Welcome to the exciting world of Tesla Model 3 ownership! Starting your Model 3 isn't like starting a traditional gasoline car with a key in the ignition. It's a seamless and intuitive experience, designed to get you on the road quickly and efficiently. Let's dive in and get you ready to drive your electric marvel!
Step 1: Getting Inside Your Model 3
Before you can start driving, you need to get into your car! Tesla offers a few convenient ways to unlock your Model 3.
1.1: Using Your Phone Key (Recommended)
This is by far the most popular and convenient method. Your phone becomes your digital key, allowing for automatic unlocking as you approach the vehicle.
Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on both your phone's general settings and specifically for the Tesla mobile app.
Enable Location Access: For the best experience, grant the Tesla app "Always" access to your location in your phone's settings.
Allow Mobile Access in Vehicle: On your Model 3's touchscreen, go to
Controls>Safety>Allow Mobile Accessand ensure this is enabled.Download and Log In to the Tesla App: If you haven't already, download the official Tesla app from your phone's app store and log in with your Tesla account credentials.
Set Up Phone Key: While inside or near your Model 3, open the Tesla app. You'll typically see a "Set Up Phone Key" option on the main screen, or you can navigate to
Security>Set Up Phone Key. Follow the prompts on the app and your vehicle's touchscreen to complete the pairing process.Pro Tip: Keep the Tesla app running in the background for continuous and seamless connectivity.
1.2: Using Your Key Card (Backup Method)
Every Model 3 comes with two key cards. These are excellent backups if your phone battery dies or your phone is lost.
Unlocking: To unlock the car, position the key card against the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors) on the driver's side, directly beneath the Autopilot camera. You might need to hold it there for a second or two. You'll hear a chime and the lights will flash to confirm it's unlocked.
Starting: Once inside, if you used the key card to unlock, you'll need to authenticate it to drive. Place the key card on the card reader located in the wireless phone charger on the center console, usually behind the cup holders.
1.3: Using Your Key Fob (Optional Accessory)
If you've purchased a Tesla key fob (which resembles a miniature version of the car), it functions much like a traditional car remote.
Unlocking: Press the unlock button on the key fob. It supports automatic locking and unlocking as you approach or walk away, similar to the phone key.
Starting: With the key fob in your possession inside the vehicle, you are ready to start.
Step 2: Powering On and Getting Ready to Drive
Unlike conventional cars, there's no "start button" in a Tesla. The car is largely "on" once you're inside with an authenticated key.
2.1: The Simple Start
Press the Brake Pedal: This is the primary action to "power on" your Model 3 and make it ready to drive. The touchscreen will fully illuminate, and you'll see the drive controls.
2.2: Authentication with Key Card (If Needed)
If you unlocked the car with the key card and did not press the brake pedal within approximately two minutes, the touchscreen might display a "Driving requires authentication" message. In this case, simply place the key card on the designated reader in the center console (behind the cup holders). This will re-authenticate the key, and then you can press the brake pedal to proceed.
2.3: PIN to Drive (Optional Security Feature)
If you've enabled the "PIN to Drive" feature, you'll have an additional step:
Enter Your PIN: After pressing the brake pedal, the touchscreen will prompt you to enter your pre-set 4-digit PIN. You must enter the correct PIN to enable driving. You can set this up under
Controls>Safety>PIN to Drive.
Step 3: Selecting a Drive Mode and Accelerating
Now that your Model 3 is powered on, it's time to choose your direction!
3.1: The Drive Stalk
The Model 3 uses a single stalk on the right side of the steering column for shifting.
Drive (D): To put the car in Drive, push the drive stalk all the way down.
Reverse (R): To put the car in Reverse, push the drive stalk all the way up.
Neutral (N): For Neutral, push the stalk slightly up or down.
Park (P): To put the car in Park, simply press the button on the end of the drive stalk. The Model 3 will also automatically shift into Park when you exit the vehicle (e.g., unbuckle your seatbelt and open the door at a standstill).
3.2: Auto Shift out of Park (Optional Feature)
Newer Model 3s may have "Auto Shift out of Park" enabled.
If this feature is on, your Model 3 can automatically select Drive or Reverse based on its detected surroundings when you press the brake pedal. Always double-check the touchscreen to ensure the correct drive mode is selected before accelerating. You can toggle this feature on or off via
Controls>Dynamics>Auto Shift out of Park.
3.3: Accelerate! ⚡
Once you've selected your desired drive mode (Drive or Reverse), simply press the accelerator pedal, and your Model 3 will smoothly begin to move. Get ready for that instant torque!
Step 4: Powering Off and Exiting Your Tesla ️
One of the unique aspects of a Tesla is its "always-on" nature. You rarely need to manually "turn off" the car.
4.1: Automatic Power Off
Shift into Park: When you finish driving, simply press the button on the end of the drive stalk to shift into Park.
Exit with Your Key: The Model 3 will automatically power off (and turn off the touchscreen) when you leave the vehicle with your phone key or key fob.
After 30 Minutes in Park: Even if you're sitting in the driver's seat, the Model 3 will automatically power off after being in Park for 30 minutes.
4.2: Manual Power Off (Rarely Needed)
While not usually necessary, you can manually power off your Model 3 if it's not moving:
On the touchscreen, navigate to
Controls>Safety>Power Off.Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle (don't open doors, touch the brake pedal, or touch the touchscreen).
After two minutes, pressing the brake pedal or opening a door will "wake" the vehicle back up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to connect my phone as a key to my Tesla Model 3?
Download the Tesla app, log in, enable Bluetooth and location services on your phone, then go to Security > Set Up Phone Key in the app while near or inside your car, following the on-screen prompts.
How to use the Tesla key card to start the car?
To unlock, tap the key card against the driver's side B-pillar. Once inside, place the key card on the center console's wireless phone charger, then press the brake pedal to enable driving.
How to put the Tesla Model 3 into Drive or Reverse?
Press the brake pedal, then move the stalk on the right side of the steering column down for Drive or up for Reverse.
How to put the Tesla Model 3 into Park?
Press the button on the end of the drive stalk. The car will also automatically shift to Park when you exit the vehicle.
How to turn off the Tesla Model 3?
The Model 3 typically powers off automatically when you exit the vehicle with your phone key or key fob, or after 30 minutes in Park. Manual power-off is done via Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
How to enable "PIN to Drive" on my Model 3?
On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the instructions to set your personal identification number.
How to bypass "PIN to Drive" if the touchscreen is unresponsive?
You can bypass "PIN to Drive" by enabling "Keyless Driving" in the Tesla mobile app.
How to reboot the touchscreen if it's unresponsive?
Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen goes black and reboots (typically 5-10 seconds). The car will continue to operate during the reboot.
How to check my battery percentage instead of range?
Tap on the displayed range number at the top of your touchscreen, and it will toggle between remaining range (e.g., in kilometers) and the current battery level in percent.
How to optimize range in my Tesla Model 3?
Maintain proper tire pressures, reduce high driving speeds, precondition your battery while plugged in, use "Chill" acceleration mode in cold weather, and keep the climate system on "Auto."
Learn more about starting your Tesla with this helpful guide:
