Driving a Tesla is all about innovation, and one of the coolest features is the ability to use your smartphone as a car key! No more fumbling for a physical fob – your phone becomes your key to seamless access. Ready to unlock this convenience? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare for the Ultimate Key Experience ✨
Before you can embrace the future of car access, a few things need to be in place. Think of these as the pre-flight checks for your Tesla phone key!
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| How To Add Tesla Phone Key |
Sub-heading: Getting Your Tech Ready
Download the Tesla Mobile App: First and foremost, ensure you have the latest version of the Tesla app installed on your smartphone. You can find it on the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). Updates often bring improvements and fix bugs, so staying current is key.
Log In to Your Tesla Account: Open the Tesla app and log in using your Tesla account username and password. It's crucial to remain logged in to your Tesla account to use your phone as a key. If you have multiple Tesla vehicles linked to your account, make sure the correct vehicle is selected in the app.
Enable Necessary Phone Settings: Your phone and your Tesla communicate via Bluetooth, so a few settings on your phone need to be configured correctly:
General Bluetooth: Ensure your phone's general Bluetooth settings are enabled.
Tesla App Bluetooth: Go into your phone's settings, find the Tesla mobile app, and ensure that Bluetooth access is specifically enabled for the app.
Location Services: Grant the Tesla app access to your location services, and set it to "Always" for the best experience. This helps the car detect your proximity for automatic locking and unlocking.
Background App Refresh: For optimal performance, it's recommended to keep the Tesla app running in the background. Avoid putting it in "sleep" or "low power" modes, as this can interfere with its ability to communicate with your vehicle.
Sufficient Battery: Ensure your phone has enough battery power for Bluetooth. Many phones automatically disable Bluetooth when the battery is critically low.
Sub-heading: Preparing Your Tesla
Allow Mobile Access: On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. Make sure this setting is enabled. This allows your car to communicate with your mobile device for key functionality.
Step 2: Initiating the Phone Key Setup
Now that both your phone and your Tesla are prepped, it's time to tell them they're going to be best friends!
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Sub-heading: Starting the Pairing Process
Be Near or Inside Your Vehicle: For the setup process, you'll need to be either inside or very close to your Tesla. This ensures a strong Bluetooth connection for pairing.
Open the Tesla App: With your phone in hand, open the Tesla mobile app.
Find "Set Up Phone Key":
You might see a "Set Up Phone Key" option directly on the main screen of the app. If so, simply tap on it.
Alternatively, you can navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key within the app.
Step 3: Completing the Connection ✅
The final step involves a bit of back-and-forth between your phone and your car to confirm the pairing.
Sub-heading: Following the Prompts
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The Tesla app and your vehicle's touchscreen will guide you through the remaining steps. This usually involves confirming a pairing request or a code displayed on both devices.
Confirm Pairing: You may need to tap "Confirm" on the touchscreen to finalize the connection.
Confirmation Message: Once successfully paired, you'll see a confirmation message on both your phone and your Tesla's screen indicating that your phone key has been added. Your phone key should also appear highlighted in white in the "Keys" section of your Tesla's display, signifying it's active and working.
Sub-heading: Testing Your New Key
Walk Away and Return: To verify everything is working, walk away from your Tesla with your phone. The doors should automatically lock if the "Walk-Away Door Lock" feature is enabled (which it usually is by default). Then, as you approach your car with your phone, the doors should automatically unlock.
Start the Car: Get into your Tesla with your phone in your pocket or on the wireless charger. You should be able to press the brake pedal and shift into drive without needing to use your key card or a physical key fob.
Congratulations! Your smartphone is now your Tesla key, offering unparalleled convenience and a truly modern driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tesla Phone Keys
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
How to add another phone key to my Tesla?
You can add multiple phone keys (up to 19 total, including key cards and fobs). Simply follow the same steps outlined above for each additional phone you wish to set up as a key.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla phone key isn't working?
First, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and for the Tesla app, and that location services are set to "Always." Check if "Allow Mobile Access" is enabled on your Tesla's touchscreen. Try restarting your phone and the Tesla app. Sometimes, simply toggling Bluetooth off and on can resolve minor glitches. If issues persist, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Tesla app.
How to use my phone key if my phone battery dies?
If your phone battery dies, you won't be able to use it as a phone key. This is why it's always recommended to carry your key card as a backup. You can use the key card by tapping it against the B-pillar (driver's side door frame) to unlock the car, and then placing it on the center console's card reader to start the vehicle.
How to remove a phone key from my Tesla?
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
You can remove phone keys (or any key) directly from your Tesla's touchscreen. Go to Controls > Locks > Keys, select the key you wish to remove, and follow the prompts.
How to use NFC with my Tesla phone key?
Some smartphones with NFC (Near Field Communication) can be used to lock/unlock your Tesla by holding the phone to the driver's side door pillar, similar to a key card. Ensure NFC is enabled on your phone and the Tesla app is correctly paired.
How to ensure my phone key works reliably?
Keep your Tesla app updated, ensure sufficient phone battery, allow location services to "Always," and prevent the app from being put into low power or sleep modes. Avoid using multiple third-party Tesla apps that might interfere with the official app's Bluetooth connection.
How to lock my Tesla if I leave my phone inside?
If your phone is left inside the car with Bluetooth enabled, the car might not automatically lock. To lock it in this situation, you'll need to either manually lock it from the touchscreen or use another paired key (like a key card) to lock the doors. You can also temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your phone if you must leave it in the vehicle and want it to lock automatically when you walk away.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to check which keys are paired with my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks. You'll see a list of all paired keys, indicating whether they are phone keys, key cards, or key fobs.
How to manage multiple vehicles with one phone key?
If you have multiple Teslas linked to your account, ensure the correct vehicle is selected in the Tesla app before attempting to use your phone as a key for that specific car.
How to use an Apple Watch as a key?
Yes, you can also set up your Apple Watch as a key. While near or inside your vehicle, open the Tesla app on your Apple Watch and touch "Set Up Watch Key." Follow the prompts.
Learn more about Tesla phone key setup in this helpful video:
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