So, you're the proud owner of a Tesla Model 3, or perhaps you're just curious about how these futuristic machines operate! Unlocking a Tesla Model 3 isn't like fumbling for keys in your pocket anymore. It's an elegant and seamless experience, primarily driven by technology. Let's dive into the various ways you can unlock your Tesla Model 3 and get ready to hit the road!
Step 1: Understanding Your Tesla Model 3's Keys – More Than Just Metal!
Before we get to the unlocking, let's understand the "keys" for your Model 3. Tesla has moved beyond traditional car keys, offering a range of convenient options.
Sub-heading: The Trio of Tesla Keys
Your Model 3 supports a few different methods for access:
Phone Key: This is by far the most popular and convenient method. Your personal smartphone acts as a "phone key," communicating with your Model 3 via Bluetooth. It enables automatic locking and unlocking as you approach or leave your vehicle.
Key Card: Every Model 3 comes with two key cards. These cards use short-range Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) signals. While they don't offer automatic locking/unlocking, they are an excellent backup in case your phone battery dies or your phone is lost.
Key Fob (Optional): Some Model 3s may be equipped with a traditional-looking key fob. This allows you to press buttons to open trunks, lock, unlock, and drive. Like the phone key, it can also support automatic locking and unlocking (if enabled).
Step 2: Unlocking Your Model 3 with the Phone Key – The Smart Way
The phone key is designed for maximum convenience. Once set up, you simply walk up to your car, and it's ready to go!
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your Phone as a Key
Download the Tesla App: If you haven't already, download the latest version of the Tesla app from your phone's app store (iOS or Android).
Enable Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is turned on on your mobile device.
Open the Tesla App and Select Your Vehicle: Stand near your Model 3 and open the Tesla app. Select your vehicle from the app's interface.
Tap "Set Up" next to "Phone Key": Follow the on-screen prompts.
Pairing Confirmation: The app will guide you through the pairing process. You might need to tap your key card on the car's card reader (located on the driver's side door pillar or the center console behind the cup holders) to confirm the pairing.
Customize Unlocking (Optional): During setup, you can often choose whether the phone key unlocks all doors or just the driver's door when you approach.
Sub-heading: Using Your Phone Key for Daily Access
Once set up, using your phone key is incredibly simple:
Approaching the Vehicle: With your phone in your pocket or bag and Bluetooth enabled, as you approach your Model 3, its Bluetooth signal will be detected.
Pulling the Door Handle: The doors will automatically unlock when you pull any exterior door handle. You'll hear a quiet "clunk" and see the mirrors unfold (if enabled).
Walk-Away Locking: If "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled (a setting in your car's touchscreen under Controls > Locks), your Model 3 will automatically lock when you exit the vehicle and the phone key is no longer in range. You'll hear a confirmation chime and see the mirrors fold.
Step 3: Unlocking Your Model 3 with the Key Card – The Reliable Backup
The key card is your reliable backup. It's particularly useful if your phone dies, is lost, or if you need to grant temporary access to someone else.
Sub-heading: Locating the Card Reader
The key card communicates with your Model 3 using RFID transmitters. The primary card reader for unlocking is located on the driver's side door pillar, specifically under the Autopilot camera.
Sub-heading: The Unlocking Process
Position the Key Card: Hold your key card flat against the driver's side door pillar, directly over the card reader.
Wait for Confirmation: You may need to hold it there for one or two seconds.
Visual and Auditory Cues: When your Model 3 detects the key card, the exterior lights will flash, the side mirrors will unfold (if the "Fold Mirrors" function is on), and if "Lock Confirmation Sound" is enabled, you'll hear a horn sound. The doors will then unlock.
Opening the Door: Once unlocked, press your thumb into the widest part of the door handle. The handle will pivot, allowing you to grasp and pull to open the door.
Sub-heading: Starting the Car with the Key Card
After entering your Tesla with the key card, you'll need to "authenticate" it to drive:
Place the Key Card: Place the key card on the wireless phone charger located in the center console (behind the cup holders).
Press the Brake Pedal: Within two minutes of scanning the key card, press the brake pedal to power on the Model 3. If you wait longer than two minutes, you'll need to re-authenticate by removing and replacing the key card on the wireless phone charger.
Step 4: Unlocking Your Model 3 with the Key Fob (If Equipped) – Traditional Convenience
If your Model 3 came with an optional key fob, it offers another layer of convenience similar to traditional car remotes, with added passive entry features.
Sub-heading: Button-Based Unlocking
The key fob has three buttons, often with softer areas on its surface:
Lock/Unlock All: A single click typically locks all doors and trunks (ensure they are closed). A double-click will unlock all doors and trunks.
Front Trunk: Double-click to unlatch the front trunk (frunk).
Rear Trunk: Double-click to unlatch the rear trunk. Holding it down for one to two seconds will open the charge port door.
Sub-heading: Passive Locking and Unlocking
The key fob also supports passive locking and unlocking, similar to the phone key:
Hands-Free Access: With the paired key fob in your pocket or purse, you can simply pull on the door handle to unlock the Model 3 as you approach.
Walk-Away Lock: If "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled, your Model 3 will automatically lock when you exit the vehicle and the key fob is no longer in range.
Sub-heading: Starting the Car with the Key Fob
Once inside, power up your Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob. If you wait longer, you'll need to press the unlock button again or place the key fob near the card reader in the wireless phone charger.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Unlocking Issues – When Things Don't Go as Planned ⚠️
Even with advanced technology, sometimes things don't work as expected. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Sub-heading: Phone Key Not Working?
Check Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that your phone is not in a low power mode that might disable Bluetooth.
Tesla App Status: Make sure you have the latest version of the Tesla app and that you are signed in to your Tesla Account as the owner or an authorized driver.
"Allow Mobile Access" Setting: On your Model 3's touchscreen, go to
Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Accessand ensure it's enabled.Phone Location Services: For optimal performance, ensure your phone's location services are set to "always on" for the Tesla app.
No Third-Party Apps: If you have other third-party Tesla vehicle apps, they might interfere.
Restart Your Phone: A simple phone restart can often resolve minor connectivity glitches.
Re-pair Phone Key: If all else fails, you might need to remove and re-pair your phone key through the Tesla app.
Sub-heading: Key Card Not Responding?
Proper Placement: Ensure you are holding the key card flat against the driver's side door pillar directly over the camera, and holding it there for a full one to two seconds.
Obstructions: Make sure there are no objects between the key card and the reader.
Extreme Temperatures: While rare, extreme cold can sometimes affect key fob or key card performance. Ensure it's at room temperature if possible.
Interference: Other electronic devices (phones, laptops) can sometimes interfere with the RFID signal. Try moving the key card at least 30 cm away from other devices.
Sub-heading: Manual Release (Emergency Only!)
In the unlikely event that your Model 3 has no low voltage power (e.g., the 12V battery is dead), you won't be able to open the doors using the electronic buttons. In this emergency situation, there is a manual door release:
Front Doors: On the front doors, the manual door release is a small lever located in front of the window switches. Pull this lever up to open the door.
Rear Doors: The rear doors do not have a manual release accessible to passengers. If you need to exit from the rear in a power-loss situation, you would need to exit through a front door.
Caution: The manual door release should only be used in emergency situations as it bypasses the car's electrical system.
Step 6: Additional Unlocking Features and Tips ⚙️
Tesla offers a few more advanced features for accessing your vehicle.
Sub-heading: Unlocking via the Tesla Mobile App (Remote Access)
Even if you're not within Bluetooth range, as long as both your phone and your Model 3 have internet service, you can remotely lock or unlock your vehicle using the Tesla mobile app. Simply open the app and tap the lock/unlock icon on the home screen. Note that if you unlock from the mobile app, the car does not automatically re-lock if you walk away.
Sub-heading: Valet Mode
Valet Mode is a built-in driver profile that limits speed and restricts access to some Model 3 features. To unlock from Valet Mode, you will need to:
Enter Park: Ensure your Model 3 is in Park.
Access Valet Mode: On the touchscreen, touch the driver profile icon at the top of the Controls screen, then touch "Valet Mode."
Enter PIN: Enter the 4-digit PIN you created when you activated Valet Mode.
If you forget your PIN: You can reset it from inside the Model 3 by entering your Tesla Account credentials or by using the mobile app.
FAQ: How to Unlock Your Tesla Model 3
How to use my phone as a key for my Tesla Model 3?
Download the Tesla app, enable Bluetooth on your phone, open the app near your car, and follow the "Set Up Phone Key" prompts, possibly using your key card for initial pairing.
How to unlock a Tesla Model 3 with a key card?
Tap the key card flat against the driver's side door pillar (under the camera) for one to two seconds until the lights flash and mirrors unfold, then pull the door handle.
How to start a Tesla Model 3 after unlocking with a key card?
Once inside, place the key card on the wireless phone charger in the center console and press the brake pedal within two minutes.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla Model 3 phone key isn't working?
Check your phone's Bluetooth and location settings, ensure the Tesla app is updated and you're logged in, verify "Allow Mobile Access" is enabled on your car's touchscreen, and restart your phone.
How to open the Tesla Model 3 door manually in an emergency?
For the front doors, pull up the manual door release lever located in front of the window switches. (Rear doors do not have a manual release for passengers.)
How to unlock my Tesla Model 3 remotely using the app?
Open the Tesla mobile app and tap the lock/unlock icon on the home screen, provided both your phone and car have internet connectivity.
How to add a new key card or key fob to my Tesla Model 3?
On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key, then scan the new key on the wireless phone charger and confirm with an already paired key.
How to disable "Walk-Away Door Lock" on my Tesla Model 3?
On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Locks and deselect the "Walk-Away Door Lock" option.
How to unlock my Tesla Model 3 if it's in Valet Mode?
With the car in Park, access Valet Mode through the driver profile icon on the touchscreen and enter your previously set 4-digit Valet PIN.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 is locked?
The exterior lights will flash, side mirrors will fold (if enabled), and you may hear a horn sound if "Lock Confirmation Sound" is on. You can also check the lock icon on your Tesla app.
Watch this video to learn more about accessing your Model 3:
