You've got a new Tesla, and you're ready to share the joy! Perhaps it's for a family member, a co-worker, or a friend who needs to borrow it. Adding a second phone to your Tesla as a key is a fantastic way to extend its convenience and functionality. It ensures multiple authorized users can seamlessly access and drive the vehicle. Let's get you set up!
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials and Prepare Your Phone
Before you dive into the settings, let's make sure you have everything you need and that the second phone is ready for pairing.
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| How To Add Second Phone To Tesla |
Sub-heading 1.1: Confirm Prerequisites
First, ensure you meet these basic requirements:
The Tesla Mobile App: Make sure the Tesla app is downloaded and installed on the second phone. It's available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Tesla Account: The second user should ideally have their own Tesla account. While it's possible to share one account, having separate accounts allows for individual driver profiles and better tracking. If they don't have one, they can easily create it on the Tesla website or through the app.
Bluetooth Enabled: Crucially, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the second phone. Without Bluetooth, the phone key functionality won't work as it relies on this technology for proximity detection.
Location Services for Tesla App: For optimal performance, the Tesla app on the second phone should have its location services set to "Always" or similar, allowing it to run in the background and detect your car.
"Allow Mobile Access" Enabled in Your Tesla: On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. This setting must be enabled for any phone to function as a key.
Sub-heading 1.2: Log In to the Tesla App
On the second phone, open the Tesla app and log in using the Tesla account credentials. If it's a new account, they'll sign up and then log in. If you're sharing your primary account, they'll simply log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Inviting a New Driver (Recommended for Separate Accounts)
If the second user has their own Tesla account, the best practice is to invite them as a driver. This allows for individual driver profiles and preferences.
Tip: Review key points when done.
Sub-heading 2.1: Sending the Invitation from the Owner's App
On your primary phone (the owner's phone) with the Tesla app, open the app.
Scroll down to the bottom of the main car screen and tap on "Security & Drivers" or "Manage Drivers".
Tap on "Add Driver" or the "+" icon.
Enter the email address associated with the second user's Tesla account and send the invitation.
The second user will receive an email invitation. They need to accept this invitation.
Sub-heading 2.2: Accepting the Invitation and Setting Up the Phone Key
On the second phone, the user should open the email and accept the invitation.
Once accepted, they will see your Tesla car appear in their Tesla app.
While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla app on the second phone.
On the main screen, you should see an option like "Set Up Phone Key" or navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key.
Follow the prompts on both the mobile app and the Tesla vehicle's touchscreen to complete the pairing process. The car may ask you to scan a key card that is already paired to confirm the new key pairing.
Once complete, both your phone and the Tesla's screen will confirm that the new phone is added as a phone key!
Step 3: Adding a Second Phone Using a Shared Account (Alternative Method)
If you prefer to have both phones use the same Tesla account login, you can still set up a second phone key. Remember that linking to individual driver profiles might be less intuitive with a shared account.
Sub-heading 3.1: Direct Phone Key Setup
On the second phone, ensure the Tesla app is downloaded and you are logged in with the same Tesla account as the primary phone.
While inside or very close to the Tesla, open the Tesla app on the second phone.
On the main screen of the app, you should see an option to "Set Up Phone Key". If not, navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key.
Tap on "Set Up Phone Key" and then follow the on-screen instructions on both the app and your Tesla's touchscreen. You might be prompted to use an existing key card for verification.
Once the process is complete, both the app and the car's screen will confirm the successful addition of the second phone as a key.
Step 4: Linking the Phone Key to a Driver Profile
This is a crucial step for personalized driving experiences! Linking a phone key to a specific driver profile ensures that when that phone approaches the car, the seats, mirrors, steering wheel, and other preferences automatically adjust.
Sub-heading 4.1: Accessing Driver Profile Settings
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks.
You'll see a list of all the keys currently paired with your vehicle (phone keys, key cards, key fobs).
Next to each key, there will often be an icon or a name. Find the newly added phone key.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Associating the Phone with a Profile
Tap the pencil icon (or similar edit icon) next to the newly added phone key on the touchscreen.
A dropdown menu or list of driver profiles will appear.
Select the desired driver profile to link to this specific phone key. If the second user has their own driver profile, select that one. If you're sharing an account and want different settings for the second phone, you might need to create a new driver profile first (Controls > Driver Profile Settings > Add New Driver).
Once selected, the car will now recognize that phone and activate that specific driver profile upon entry.
Step 5: Testing Your New Phone Key ✅
The final and most satisfying step!
Sub-heading 5.1: Verify Functionality
Ensure the Tesla app is running in the background on the newly added phone.
Walk away from your Tesla until it locks (if "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled).
Approach the Tesla with only the newly added phone in your pocket or hand.
The doors should automatically unlock.
Get inside and verify that the correct driver profile (if linked) has been activated, adjusting the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel accordingly.
Try starting the car by pressing the brake pedal.
Congratulations! You've successfully added a second phone to your Tesla! Enjoy the added convenience and seamless access for multiple users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Phone Keys
How to manage multiple phone keys on a Tesla?
You can manage multiple phone keys directly from your Tesla's touchscreen. Go to Controls > Locks to see a list of all paired keys, where you can rename or remove them.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to link a phone key to a specific driver profile?
On the Tesla touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Locks, tap the pencil icon next to the phone key you want to link, and then select the desired driver profile from the list.
How to troubleshoot if a Tesla phone key isn't working?
First, ensure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone and the Tesla app is running in the background. If issues persist, try restarting your phone, force-closing and reopening the Tesla app, or removing and re-adding the phone key from the car's settings. Also, make sure "Allow Mobile Access" is enabled on your Tesla's touchscreen.
How to remove a phone key from a Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks. Find the phone key you wish to remove in the list and tap the trash can icon next to it. You will likely need to scan an authenticated key card to confirm the deletion.
How to enable "Allow Mobile Access" on my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access and ensure this option is toggled on.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
How to create a new driver profile in Tesla?
On the Tesla touchscreen, tap the driver profile icon (usually at the top of the screen), then select "Driver Profile Settings" > "Add New Driver". Follow the on-screen prompts to name and create the profile.
How to ensure location services are set correctly for the Tesla app?
On your phone's settings, find the Tesla app, then go to "Location" and ensure it's set to "Always" or "Allow all the time" for optimal phone key functionality.
How to update the Tesla app on my phone?
You can update the Tesla app by visiting the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and checking for available updates.
How to know if my Tesla supports a phone key?
Most modern Tesla vehicles (Model 3, Model Y, newer Model S/X) support phone key functionality. Older Model S and Model X vehicles (2012-2020) generally do not. Check your owner's manual or Tesla's support pages for your specific model.
How to connect multiple Tesla vehicles to one phone?
You can connect multiple Tesla vehicles to a single phone using the Tesla app. Simply log in to the app with your account, and you should be able to switch between linked vehicles within the app. Each car will then be able to recognize your phone as a key.
You can watch this video for a visual guide on how to add additional phones to your Tesla:
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