Do you want to add an extra layer of security and convenience to your Tesla experience? The "Walk-Away Door Lock" feature is a game-changer, automatically securing your vehicle as you simply, well, walk away! No more fumbling for keys or checking if you remembered to lock up. Let's dive in and get this fantastic feature enabled.
Step 1: Prepare for a Seamless Setup
First things first, let's ensure you're ready to make this happen. Enabling the walk-away lock is a straightforward process, but it relies on your Tesla being able to communicate with your key. This could be your phone key (via the Tesla mobile app) or your paired key fob (if your Tesla came with one or you purchased it separately, especially for models ordered after approximately October 1, 2019).
Important Note: Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on and the Tesla app is running in the background for the phone key to function correctly. If you're using a key fob, ensure its battery isn't low.
Step 2: Navigate to the Lock Settings on Your Tesla's Touchscreen
Now, let's get into your Tesla and access the magic settings!
Accessing the Controls Menu
Get in your Tesla: Settle into the driver's seat.
Turn on the touchscreen: It should already be active when you enter the car.
Tap the Car Icon: On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, you'll see a car icon, usually located at the bottom left or top of the screen (depending on your software version and model). This is your gateway to the vehicle's controls. Tap it!
Step 3: Locate and Enable "Walk-Away Door Lock"
Once you're in the "Controls" menu, finding the "Walk-Away Door Lock" is simple.
Navigating to Locks
Tap "Locks": Within the "Controls" menu, you'll see a list of categories. Look for and tap on the "Locks" option. This section manages all your Tesla's locking and unlocking behaviors.
Find "Walk-Away Door Lock": On the "Locks" screen, you'll find various settings related to door and trunk security. Look for the option labeled "Walk-Away Door Lock."
Toggle it On: Next to "Walk-Away Door Lock," there will be a toggle switch. Tap it to turn it on. The toggle should change color (typically from grey to blue or white) to indicate it's enabled.
Step 4: Customize Your Walk-Away Lock Experience (Optional)
Tesla provides a few additional options to enhance your walk-away lock experience. These are entirely optional but can add to your convenience.
Sub-heading: Lock Confirmation Sound
Enable Audible Confirmation: If you like an audible confirmation that your Tesla has locked, look for "Lock Confirmation Sound" in the "Locks" menu. Toggle this on to hear a chime when the vehicle successfully locks. This is a great way to have peace of mind without looking back at your car.
Sub-heading: Fold Mirrors on Lock
Automatic Mirror Folding: Many Tesla owners prefer their side mirrors to fold in automatically when the car locks. This provides visual confirmation of locking and can be helpful in tight parking spaces. In the "Locks" menu, you might find an option like "Fold Mirrors" or similar. Toggle this on to enable the feature.
Sub-heading: Exclude Home Location
Prevent Locking at Home: Ever want your car to remain unlocked when it's safely parked in your garage or driveway at home? Tesla has thought of that! In the "Locks" menu, you'll see a checkbox for "Exclude Home." If you check this box, your Tesla will not automatically lock when you walk away if it's parked at the location you've designated as Home. You'll need to set your "Home" address in your Tesla's navigation system for this feature to work.
Step 5: Test the Feature!
Now for the fun part: testing it out!
Exit your Tesla: Make sure you have your phone key or key fob with you.
Close all doors and trunks: Ensure everything is properly latched.
Walk away: Simply walk a short distance (usually about 10-15 feet) from your car.
Observe:
You should hear a chime (if you enabled "Lock Confirmation Sound").
The exterior lights will flash once.
The mirrors will fold (if you enabled "Fold Mirrors").
The door handles will retract.
If all of these things happen, congratulations! Your Tesla's walk-away lock feature is successfully enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions and quick answers about Tesla's walk-away lock feature:
How to turn off walk-away door lock on Tesla?
To turn it off, navigate to Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock on your Tesla's touchscreen and toggle the setting off.
How to troubleshoot if Tesla walk-away lock isn't working?
First, ensure all doors and trunks are fully closed. Check your phone's Bluetooth is on and the Tesla app is running. Make sure "Exclude Home" isn't checked if you're trying to lock at home. Sometimes a vehicle reboot (holding both steering wheel scroll wheels) can also resolve minor glitches.
How to ensure my phone key is properly set up for walk-away lock?
Ensure the Tesla app has "Always" location access enabled on your phone and that battery optimization isn't preventing the app from running in the background.
How to use a key card with walk-away lock?
The walk-away lock feature primarily works with your phone key or a paired key fob. Key cards are generally used for manual unlocking by tapping them on the door pillar.
How to know if my Tesla has locked when I walk away?
If enabled, you'll hear a confirmation chime, the exterior lights will flash once, and the mirrors will fold (if that setting is also enabled).
How to prevent my Tesla from locking at my home address?
In the "Locks" menu, check the "Exclude Home" option after setting your home address in the navigation system.
How to customize the lock sound for my Tesla?
You can customize the lock sound by touching Toybox > Boombox > Lock Sound on your Tesla's touchscreen (requires Pedestrian Warning System).
How to unlock my Tesla if walk-away lock is enabled and my phone/fob isn't working?
You can use your key card by tapping it on the door pillar, or manually unlock via the Tesla mobile app.
How to resolve issues with walk-away lock in cold weather?
Ensure door handles are not frozen. Preconditioning your vehicle can help ensure all mechanisms are free to move.
How to enable notifications if my Tesla is left unlocked?
You can set up "Car Left Open Notifications" by going to Controls > Locks > Car Left Open Notifications on your touchscreen.
