Ready to truly unlock the magic of your Tesla Model 3? Smart Summon is a fantastic feature that allows your car to navigate complex parking situations and even come to you with just a tap on your phone. It's like having a personal valet, but for your car! Let's dive into how to master this impressive technology.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tesla and Yourself for Smart Summon
Before you can enjoy the convenience of Smart Summon, there are a few essential prerequisites and preparation steps. Think of this as setting the stage for a flawless performance!
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| How To Smart Summon Tesla Model 3 |
1.1. Ensure Eligibility and Software
Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: Smart Summon is typically part of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability package. Make sure your Model 3 has this enabled.
Latest Software: Always keep your Tesla's software up to date. Tesla frequently releases updates that improve Smart Summon's performance and add new functionalities. Go to
Controls > Softwareon your touchscreen to check for updates.Tesla Mobile App: Download and install the latest version of the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone. Smart Summon is exclusively operated through this app.
1.2. Vehicle and Environmental Readiness
Vehicle in Park: Your Model 3 must be in Park (P).
Not Charging: The car cannot be actively charging.
All Doors and Trunks Closed: Ensure all doors and the front and rear trunks are securely closed.
Clean Cameras and Sensors: This is crucial! Smart Summon relies heavily on the vehicle's cameras and sensors to perceive its surroundings. Dirty or obstructed cameras/sensors (due to mud, ice, snow, etc.) can severely impair performance and even prevent the feature from working. Give them a quick wipe down if needed.
Calibrated Cameras: Your Model 3's cameras must be fully calibrated. This usually happens automatically as you drive, but if you've recently had service or a software update, it might be worth confirming.
Private Property Use: Smart Summon is designed and intended for use only on private property, such as parking lots and driveways, where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Never use it on public roads.
Clear Line of Sight: You, the driver, must maintain a clear line of sight to your Model 3 at all times while using Smart Summon. You need to be ready to intervene immediately.
Phone Connectivity: Your smartphone needs to be connected to your Model 3 (via Bluetooth and a stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection) and you must be within the specified operating range (typically around 65 meters or 213 feet, though this can vary with updates).
Step 2: Activating Smart Summon on Your Phone
With your Tesla prepped, it's time to fire up the mobile app and get ready to summon!
2.1. Open the Tesla App and Access Summon
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Launch the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
On the main screen, you'll see a representation of your vehicle. Tap the "Summon" icon. It's usually located centrally on the screen, sometimes labeled as "Summon" or represented by a car icon with arrows.
2.2. Select Smart Summon Mode
Once in the Summon interface, you'll likely see a map with a blue circle. This circle indicates the maximum proximity you must maintain between your phone and your Model 3.
You'll typically have two main Smart Summon modes:
"Come to Me" Mode: Your Model 3 will drive to your GPS location. As you move, the car will attempt to follow you.
"Go to Target" Mode: You can select a specific destination on the map for your Model 3 to drive to.
Step 3: Operating Smart Summon: Come to Me or Go to Target ➡️
Now for the exciting part – watching your Tesla move autonomously! Remember, constant supervision is key.
3.1. "Come to Me" Mode
Position Yourself: Stand anywhere within the blue circle on the map in the app, ensuring you have a clear line of sight to your Model 3.
Press and Hold: Tap and hold the "Come to Me" button on the app.
Monitor and Release: Your Model 3 will begin to slowly move towards your location, navigating around obstacles as needed. Keep your finger on the button! If you release it, the car will stop immediately. Continuously monitor the vehicle's path and surroundings.
Completion: When your Model 3 reaches your location, it will stop and automatically shift into Park.
3.2. "Go to Target" Mode
Select Destination: Tap the crosshair icon (often found near the bottom of the map display) to switch to "Go to Target" mode.
Drag and Drop: Drag the map to position the pin (the target destination) on your desired location. This should be a clear, safe spot within the blue circle.
Press and Hold: Tap and hold the "Go to Target" button.
Monitor and Release: Your Model 3 will begin to move towards the selected destination, navigating obstacles. As with "Come to Me," keep your finger on the button and continuously monitor the vehicle and its surroundings. Release the button to stop the car at any time.
Adjusting Mid-Maneuver: If you need to change the destination mid-way, simply lift your finger, reposition the map and the pin, and then press and hold "Go to Target" again.
Completion: Once your Model 3 reaches the target location, it will stop, shift into Park, and the app will indicate that Summon has completed.
