools work, their strengths, and the learning curve involved in mastering them.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of using Xhorse Key Tool Plus and Key Tool Max for car key programming in the UK. You'll learn about software setup, device features, and practical tips to help you get started with confidence.

What Xhorse key programming involves in the UK

Xhorse key programming covers the complete process of creating, cutting, and programming replacement vehicle keys using Xhorse devices. You'll work with the Key Tool Plus or Key Tool Max to generate transponder chips, program remote functions, and cut key blades that match your vehicle's specifications. The process requires you to connect the device to your vehicle's OBD port, identify the key type needed, and follow the software's guided steps to complete the programming.

Core functions these tools handle

The Key Tool Plus and Max handle three primary tasks that traditional locksmiths needed separate equipment for. You can generate transponder chips directly onto Xhorse universal key blanks, which eliminates the need to source original manufacturer chips. The built-in key cutting function uses calibrated blade patterns to cut metal keys to the correct depth and spacing for your vehicle model.

These devices combine chip generation, key cutting, and remote programming into one portable unit.

Programming involves reading vehicle data through the OBD port and writing the correct authorization codes to the key. You'll select your vehicle make, model, and year from the software database, then the device handles the communication protocols needed to register the new key with your vehicle's immobiliser system. The Key Tool Max offers wireless connectivity and faster processing speeds compared to the Plus model.

UK-specific considerations

Operating in the UK means you'll work with right-hand drive vehicles and specific market variants that differ from European or US models. Your Xhorse software needs regular updates to maintain coverage for UK vehicle specifications, which include models sold exclusively through British dealerships. You'll also encounter vehicles with aftermarket security systems fitted by UK installers, which can affect the programming process and require additional diagnostic steps before you begin.

Get your kit ready before you start

You need specific equipment and materials assembled before attempting xhorse key programming on any vehicle. Your workspace setup determines how smoothly the process runs, and missing items mid-job can lead to incomplete programming or vehicle lockouts. Taking ten minutes to gather everything prevents frustration and ensures you have backup options if the first key blank fails.

Essential hardware and software

Your Xhorse device needs the latest firmware installed before you connect it to any vehicle. Download updates through the official Xhorse app on your phone or tablet, which also manages your device licence and software subscriptions. You'll need a stable internet connection during setup, though the actual programming can work offline once you've loaded the vehicle database.

Always update your device firmware before starting any programming job to avoid compatibility issues with newer vehicle models.

Connect your device to a reliable power source using the supplied cables. The Key Tool Plus requires USB-C charging between uses, while the Key Tool Max includes a rechargeable battery that lasts for multiple programming sessions.

Key blanks and accessories

Stock at least three universal key blanks from Xhorse for the vehicle type you're working on. These blanks come pre-formatted for chip generation and fit the device's key cutting clamp. Keep a set of replacement blades for the cutting mechanism, as dull blades produce keys that won't turn smoothly in the ignition barrel.

Step 1. Identify the key type and vehicle system

Your first action determines which programming pathway you'll follow and which key blanks to prepare. You need to establish whether your vehicle uses a basic transponder key, a remote flip key, or a proximity smart key before loading any software modules. This identification step prevents you from ordering incorrect blanks or attempting incompatible xhorse key programming procedures that waste time and materials.

Check your vehicle's key configuration

Examine the existing key to identify its physical features and electronic components. Look for buttons on the key fob, which indicate remote central locking functions that need separate programming from the immobiliser chip. Flip keys have a folding blade mechanism, while proximity keys have no visible blade and require you to keep them in your pocket.

Identifying the key type correctly before you start prevents ordering wrong blanks and failed programming attempts.

Verify the immobiliser system type

Connect your Xhorse device to the vehicle's OBD port and navigate to the diagnostic menu. Select your vehicle manufacturer and model, then run the system scan function to detect which immobiliser type the vehicle uses. The scan results show whether you're working with a dealer-programmable system or one that allows aftermarket programming through OBD protocols.

Step 2. Generate and prepare the Xhorse key

Your xhorse key programming workflow moves to the physical key creation stage once you've identified the correct vehicle system. You'll use your device to generate the transponder chip data onto a blank Xhorse universal key, then cut the blade to match your vehicle's lock pattern. This preparation stage must be completed before any OBD programming can write the key into your vehicle's memory.

Load and generate the chip data

Insert your Xhorse universal blank into the device's key slot and secure it with the locking mechanism. Navigate to the chip generation menu on your Key Tool Plus or Max, then select the specific chip type that matches your vehicle's immobiliser system from the previous scan results. Press the generate button and wait for the device to write the chip data, which takes between 15 and 45 seconds depending on the chip protocol.

The chip generation process cannot be reversed, so verify you've selected the correct chip type before pressing generate.

Cut the key blade profile

Position your metal key blade in the cutting clamp after the chip generation completes. Select your vehicle make and model in the key cutting database, which loads the correct depth specifications for each cut position. Start the cutting process and let the device complete all cuts without interruption, as stopping mid-cut damages the blade and wastes the blank.

Step 3. Program the key with Key Tool Plus or Max

Your prepared key needs vehicle authorization through the OBD port to complete the xhorse key programming process. You'll connect your device to the vehicle's diagnostic port, follow the on-screen prompts specific to your vehicle make, and write the key data into the immobiliser memory. This step typically takes between three and ten minutes, depending on the vehicle's security protocol and whether you need to program remote functions alongside the transponder.

Connect to the vehicle and initiate programming

Locate the OBD port underneath your vehicle's dashboard, usually positioned near the steering column or pedal area. Plug your Key Tool Plus or Max into the port and turn your vehicle's ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. Select the programming function from your device menu, then choose your vehicle manufacturer and specific model from the database.

Keep your ignition on throughout the entire programming sequence to maintain power to the vehicle's computer systems.

Complete the programming sequence

Follow each on-screen instruction that appears on your Xhorse device display. You'll typically need to insert the new key into the ignition barrel when prompted, then turn it to specific positions within five-second windows. The device displays real-time feedback as it writes the key data, showing progress bars and confirmation messages when each stage completes successfully.

Wrap up and next steps

You've now learned the complete workflow for xhorse key programming using Key Tool Plus or Max devices. These steps cover everything from identifying your vehicle's key type and immobiliser system through to generating chips, cutting blades, and writing the final authorization data through the OBD port. Practice on older vehicles first to build your confidence before attempting newer models with advanced security protocols.

Your success depends on maintaining updated software, keeping spare key blanks in stock, and following each programming sequence without interruption. If you encounter vehicles that require dealer-level programming or need immediate key replacement services across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, Rush Auto Locksmiths provides professional automotive locksmith services with the expertise and equipment to handle all vehicle key situations. View our complete range of vehicle key services to see how we can help when you need reliable key programming solutions.