Do you own a Tesla, or are you just curious about its innovative features? Either way, you're in the right place! Opening the trunk of a Tesla from the outside is a breeze once you know the different methods available. Unlike traditional cars, Teslas offer multiple intuitive ways to access their rear cargo space, blending cutting-edge technology with practical design. Let's dive into how you can effortlessly open your Tesla's trunk.
Step 1: Prepare for Trunk Access – Engage with Your Tesla!
Before you even think about pushing buttons or swiping screens, let's get you in sync with your Tesla. The key to seamless access is often ensuring your vehicle is ready to receive commands.
1.1 Ensure Your Tesla is in "Park" ️
This is crucial! For safety and functionality, Tesla trunks can generally only be opened from the outside when the vehicle is in Park. If your car is in Drive or Reverse, the system will prevent external trunk opening. So, make sure you've shifted into Park first.
1.2 Have a Valid Key Detected
Your Tesla needs to recognize a valid key to grant access. This could be:
Your key fob.
Your paired smartphone with the Tesla mobile app acting as a phone key.
In some older models, a physical key.
Step 2: Utilizing Your Tesla Key Fob ️
The key fob is a classic and reliable method for remote access. Tesla key fobs are sleek and minimalist, but they pack a punch when it comes to controlling your vehicle's functions.
2.1 Locating the Trunk Button
On most Tesla key fobs, the trunk button is represented by an icon that looks like the rear of the car with the trunk open. It's usually on the top or back side of the fob, depending on the model.
2.2 The Double-Click Maneuver
To open the rear trunk, you'll typically need to double-click the rear trunk button on your key fob. A single click might stop the trunk if it's already in motion, or do nothing. A quick double-click sends the clear command to open.
Step 3: Mastering the Tesla Mobile App
The Tesla mobile app is incredibly powerful, transforming your smartphone into a comprehensive control center for your vehicle. Opening the trunk is just one of its many capabilities.
3.1 Open the Tesla App
First, ensure you have the Tesla app installed on your smartphone and that it's successfully paired with your vehicle. Log in to your Tesla account.
3.2 Navigate to the Trunk Control
Once in the app, you'll see a dashboard with various controls for your car. Look for the trunk icon (often depicted as the rear of the car with the trunk open). Tap on this icon.
3.3 Confirm Opening (If Prompted)
Depending on your app settings and vehicle model, you might get a prompt asking you to confirm you want to open the trunk. Tap "Yes" or "Open" to proceed.
Step 4: The Hands-Free Trunk (Where Available)
Some Tesla models offer a hands-free trunk opening feature, particularly useful when your hands are full. This feature typically relies on your phone key being present.
4.1 Enable Hands-Free Trunk in Settings
To use this, you usually need to enable it within your Tesla's touchscreen settings. Go to Controls > Locks > Hands-Free Trunk. You might also have an option to "Exclude Home" to prevent accidental openings when you're at your usual parking spot.
4.2 The Approach and Pause
With your phone key in your front pocket, simply approach the trunk and stand still for a moment. Your Tesla should chime to indicate it has detected your phone key, and the trunk will then open automatically. If you wish to cancel the request, simply step away from the vehicle.
Note: This feature typically works best with compatible phone models and may require specific app versions.
Step 5: Using the Exterior Handle Switch (The Traditional Touch)
Even with all the high-tech options, Tesla still provides a tactile switch under the liftgate's exterior handle, similar to a conventional car.
5.1 Locate the Switch
Beneath the lip of the rear trunk (or liftgate), there's a subtle switch. It's usually integrated into the design, so you might need to feel for it.
5.2 Press the Switch
With a valid key (key fob or phone key) detected nearby, simply press this switch. The trunk will then unlatch and open.
Important Note: Your Tesla must be unlocked or detect a valid key before this switch will function. If your car is locked and no key is detected, pressing this switch will not open the trunk.
