Do you ever find yourself in a tight parking spot, wishing your Tesla could just magically glide out on its own? Or perhaps you're caught in a sudden downpour and want your car to come to you? Well, with Tesla's Summon feature, these scenarios are not just wishful thinking—they're a reality! Let's dive into how you can master this incredible technology.
Understanding Tesla Summon: Basic vs. Smart
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that Tesla offers two main types of Summon functionality:
Basic Summon (or "Dumb Summon"): This is the simpler version, designed for moving your Tesla straight forward or backward into or out of a parking space. It's perfect for those really tight spots where you can't open your door.
Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon" - ASS): This advanced feature allows your Tesla to navigate more complex environments like parking lots. It can come to your location (using your phone's GPS) or go to a destination you select on a map, maneuvering around obstacles as needed. It's part of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll cover both, as the initial setup steps are similar.
Step 1: Preparing Your Tesla and Phone
Before you can even think about summoning your car, you need to ensure everything is in order. Think of it as preparing your Tesla for its big moment!
Sub-heading: Vehicle Prerequisites
Your Tesla needs to meet certain conditions for Summon to work:
Software Update: Ensure your Tesla's software is up-to-date. Summon features are continually refined and improved through over-the-air updates.
Cameras Calibrated: Your vehicle's cameras must be fully calibrated. This usually happens automatically as you drive, but it's essential for the system to accurately "see" its surroundings.
Parked and Not Charging: Your Tesla must be in Park and not charging. All doors and trunks must also be closed.
Clean Cameras and Sensors: Ensure all cameras and sensors are clean and free of obstructions. Dirt, mud, ice, or even excessive paint or wraps can interfere with their operation.
Private Property: Summon, especially Smart Summon, is designed and intended for use only on parking lots and driveways located on private property. Do NOT use Smart Summon on public roads. Basic Summon can be used on public roads with extreme caution, but not to enter the roadway.
Tire Pressure: All four tire pressures should be 34 PSI or higher, as reported by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Sub-heading: Phone Prerequisites
Your smartphone is your remote control for Summon:
Latest Tesla Mobile App: Download and ensure you have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your phone.
Strong Connectivity: Your phone needs cellular service and GPS enabled. Summon relies on good connectivity between your phone and your Tesla. Sometimes, Wi-Fi can interfere, so if you experience issues, try switching to cellular data.
Proximity: You must be within a certain proximity to your vehicle. For Smart Summon, this is typically within approximately 65 meters (213 feet) of your car. For Basic Summon, it can be up to 85 meters (279 feet).
Sub-heading: Enabling Summon in Your Tesla
This is a one-time setup step within your car's touchscreen:
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot.
Look for an option related to Summon or ASS (Actually Smart Summon) and toggle it to the "on" position. You may need to read and accept a pop-up window regarding its safe use.
(Optional but Recommended) While in this menu, you can also customize Summon settings:
Bumper Clearance: Adjust the distance you want your Tesla to stop from a detected object (e.g., a garage wall).
Summon Distance: Set the maximum distance your Tesla can travel during a Summon maneuver. For basic Summon, this is usually limited to 12 meters (39 feet). Smart Summon can travel up to 145 meters.
Side Clearance: Choose how much side clearance you want. Tight allows for very narrow spaces but increases risk.
Require Continuous Press: By default, you need to press and hold the button on the mobile app for the car to move. While this is generally recommended for safety, some regions or software versions might allow you to disable it (though it's usually always enabled for Smart Summon).
Step 2: Initiating the Summon Process
Now that your car and phone are ready, let's get to the fun part!
Sub-heading: Launching the Tesla App
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Scroll down until you find the "Summon" option and tap on it.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Summon Mode
This is where you decide between Basic Summon and Smart Summon.
For Basic Summon:
After tapping "Summon" in the app, you'll see a simplified interface with forward and reverse arrows.
Ensure your Tesla is aligned with the parking space and can follow a straight path.
Press and hold the forward arrow to move the car forward, or the reverse arrow to move it backward. You must continue to hold the button for the car to move.
Your Tesla will move slowly. Release the button at any time to stop the car.
For Smart Summon:
After tapping "Summon" in the app, you'll see a "Smart Summon" icon (often a crosshair or similar symbol) in the center of the image of your Tesla. Tap on this icon.
The mobile app will display a map with a blue circle. This circle represents the maximum proximity (65 meters) you must maintain between your phone and your Tesla. Your location is a blue dot, and the car's location is a red arrow.
Position yourself anywhere within the blue circle where you have a clear line of sight to your Tesla. This is crucial for safety.
You'll then have two modes to choose from:
Come to Me mode:
Press and hold the "Come to Me" button.
Your Tesla will move to your GPS location, navigating around obstacles.
As you move, your Tesla will follow you.
When it reaches you, it will stop and shift into Park.
Go to Target mode:
Touch the crosshair icon (if not already selected), then drag the map to position the pin on your desired destination.
Press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
Your Tesla will move to the selected destination, navigating obstacles.
When it reaches the location, it will stop and shift into Park, and the app will confirm completion.
To change the destination during the maneuver, simply lift your finger, reposition the map, then press and hold "Go to Target" again.
Step 3: Monitoring and Stopping the Summon
Using Summon isn't a "set it and forget it" feature. You are still the driver and fully responsible for its safe operation.
Sub-heading: Constant Supervision
Maintain a Clear Line of Sight: Always have a clear line of sight to your Tesla and its surroundings.
Closely Monitor: Continuously monitor the vehicle's movement and its surroundings for any unexpected obstacles or situations.
Be Prepared to Stop: You must remain ready to take immediate action at any time.
Sub-heading: How to Stop or Cancel Summon
Release the Button: The easiest and most common way to stop your Tesla during a Summon maneuver is to simply release the button you are pressing on the mobile app (Forward, Reverse, Come to Me, or Go to Target).
Vehicle Interaction: Summon will automatically cancel if you interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or shift the car.
Door Handle/Door Opened: If a door handle is engaged or a door is opened, Summon will cancel.
Obstacle Detected: If your Tesla detects an obstacle in its path that it cannot navigate, Summon may pause or cancel.
Maximum Distance: If Summon has moved the car its maximum allowable distance (e.g., 12 meters for Basic, 145 meters for Smart Summon), it will stop and require you to re-initiate the session if you need to move it further.
Phone Issues: If your phone enters sleep mode or loses connectivity to your Tesla, Summon will stop.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
Environment: Summon is best used in familiar, predictable environments like private parking lots or driveways. Avoid using it on public roads, in construction zones, or where there are unpredictable movements of people, children, or animals.
Obstacle Detection: While Tesla's Summon is designed to detect and maneuver around many obstacles, it may not stop for all objects, especially very low objects (like some curbs) or very high objects. It also may not react to all oncoming or side traffic.
Weather: Adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog, extreme temperatures) can interfere with camera and sensor operation, affecting Summon's performance.
Slopes: Summon is designed to operate on flat or gently sloped roads (up to 20% grade). Its performance may be limited on steeper inclines.
Accessories: Accessories like roof racks, trailer hitches, or body kits can affect Summon's ability to navigate, as it may not account for these extended parts of the vehicle.
Standby Mode: To reduce the delay when starting Smart Summon, you can enable "Standby Mode" in your vehicle settings (Controls > Autopilot > Standby Mode). However, this consumes additional battery power. You can also exclude specific locations (Home, Work, Favorites) from Standby Mode to conserve energy.
HomeLink Integration: If equipped and enabled for Summon (Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon), Smart Summon can automatically open or close a HomeLink device (like a garage door) when initiating the maneuver inside a garage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use Smart Summon?
To use Smart Summon, open the Tesla mobile app, tap "Summon," then tap the Smart Summon icon. Choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target," and press and hold the corresponding button while maintaining a clear line of sight to your vehicle.
How to enable Summon on my Tesla?
You enable Summon on your Tesla's touchscreen by going to Controls > Autopilot and toggling the Summon or ASS (Actually Smart Summon) option to "on."
How to stop Tesla Summon in an emergency?
To stop Tesla Summon immediately, simply release the button you are pressing on the mobile app. You can also interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator pedal in the car.
How to troubleshoot if Tesla Summon isn't working?
First, check your phone's connectivity (cellular signal, not just Wi-Fi). Ensure your Tesla's cameras are clean and calibrated, and that the car is in Park, not charging, with all doors closed. Also, verify that Summon is enabled in your vehicle's Autopilot settings.
How to differentiate between Basic Summon and Smart Summon?
Basic Summon moves your Tesla straight forward or backward. Smart Summon, part of the Full Self-Driving package, navigates around obstacles to come to you or a selected target destination on a map.
How to use Summon with the key fob?
Older versions of basic Summon could be initiated with the key fob by holding the center button. However, current Smart Summon functionality primarily relies on the Tesla mobile app. Check your owner's manual for specifics on your vehicle's model and software version.
How to use Summon to get out of a tight parking spot?
Open the Tesla app, select "Summon," and if it's a straight-line maneuver, use Basic Summon (forward or reverse arrows). If you need it to navigate around other cars, use Smart Summon and the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" function.
How to ensure safe usage of Tesla Summon?
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your vehicle, be prepared to stop it at any moment, and only use it on private property in familiar environments. Never rely on it to detect all obstacles or traffic.
How to adjust Summon settings like bumper clearance?
You can adjust settings like bumper clearance, Summon distance, and side clearance on your Tesla's touchscreen under Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon.
How to get the "Come to Me" feature working with Smart Summon?
Ensure you have the Full Self-Driving package, enable Smart Summon in your car's settings, and then in the Tesla app's Summon section, select the Smart Summon icon and press and hold the "Come to Me" button while you are within 65 meters of your car and have a clear line of sight.
Check out this video for a demonstration of basic Summon:
