How to disable the auto unlock key fob feature?

[intnsred]

I have a 2026 Equinox EV. The doors automatically "unlock" themselves when the key fob is within range. I hate this "feature!" This leaves the car in an "unlocked" state for too long with the valuables in my car accessible to anyone.

Even when I'm in the car getting out, if I push the "lock" button on the door, the car locks as it should. But then once I step out it immediately unlocks the car doors!! WTF were those engineers thinking -- stupid "conveniences" should not override what a human wants to do.

Is there any way to turn this "feature" off?

Personally, I would prefer to never have it auto-unlock unless I push on the handle.

 

[Hey Vern!]

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4147...GltaXR5K3VubG9jaytvZmYmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
Disabling Proximity Unlock on a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
If you want to turn off the automatic “proximity unlock” feature on your 2026 Equinox — where the doors unlock when your key fob is within range — you can do it through the vehicle’s infotainment or door control settings.
How to disable it:

1. Start the vehicle — Power on the engine or ignition.
2. Access the infotainment menu — Use the touchscreen or the physical buttons on the console to open the main menu.
3. Navigate to Door Control or Settings — Look for a section labeled “Door Control,” “Vehicle Settings,” or “Security.”
4. Find the Proximity Unlock option — This may be under “Keyless Entry” or “Keyless Entry & Start.”
5. Turn off Proximity Unlock — Select the option and set it to “Off” or “Disabled.”
6. Save and exit — Confirm the change and return to the main menu.
7. Re-enable if needed — If you want to restore the feature later, repeat the steps and set it back to “On.”

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

I have a 2026 Equinox EV. The doors automatically "unlock" themselves when the key fob is within range. I hate this "feature!" This leaves the car in an "unlocked" state for too long with the valuables in my car accessible to anyone.

Even when I'm in the car getting out, if I push the "lock" button on the door, the car locks as it should. But then once I step out it immediately unlocks the car doors!! WTF were those engineers thinking -- stupid "conveniences" should not override what a human wants to do.

Is there any way to turn this "feature" off?

Personally, I would prefer to never have it auto-unlock unless I push on the handle.

If you thoroughly read your vehicle owner’s manual, you will learn about many features for your vehicle.

It is available online for free or a print edition can be purchased from Helm.com

 

[CocoaJeff]

...or a print edition can be purchased from Helm.com

You may also be able to get one for free through GM. My cousin just bought a new '26 Silverado, his salesperson told him they no longer print the manuals and that the only option was the online (PDF) version. But when he contacted GM directly, he found out that they do still indeed print them, and they offered to send him one for free.

And aside from reading the manual, I would highly suggest sitting in your car when you have a half hour or so to blow, and go through every single menu and screen in your infotainment center. I found several features in there that I didn't realize the car had.

Welcome to the forum, and I hope that you enjoy your new 'Nox!

 

[intnsred]

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4147...GltaXR5K3VubG9jaytvZmYmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
Disabling Proximity Unlock on a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
If you want to turn off the automatic “proximity unlock” feature on your 2026 Equinox — where the doors unlock when your key fob is within range — you can do it through the vehicle’s infotainment or door control settings.
How to disable it:

1. Start the vehicle — Power on the engine or ignition.
2. Access the infotainment menu — Use the touchscreen or the physical buttons on the console to open the main menu.
3. Navigate to Door Control or Settings — Look for a section labeled “Door Control,” “Vehicle Settings,” or “Security.”
4. Find the Proximity Unlock option — This may be under “Keyless Entry” or “Keyless Entry & Start.”
5. Turn off Proximity Unlock — Select the option and set it to “Off” or “Disabled.”
6. Save and exit — Confirm the change and return to the main menu.
7. Re-enable if needed — If you want to restore the feature later, repeat the steps and set it back to “On.”

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4147...GltaXR5K3VubG9jaytvZmYmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
Disabling Proximity Unlock on a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
If you want to turn off the automatic “proximity unlock” feature on your 2026 Equinox — where the doors unlock when your key fob is within range — you can do it through the vehicle’s infotainment or door control settings.
How to disable it:

1. Start the vehicle — Power on the engine or ignition.
2. Access the infotainment menu — Use the touchscreen or the physical buttons on the console to open the main menu.
3. Navigate to Door Control or Settings — Look for a section labeled “Door Control,” “Vehicle Settings,” or “Security.”
4. Find the Proximity Unlock option — This may be under “Keyless Entry” or “Keyless Entry & Start.”
5. Turn off Proximity Unlock — Select the option and set it to “Off” or “Disabled.”
6. Save and exit — Confirm the change and return to the main menu.
7. Re-enable if needed — If you want to restore the feature later, repeat the steps and set it back to “On.”

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4147...GltaXR5K3VubG9jaytvZmYmZm9ybT1DU0JSQU5E&ntb=1
Disabling Proximity Unlock on a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
If you want to turn off the automatic “proximity unlock” feature on your 2026 Equinox — where the doors unlock when your key fob is within range — you can do it through the vehicle’s infotainment or door control settings.
How to disable it:

1. Start the vehicle — Power on the engine or ignition.
2. Access the infotainment menu — Use the touchscreen or the physical buttons on the console to open the main menu.
3. Navigate to Door Control or Settings — Look for a section labeled “Door Control,” “Vehicle Settings,” or “Security.”
4. Find the Proximity Unlock option — This may be under “Keyless Entry” or “Keyless Entry & Start.”
5. Turn off Proximity Unlock — Select the option and set it to “Off” or “Disabled.”
6. Save and exit — Confirm the change and return to the main menu.
7. Re-enable if needed — If you want to restore the feature later, repeat the steps and set it back to “On.”

Thanks Vern, but it doesn't work.

I've been through every sub-menu of every option and there is only one mention of power door locks -- and that one is under: Settings -> Vehicle -> Power Door Locks. But its function is only which doors to unlock when you put the car into Park.

There literally is no other option in any menu or sub-menu that deals with power door locks.

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

Thanks Vern, but it doesn't work.

I've been through every sub-menu of every option and there is only one mention of power door locks -- and that one is under: Settings -> Vehicle -> Power Door Locks. But its function is only which doors to unlock when you put the car into Park.

There literally is no other option in any menu or sub-menu that deals with power door locks.

Perhaps return your vehicle to the dealer and have the salesperson show you how to change this feature? Or contact them by phone or email for an explanation?