How do you open the trunk from inside the car?

Most modern cars let you open the trunk from inside via a trunk-release switch on the driver’s door panel or center console; some models also support remote trunk release on the key fob or a smartphone app.

This article explains where to find interior trunk releases, how to use them, what to do if your car doesn’t have one, and safety considerations for different models and scenarios.

Common interior trunk release locations

Look for a trunk-opening control within easy reach from the driver's seat. The exact location varies by vehicle, but most cars place it on the driver's door panel, or in the center console or dash area.

• Driver's door panel: A button or switch with a trunk icon or the word TRUNK, typically near the window/lock controls. Press or flip it to release the latch.


• Center console area: Some sedans place a trunk-release button adjacent to the gear shifter or inside the armrest. A single press typically opens the trunk.


• Dashboard or near the steering wheel: In a few models, the release is tucked under the dash near the steering column; press to release.


• Glove box or hidden panels: On a minority of trims, the release can be found behind a small panel or near the glove box; consult the manual if unsure.

If you still can’t locate a release, consult the owner’s manual or contact the dealership—some trims omit an interior trunk switch entirely and rely on exterior methods.

Remote and smart-trunk options

Many vehicles offer alternative ways to open the trunk without using the interior switch. These methods are especially handy when your hands are full or you’re at the curb.

Variations by brand

The exact steps can vary by model and brand. Some cars require you to unlock the vehicle first, or to have the car in Park, before the trunk will release via the remote or app.

• Key fob trunk button: Many remotes have a trunk icon; pressing or holding the trunk button for 1–2 seconds will unlock and/or pop the trunk latch. The exact action (press, hold, or double-press) varies by model.


• Smartphone app or connected services: If your car supports digital key or connected-car features, you may be able to open the trunk from the app or via geolocation features.


• Proximity/voice options: Some newer cars offer trunk release via voice assistants or proximity sensors when the fob is nearby, depending on model and settings.

Using remote methods can be faster when you’re waiting outside or with a lot of cargo, but ensure you’re in a safe, legal area before opening the trunk.

No interior release? Alternatives you should know

If your model doesn’t include an interior trunk release, you’ll need to rely on exterior methods to access the trunk from within your vehicle’s vicinity, or use rear-seat access to reach cargo while seated inside.

• Remote/app or key fob: Use the trunk open function via the key or app from outside the car, then walk to the trunk.


• Fold rear seats to access the trunk area from the cabin (if the model supports it): This allows you to reach cargo or the latch from inside, though it’s not the same as opening the trunk from inside the cabin.


• Open the trunk latch from the outside: Use the exterior latch handle or a physical key if your car has a traditional key cylinder.


• Emergency trunk release: This is a safety feature inside the trunk itself; do not rely on it to open from inside the cabin.

Model-specific guidance is essential; refer to the owner’s manual for precise locations and procedure.

Safety tips and best practices

Always ensure you are parked and in Park before opening the trunk. Keep children and pets away from the opening area, and verify the area behind the trunk is clear to avoid injury or damage.

Summary

Opening the trunk from inside your car typically involves a dedicated interior release switch on the driver’s door, center console, or dash, with many vehicles also offering remote or app-based options via the key fob or connected services. If your car lacks an interior release, use the remote/app or exterior latch, and consult the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Where is the trunk release located?

The trunk release is typically found inside the car on the dashboard or floor near the driver's seat, on a key fob, or inside the trunk itself on an emergency release lever. You can also often open it from the rear of the car by pressing a button or using a hidden release. 
Inside the car

• Dashboard or floor: Look for a button, toggle switch, or lever, often to the left of the driver's seat.
• Key fob: Most modern cars have a trunk release button on the key fob. 

This video shows how to open the trunk on a Chevy Malibu: 1mDIY Life TechYouTube · May 7, 2024
Inside the trunk 

• Emergency release: Search along the back or side of the trunk, usually near the latch, for a glow-in-the-dark handle or pull cord. 
• Pull the lever: On many vehicles, you can fold the rear seats down to get into the trunk and pull this lever to open it. 

This video demonstrates how to open the trunk from inside the trunk: 58sHouse of HybridsYouTube · Oct 10, 2024
At the rear of the car

• Liftgate or license plate: Find a release button, often a small, hidden, or integrated button located on or around the license plate or liftgate handle. 
• Keyhole: Some cars still have a physical keyhole on the trunk lid itself. 

How do you open a car trunk from the inside?

To open a car trunk from the inside, you can use a lever or button located in the trunk (often a glow-in-the-dark handle) or fold down the rear seats to access it. For cars without internal release mechanisms, you may need to fold down the rear seats to get inside or manually open the latch.
 
Using an internal release 
This video shows how to open a car trunk from the inside using an emergency release lever: 32sCars.comYouTube · Jul 21, 2017

• Locate the release lever or button: Most modern cars have a glow-in-the-dark handle or a release switch inside the trunk, usually located near the latch.
• Pull the lever: Pull the lever or push the button to release the latch and open the trunk. 

Without an internal release 
This video demonstrates how to access a car trunk from the inside by folding down the rear seats: 59sFixITYouTube · Jun 23, 2024

• Fold down the rear seats: Locate the seat release mechanism, often a lever or pull-strap, to fold down the back seats. 
• Climb through: Fold down one or both back seats to get a view into the trunk. Then, carefully crawl into the trunk area to access the latch or handle. 
• Pull the latch: Locate the latch and pull it to open the trunk. 

Important considerations
This video explains what to do if you are trapped in a car trunk: 1mWTHRYouTube · Jul 21, 2015

• Check the owner's manual: Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact location of any internal release mechanisms. 
• Consider alternative methods: If your car has a dead battery, the interior trunk release button may not work. In this case, you may need to get to the trunk manually, or have someone jump the car. 
• Stay calm: If you get locked in the trunk, try to remain calm. The trunk is not a sealed space, so you should be able to breathe. If the emergency release isn't working, make as much noise as possible to attract attention. 

What is trunk release in a car?

release of the latch whereby the door seals push the decklid away from the lock, the trunk is then open, and the lid may not have revealed the opening. release of the latch whereby a spring pushes the decklid away from the lock and open, the trunk is then open, and the lid reveals the opening.

What is the inside trunk release law?

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401 (FMVSS 401) is an American standard that establishes the requirement for providing a trunk release mechanism which allows a person trapped inside the trunk compartment of a passenger car to escape.