Important Considerations and Safety Reminders ⚠️
Smart Summon is incredibly convenient, but it's a BETA feature and requires your full attention.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
Driver Responsibility: You are always responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle. Do not rely solely on Smart Summon.
Obstacle Detection: While Smart Summon is designed to detect and maneuver around obstacles, it may not stop for all objects, especially very low objects (like some curbs) or very high objects (like a hanging shelf). It may also not react to all oncoming or side traffic.
Line of Sight: Maintaining a clear line of sight is paramount. If your view of the vehicle is obstructed, release the button immediately.
Connectivity: Poor phone connectivity or GPS signal can cause Smart Summon to stop or behave unpredictably.
Range Limitations: There are range limitations for how far your Model 3 can travel using Smart Summon (typically up to 65 meters from your phone, and a total distance of around 150 meters from where it was last manually driven). If the distance is exceeded, Smart Summon will cancel.
Terrain: Smart Summon is designed for paved, relatively flat surfaces. Avoid using it on slopes or uneven terrain.
Emergency Stop: Always be ready to release the button on your app to stop the vehicle immediately in case of any unexpected behavior or hazard. There can be a slight delay between releasing the button and the car stopping.
HomeLink Integration: If equipped and enabled for Summon (in
Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon), Smart Summon can automatically open your HomeLink device (e.g., garage door) if you start the maneuver when your Model 3 is inside a garage.
Troubleshooting Common Smart Summon Issues ️
Sometimes, Smart Summon might not work as expected. Here are a few common issues and solutions:
"Summon disconnected" or "Weak network signal":
Solution: Check your phone's cellular signal and Wi-Fi connection. Try restarting the Tesla app. Ensure your phone's location services are enabled for the Tesla app.
Car stops unexpectedly:
Solution: Could be an obstacle detected, loss of line of sight, exceeding range, or a connectivity issue. Check the vehicle's path for obstructions.
Smart Summon not activating or slow to start:
Solution: Ensure all prerequisites are met (doors closed, in Park, not charging, clean cameras). Try enabling Standby Mode in
Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon. This keeps the car ready for Summon, reducing startup delays (though it may consume extra battery power).
Vehicle unable to navigate around obstacles:
Solution: Double-check that your cameras and sensors are clean and unobstructed. Smart Summon's ability to navigate complex environments depends on clear vision.
"No Summon available" on the app:
Solution: Perform a soft reboot of your Tesla's operating system (hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and the Tesla logo reappears).
Inaccurate stopping position:
Solution: This could be due to outdated map data or environmental factors. Always visually confirm the stopping position.
10 FAQ Questions About Tesla Model 3 Smart Summon
How to activate Smart Summon on my Tesla Model 3?
You activate Smart Summon through the Tesla mobile app by pressing the "Summon" icon and then selecting either "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" mode.
How to use Smart Summon to park my Tesla Model 3?
While Smart Summon isn't specifically for parking into a defined space like Autopark, you can use "Go to Target" mode to guide your car into a general area within a parking lot or driveway.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to make my Tesla Model 3 come to me using Smart Summon?
In the Tesla app, select "Summon," then choose "Come to Me" mode, and press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your car will drive to your phone's GPS location.
How to troubleshoot Smart Summon if it's not working?
Check your phone's connectivity, ensure all car doors and trunks are closed, clean the vehicle's cameras and sensors, and confirm your Tesla's software is up to date. A soft reboot of the car can also help.
How to extend the range of Smart Summon for my Model 3?
The maximum range for Smart Summon is set by Tesla (typically around 65 meters from your phone and 150 meters total travel). There isn't a user-adjustable setting to extend this range beyond what Tesla provides in software updates.
How to stop Smart Summon on my Tesla Model 3?
Simply release the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button on your Tesla mobile app. The car will stop immediately.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to enable Standby Mode for Smart Summon?
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon on your Tesla's touchscreen, then enable "Standby Mode." This reduces the startup delay for Summon.
How to use Smart Summon safely?
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your vehicle, continuously monitor its surroundings, and be prepared to release the button on the app to stop the car at any moment.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 has Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is typically included with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability package. You can check your car's features on your Tesla app or touchscreen.
How to differentiate between regular Summon and Smart Summon?
Regular (or "Dumb") Summon moves your Tesla straight forward or backward. Smart Summon, on the other hand, can navigate around obstacles and drive to your location or a selected target on a map.
Here's a video that can help you with Smart Summon:
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