You're ready to take control of your Tesla Model Y's security and customize your "PIN to Drive" experience! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your vehicle is protected exactly how you want it. Let's get started!
Step 1: Accessing the Security Settings in Your Model Y
Alright, let's dive right in. The first thing you need to do is get into your Tesla and make sure the car is in Park. You won't be able to adjust these critical security settings while driving.
How To Change Pin On Tesla Model Y |
Sub-heading: Navigating the Touchscreen
Locate the Car Icon: On your Tesla Model Y's impressive central touchscreen, you'll see a car icon (or sometimes it's represented by a "Controls" menu) usually located at the bottom left. Give that a tap.
Find "Safety & Security": Once you're in the main settings menu, look for the "Safety & Security" tab in the left-hand column. This is where all the magic happens for your vehicle's protection features.
Step 2: Enabling and Setting Up PIN to Drive
Now that you're in the right place, it's time to activate and configure the "PIN to Drive" feature.
Sub-heading: Toggling the Feature On
Scroll to "PIN to Drive": Within the "Safety & Security" menu, scroll down until you find the option labeled "PIN to Drive". You'll see a toggle switch next to it.
Tap to Enable: Tap the toggle to enable this feature. A prompt will appear on the screen asking you to create your 4-digit PIN.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your PIN
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Enter Your New PIN: Carefully enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number that you'll easily remember but that isn't easy for others to guess (e.g., avoid "1234" or your birth year). Remember, this PIN will be required every time you put your car into Drive.
Confirm Your PIN: You'll likely be asked to re-enter your chosen PIN to confirm it. This helps prevent typos and ensures you've set the correct code.
Step 3: Changing Your Existing PIN
So, you've already got "PIN to Drive" enabled, but you want to switch up your code? No problem! The process is quite straightforward.
Sub-heading: The Disable-and-Re-enable Method
Return to "PIN to Drive": Just like in Step 1, navigate back to Controls > Safety & Security > PIN to Drive.
Toggle Off: Instead of keeping it enabled, tap the toggle to temporarily disable "PIN to Drive". The system will require you to enter your current PIN to confirm the deactivation.
Toggle On Again: Once disabled, immediately toggle "PIN to Drive" back ON. The system will then prompt you to create a brand new 4-digit PIN, just as you did during the initial setup.
Sub-heading: Alternative Reset Method (If You Forget Your PIN)
Utilize Tesla Account Credentials: If you've completely forgotten your "PIN to Drive," don't panic! On the PIN entry screen itself (when you try to put the car in Drive and it asks for the PIN), there should be a link or option to reset the PIN using your Tesla Account credentials.
Enter Tesla Login: Tapping this link will prompt you to enter your Tesla.com email address and password. Once successfully authenticated, you'll be able to set a new "PIN to Drive."
Step 4: Understanding the "PIN to Drive" Experience
With "PIN to Drive" enabled, your Tesla Model Y gains an extra layer of security.
Sub-heading: Daily Use
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Foot on the Brake, Enter PIN: Each time you get into your Model Y and put your foot on the brake to shift into Drive, the touchscreen will display a keypad. You'll need to enter your 4-digit "PIN to Drive" before the car will allow you to select a gear.
Moving Keypad: For enhanced security, you might notice that the keypad for the PIN moves around on the screen, making it harder for someone to guess your PIN based on smudge marks.
Sub-heading: Valet Mode Considerations
Separate Valet PIN: If you use Valet Mode, remember that it has its own separate 4-digit PIN. When you engage Valet Mode for the first time with "PIN to Drive" enabled, you'll be prompted to create this separate Valet PIN.
PIN to Drive Disabled in Valet Mode: Crucially, when Valet Mode is active, your "PIN to Drive" feature is temporarily disabled. This allows a valet to drive your car without needing your personal driving PIN. When you exit Valet Mode, your "PIN to Drive" will reactivate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Reset PIN to Drive if Forgotten?
You can reset your "PIN to Drive" from inside your Model Y by entering your Tesla Account credentials on the PIN entry screen, or by using the Tesla mobile app.
How to Disable PIN to Drive?
To disable "PIN to Drive," navigate to Controls > Safety & Security > PIN to Drive
on your Tesla's touchscreen and toggle the feature off. You'll need to enter your current PIN to confirm deactivation.
How to Set a Glovebox PIN?
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
To set a separate PIN for your glovebox, go to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN
on your Tesla's touchscreen and follow the prompts.
How to Change Glovebox PIN?
Similar to "PIN to Drive," you can often toggle the Glovebox PIN feature off and then on again, or use your Tesla Account credentials if forgotten, to set a new PIN.
How to Use PIN to Drive with Valet Mode?
When you first activate Valet Mode with "PIN to Drive" enabled, you'll set a separate Valet PIN. "PIN to Drive" is then temporarily disabled while in Valet Mode.
How to Access Security Settings in Tesla Model Y?
Access security settings by tapping the car icon (or "Controls") on your Tesla's touchscreen, then selecting "Safety & Security" from the left menu.
How to Use the Tesla Mobile App for Security?
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
The Tesla mobile app can be used to start your vehicle if you forget your "PIN to Drive" and, with recent updates, you can also enable "PIN to Drive" directly from the app.
How to Troubleshoot Unresponsive Touchscreen for PIN Entry?
If your touchscreen becomes unresponsive, you may be unable to input your PIN. Try restarting the touchscreen (refer to your owner's manual for instructions) or use the Keyless Driving feature on the Tesla mobile app to bypass "PIN to Drive" for that drive.
How to Make My PIN Secure?
Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable, avoiding common sequences like "1234" or personal dates. The moving keypad on the Tesla touchscreen also adds a layer of security against shoulder surfing.
How to Know If My Tesla Has PIN to Drive?
"PIN to Drive" is a standard security feature on Tesla Model Y vehicles. You can confirm its presence by navigating to Controls > Safety & Security
on your car's touchscreen.
Learn more about securing your Tesla with "PIN to Drive" and other features by watching this helpful video:
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.