Step 6: Adjusting Trunk Opening Height (For Garages & Low Ceilings)
This isn't directly about opening the trunk, but it's a crucial related step, especially if you park in a garage or have low overhead obstructions. You can customize how high your trunk opens.
6.1 Open the Trunk to Desired Height
Open the trunk using any of the above methods. As it's opening, you can manually stop it at your desired height by grasping it.
6.2 Save the Preferred Height
Once at the desired height, press and hold the button located on the underside of the liftgate (this is often the same button you'd press to close it from the inside) until you hear a confirmation chime. Your Tesla will remember this height for that location or as a general default.
Step 7: Closing the Trunk from the Outside ⬇️
Once you've accessed your items, closing the trunk is just as straightforward.
7.1 Press the Underside Button
The most common and convenient way to close the powered trunk from the outside is to press the switch located on the underside of the liftgate itself. This is usually a physical button.
7.2 Double-Click the Key Fob Button
Just like opening, you can often double-click the rear trunk button on your key fob to close it.
7.3 Use the Mobile App
Within the Tesla mobile app, the trunk icon will usually change to a "Close" option when the trunk is open. Tap this to close it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Opening Tesla Trunks
How to open a Tesla trunk if the car has no power?
In the rare event of a complete power loss, opening the trunk from the outside can be challenging. For the rear trunk, there is often an interior mechanical release. For the front trunk (frunk), there's typically a manual release procedure involving accessing terminals under the front left wheel well to provide external low voltage power to unlatch it. This is usually detailed in your owner's manual and may require assistance.
How to open Tesla Model 3 trunk from outside?
For the Model 3, you can open the rear trunk from the outside by double-clicking the rear trunk button on the key fob, using the Tesla mobile app, or pressing the switch located under the exterior handle (with a valid key detected).
How to open Tesla Model Y trunk from outside?
Similar to the Model 3, the Model Y's rear trunk can be opened from the outside by double-clicking the rear trunk button on the key fob, using the Tesla mobile app, pressing the switch under the exterior handle, or utilizing the hands-free trunk feature if enabled and your phone key is detected.
How to open Tesla Model S trunk from outside?
The Model S rear trunk can be opened from the outside using the key fob (double-click the rear trunk button), the Tesla mobile app, or by pressing the switch under the liftgate's exterior handle (with a valid key present). Some Model S vehicles also support hands-free trunk opening.
How to open Tesla Model X trunk from outside?
For the Model X, you can open the rear trunk from the outside by double-clicking the rear trunk button on the key fob, using the Tesla mobile app, or pressing the switch under the liftgate's exterior handle (with a valid key detected). The Model X also features the hands-free trunk option.
How to open Tesla Cybertruck cargo bed/tailgate from outside?
The Cybertruck's cargo bed and tailgate are distinct. You can open the tonneau cover (the retractable bed cover) using dedicated exterior switches near the bed, or via the mobile app and touchscreen. The tailgate has a press switch to release its latch.
How to close a Tesla trunk from the outside?
You can close a Tesla's powered trunk from the outside by pressing the physical switch located on the underside of the liftgate, double-clicking the rear trunk button on your key fob, or using the Tesla mobile app.
How to adjust the opening height of my Tesla trunk?
Open the trunk to your desired height, then press and hold the button on the underside of the liftgate until you hear a chime. This will save the new maximum opening height.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla trunk won't open from outside?
First, ensure your car is in Park and that a valid key is detected. Check the Tesla app for any error messages. If using the key fob, ensure the battery isn't dead. For the exterior handle switch, confirm the car is unlocked. If issues persist, refer to your owner's manual or contact Tesla service.
How to know if my Tesla trunk is securely closed?
The trunk should close with a firm click, and the vehicle's touchscreen display will typically show the trunk as closed. You can also manually try to lift the edge of the trunk to confirm there's no movement, indicating it's latched.
Learn more about opening your Tesla Model Y trunk from the outside:
