Having a Tesla is an amazing experience, and sharing that experience with others is even better! Whether it's a family member, a trusted friend, or someone who needs to borrow your car, adding a driver to your Tesla app is a straightforward process that grants them access to many of your vehicle's features. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth setup for both you and the new driver.
Step 1: Prepare for a Seamless Addition
Before you begin adding a new driver, there are a few important things to ensure for a smooth process. Consider this your pre-flight checklist!
Sub-heading 1.1: Ensure App and Software are Up-to-Date
The Tesla app is constantly evolving with new features and improvements. To avoid any glitches, make sure both your Tesla app and your vehicle's software are on the latest versions. The same applies to the phone of the person you're adding as a driver – they'll need the latest Tesla app too!
Sub-heading 1.2: The New Driver Needs a Tesla Account
This is a crucial step! The individual you're inviting to drive your Tesla must have their own Tesla Account. If they don't have one, they'll need to download the Tesla app and create an account before you can send them an invitation.
Sub-heading 1.3: Understand Access Limitations
It's important to note that when you add a driver through the Tesla app, they will have access to most of the vehicle's app features, including:
Vehicle access (locking/unlocking, starting the car)
Climate controls
Charging information
Service scheduling and history
Roadside assistance
Vehicle location information
However, for security and ownership reasons, they will not have access to features like:
Adding or removing other drivers
Managing payment methods
Purchasing upgrades
Viewing charging history (detailed financial data)
Accessing insurance information
This ensures that while they can use the car, you remain the primary owner with full control over financial and administrative aspects.
Step 2: Initiating the Driver Invitation from Your Tesla App
Now that you're prepared, let's dive into the actual process of inviting a new driver using your Tesla app.
Sub-heading 2.1: Open Your Tesla App and Select Your Vehicle
First things first, open the Tesla app on your smartphone. If you have multiple Tesla vehicles, make sure you've selected the specific vehicle you want to grant access to. You can typically swipe left or right on the home screen to switch between vehicles if you own more than one.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigate to Security & Drivers
Once your desired vehicle is selected, look for the 'Security & Drivers' option within the app. You might need to scroll down a bit to find it. Tap on it to proceed.
Sub-heading 2.3: Manage Drivers and Send Invitation
Within the 'Security & Drivers' section, you'll see an option called 'Manage Drivers'. Tap this. Here, you'll find the 'Add Driver' button. Tapping this will prompt your phone to open your contacts or allow you to manually enter the email address or phone number of the person you want to invite.
Remember, this invitation will go to the email or phone number associated with their Tesla Account.
Sub-heading 2.4: Confirmation and Pending Status
After sending the invitation, you'll see that its status is listed as 'Pending'. This means the ball is now in the invited driver's court!
Step 3: The New Driver's Acceptance Process
The invited individual now needs to take action to gain access to your Tesla.
Sub-heading 3.1: Accepting the Invitation
The invited driver will receive a notification or email with your invitation. They need to open their Tesla app and accept the invitation. This is a crucial step for them to link their Tesla Account to your vehicle.
Sub-heading 3.2: Setting Up Phone Key (Optional but Recommended)
Once they've accepted the invitation, they can set up their phone as a "phone key." This usually involves having their phone and a physical Tesla key card near the vehicle to complete the linking process via Bluetooth. This provides a convenient way for them to access and drive the car without needing a physical key every time.
Sub-heading 3.3: Creating a Driver Profile (Vehicle Touchscreen)
For an even more personalized experience, the new driver can create their own driver profile directly on the Tesla's touchscreen. This allows them to save their preferred seat position, steering wheel settings, mirror adjustments, and other vehicle customization options.
To do this, they'll touch the driver profile icon at the top of the touchscreen, then 'Driver Profile Settings' > 'Add New Driver', type their name, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Managing and Revoking Driver Access ✂️
As the primary owner, you have full control over who has access to your Tesla.
Sub-heading 4.1: Removing a Driver
If at any point you need to remove a driver's access, the process is just as simple as adding them.
Open your Tesla app.
Select the vehicle from which you want to remove a driver.
Tap 'Security & Drivers'.
Tap 'Manage Drivers'.
Next to the driver's name, tap 'Remove'.
Confirm by tapping 'Yes'.
Sub-heading 4.2: Self-Removal for Drivers
If you are an additional driver (not the owner) and wish to remove your own access to a vehicle, you can do so by selecting the vehicle in your Tesla app and tapping 'Remove Access' at the bottom of the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to add a driver to my Tesla without a Tesla account?
You cannot add a driver to your Tesla app without them having their own Tesla account. They must download the Tesla app and create an account first.
How to link a driver profile to a key in a Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, with your desired driver profile active, go to 'Controls' > 'Locks' > 'Keys'. You can then toggle the driver icon next to a key to link or delete it to that specific driver profile.
How to add more than five drivers to a Tesla?
Currently, you can add up to five additional drivers per vehicle using the Tesla app. If you need more than five, you'd likely need to manage access through other means or rotate drivers.
How to troubleshoot if I can't add a driver?
Ensure both your phone and the invited driver's phone have the latest version of the Tesla app installed. Also, verify that both phones and the vehicle have up-to-date software. If issues persist, contact Tesla Customer Support.
How to remove my own access as an additional driver?
As an additional driver, open your Tesla app, select the vehicle, and tap 'Remove Access' at the bottom of the screen.
How to check who has access to my Tesla through the app?
As the owner, open your Tesla app, go to 'Security & Drivers', then 'Manage Drivers'. You'll see a list of all invited and active drivers.
How to tell the difference between adding a driver and transferring ownership?
Adding a driver grants them app access to use the car, but you remain the legal owner. Transferring ownership (e.g., when selling the car) completely moves the vehicle to a new Tesla Account and removes it from yours.
How to manage third-party app access to my Tesla?
You can view and manage third-party apps connected to your Tesla Account through the Tesla app: Tap your profile icon (top-right) > 'Security and Privacy' > 'Security' > 'Third Party Apps'.
How to ensure my privacy when sharing my Tesla?
When you add a driver via the Tesla app, their access is limited to operational features, not your financial or personal account details. Tesla also has robust privacy policies regarding vehicle data.
How to add a Tesla vehicle purchased from a third party to my app?
If you purchased a used Tesla, you'll need to claim ownership. In the Tesla app, go to the menu (top-right) > 'My Products' > 'Add Product' and follow the prompts to provide your VIN and proof of ownership documents.
For a visual guide on adding a driver, you can check out this video: