Thinking about securing your belongings in your Tesla's glovebox? Excellent! Tesla offers a handy PIN feature for precisely that purpose. Whether you're setting it for the first time or need to change an existing one, the process is straightforward. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Getting Started - Accessing Your Tesla's Controls
First things first, let's get you to the right place on your Tesla's touchscreen. This is where all the magic happens for managing your vehicle's features.
A. Wake Up Your Tesla
Ensure your Tesla is awake and powered on. This usually means you're in the driver's seat with the vehicle ready to drive, or at least the touchscreen is active.
If your screen is black, simply tap it or open a door to wake it up.
B. Navigate to the Controls Menu
On your Tesla's large central touchscreen, you'll see a car icon (or sometimes it might just say "Controls" depending on your software version) at the bottom left. Tap on it. This is your gateway to various vehicle settings.
Step 2: Finding the Security Settings
Now that you're in the main controls menu, we need to locate the specific section for security features.
A. Locate "Safety & Security"
Within the "Controls" menu, look for the "Safety" or "Safety & Security" tab. It's usually represented by a shield icon or clearly labeled. Tap on this tab.
B. Scroll to "Glovebox PIN"
Once you're in "Safety & Security," scroll down the list of options. You'll find a setting specifically labeled "Glovebox PIN." This is what we're looking for!
Step 3: Changing or Resetting Your Glovebox PIN
This is the core of the process. Depending on whether you're setting a PIN for the first time, changing an existing one, or have forgotten it, the steps will vary slightly.
A. For Existing PIN Users: Disabling and Re-enabling
If you already have a glovebox PIN enabled and simply wish to change it, you'll need to toggle the "Glovebox PIN" option to disable it.
When prompted, you'll need to enter your current glovebox PIN to confirm the disable action.
Once disabled, you can then toggle the "Glovebox PIN" option back on. This will allow you to set a new 4-digit PIN.
Remember your new PIN! It's a good idea to choose something memorable but secure.
B. For Forgotten PINs: The Tesla Account Reset
Don't panic if you've forgotten your glovebox PIN! Tesla has a built-in reset mechanism.
When you try to open the glovebox with an incorrect PIN, or if you navigate to the "Glovebox PIN" setting and indicate you've forgotten it, you'll see an option to "Reset PIN" or "Forgot PIN."
Tap on this option.
The system will then prompt you to enter your Tesla account login credentials. This is a crucial security step to verify you are the legitimate owner.
Once you've successfully logged in with your Tesla account, you'll be guided through the process to create a brand new 4-digit PIN for your glovebox.
This process is similar to how you reset your "PIN to Drive" if you ever forget that one.
C. For First-Time Setup
If you're setting a glovebox PIN for the very first time, simply toggle the "Glovebox PIN" option to the "On" position.
The system will immediately prompt you to enter a new 4-digit PIN of your choosing.
You'll likely be asked to re-enter the PIN to confirm it.
Step 4: Confirmation and Testing
Once you've entered your new PIN (or reset it), it's always a good idea to confirm it's working as expected.
A. Verify the Change
After setting your new PIN, try to open the glovebox.
You should be prompted to enter your new 4-digit PIN on the touchscreen before the glovebox opens.
If it opens after entering your new PIN, you're all set!
B. Consider the Implications
Keep in mind that the glovebox PIN provides an additional layer of security, especially when your car is in Valet Mode or if you want to restrict access to certain items.
However, it's worth noting that the glovebox can still be manually opened by accessing a latch behind the side panel of the dashboard. While not obvious, it's a bypass in case of system failure or an emergency. This means the PIN is for convenience and casual security, not high-security storage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla Glovebox PINs
How to set a glovebox PIN for the first time?
To set a glovebox PIN for the first time, navigate to Controls > Safety & Security > Glovebox PIN on your Tesla's touchscreen and toggle the feature on. You'll then be prompted to enter your desired 4-digit PIN.
How to open the glovebox with a PIN enabled?
To open the glovebox when a PIN is enabled, tap the glovebox icon on your touchscreen (usually under Controls), and then enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.
How to disable the glovebox PIN?
To disable the glovebox PIN, go to Controls > Safety & Security > Glovebox PIN and toggle the feature off. You will need to enter your current PIN to confirm the deactivation.
How to reset a forgotten glovebox PIN?
If you forget your glovebox PIN, navigate to the Glovebox PIN setting and select the "Forgot PIN" or "Reset PIN" option. You will then need to enter your Tesla account login credentials to reset and set a new PIN.
How to change my glovebox PIN if I know the current one?
To change your glovebox PIN when you know the current one, first disable the feature by toggling it off and entering your existing PIN. Then, immediately toggle it back on and you'll be able to set a new PIN.
How to open the glovebox using voice commands?
You can open the glovebox using voice commands. Press the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel to activate voice commands and say, "Open glovebox." If a PIN is enabled, you'll still need to enter it on the touchscreen.
How to know if my glovebox PIN is active?
You can check if your glovebox PIN is active by navigating to Controls > Safety & Security > Glovebox PIN. If the toggle is in the "On" position, the PIN is active.
How to ensure my glovebox is secure?
The glovebox PIN adds a layer of security, especially for casual access or when in Valet Mode. For higher security, avoid storing extremely valuable items in the glovebox, as there's a manual bypass method.
How to access the glovebox if the touchscreen is unresponsive?
If your touchscreen is completely unresponsive, you may not be able to open the glovebox digitally. In such rare cases, there is a manual override which typically involves accessing a latch behind the side panel of the dashboard on the passenger side. This is an emergency measure and is not for regular use.
How to use the glovebox PIN in Valet Mode?
The glovebox PIN remains active and allows the glovebox to be opened even when your Tesla is in Valet Mode. This is a key benefit, allowing you to secure items while the vehicle is being used by others.
For more information on Tesla features and security, you can watch this video:
