So, you're about to hand over the keys to your Tesla Model Y to a valet, or perhaps a friend, and you want to ensure your valuable electric vehicle is in safe hands. Excellent thought! Tesla's Valet Mode is a fantastic feature designed precisely for this purpose. It offers peace of mind by limiting certain functionalities and protecting your personal data. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to activate and manage Valet Mode in your Tesla Model Y.
Step 1: Understanding Valet Mode – Why Even Bother?
Before we get into the "how," let's quickly understand the "why." Imagine handing your Tesla keys to someone. While you trust them, you might not want them to:
Go joyriding at ludicrous speeds.
Access your personal information like home address or past destinations.
Open your front trunk (frunk) or glovebox where you might keep valuables.
Mess with your personalized driver settings.
Valet Mode addresses these concerns by implementing a set of restrictions. It's like putting your Tesla on a leash, ensuring it behaves itself even when you're not directly supervising.
What Does Valet Mode Restrict?
When Valet Mode is active, your Model Y will impose several limitations, including:
Speed Limit: Typically capped at 70 mph (113 km/h), though some sources indicate a reduced acceleration and power.
Reduced Acceleration: Acceleration will be limited to a "Chill" setting.
Locked Storage: The front trunk (frunk) and glove box will be locked, protecting your personal belongings. The rear trunk generally remains accessible.
Privacy Protection: Personal information such as home and work addresses, recent destinations, and contacts are hidden from the navigation system.
Disabled Features:
Autopilot/FSD (Full Self-Driving) features are disabled.
Voice commands are deactivated.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled, and new devices cannot be paired.
HomeLink (for garage door openers) is not available.
Driver Profiles are inaccessible, ensuring your personalized settings aren't altered.
The touchscreen will not display the list of keys that can access the car.
Certain apps like Toybox and Theater may be inaccessible.
The "Allow Mobile Access" setting cannot be changed.
This robust set of restrictions makes Valet Mode an indispensable tool for securing your Tesla.
Step 2: Activating Valet Mode in Your Model Y – The In-Car Method
Enabling Valet Mode is a straightforward process right from your Tesla's touchscreen.
2.1 Prepare Your Vehicle
First things first, ensure your Tesla Model Y is:
In Park (P): You cannot activate Valet Mode while the car is in Drive or Reverse.
2.2 Access the Valet Mode Option
There are a couple of ways to get to the Valet Mode setting on your Model Y's large touchscreen:
Option A: Through Controls > Safety
On the touchscreen, tap on "Controls."
Navigate to the "Safety" tab.
Look for and tap on "Valet Mode."
Option B: Through the Driver Profile Icon
At the very top of the "Controls" screen, you'll see your driver profile icon. This is usually a small picture or initials representing your driver profile.
Tap on this driver profile icon.
A drop-down menu will appear. Select "Valet Mode" from this list.
2.3 Create Your Valet PIN (First Time Only)
The very first time you enable Valet Mode, the touchscreen will prompt you to create a 4-digit PIN. This PIN is crucial because you'll need it to cancel Valet Mode later.
Choose a memorable, but secure, 4-digit PIN. Avoid obvious sequences like "1234" or your birth year.
Enter your chosen PIN, and then confirm it.
2.4 Confirmation
Once the PIN is set (or if you've already set it up previously and just entered it), the screen will display a confirmation message indicating that Valet Mode has been enabled. You'll also see a "Valet" icon appear on the driver profile display at the top of the screen, clearly showing that the mode is active.
Step 3: Activating Valet Mode via the Tesla Mobile App – Remote Control!
For ultimate convenience, you can also activate Valet Mode remotely using your Tesla mobile app. This is particularly handy if you've already handed over your key or if you simply prefer managing features from your phone.
3.1 Ensure Connectivity
Make sure your Tesla Model Y is online and connected to the internet. This allows the app to communicate with your vehicle.
Ensure your Tesla mobile app is up-to-date.
3.2 Access Security Settings
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Navigate to the "Security" section (or sometimes labeled as "Security & Drivers" depending on your app version).
You'll see a toggle or option for "Valet Mode." Tap on it to enable it.
3.3 No PIN Needed (from the App)
When activating Valet Mode through the mobile app, you typically won't be prompted to enter your PIN. This is because you've already logged into your Tesla account on the app, which serves as your authentication.
3.4 Confirmation
The app will confirm that Valet Mode is active. You can then confidently hand over your keys knowing your car is protected.
Step 4: Speed Limit Mode – An Extra Layer of Control (Optional) ️
While Valet Mode inherently limits speed, Tesla also offers a "Speed Limit Mode" that provides even more granular control over the maximum driving speed. This can be used independently or in conjunction with Valet Mode. It's especially useful if you're lending your car to a new driver, not just a valet.
4.1 Enabling Speed Limit Mode
Ensure your Model Y is in Park.
On the touchscreen, tap "Controls" > "Safety" > "Speed Limit Mode."
Toggle the button to "On."
You'll then be asked to create a 4-digit PIN for this feature (separate from your Valet Mode PIN).
Set your desired maximum speed by dragging the slider. You can set it to a specific value between roughly 50 mph (80 km/h) and 120 mph (193 km/h).
4.2 How it Works
When Speed Limit Mode is enabled, if the driver approaches within approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) of the set maximum speed, a chime will sound, a message will display on the touchscreen, and your Model Y will send a notification to your mobile app. The acceleration will also automatically set to "Chill."
Step 5: Disabling Valet Mode – Reclaiming Full Control
When you're ready to take back full control of your Model Y, disabling Valet Mode is just as easy as enabling it.
5.1 In-Car Method
Ensure your Model Y is in Park (P).
On the touchscreen, tap the "Valet Mode" driver profile icon at the top of the "Controls" screen.
You will be prompted to enter the 4-digit PIN you created when you first enabled Valet Mode.
Once the correct PIN is entered, Valet Mode will be disabled, and all your previously set driver profile settings (seat position, mirror settings, climate control, etc.) will be restored.
5.2 Via the Tesla Mobile App
Open the Tesla mobile app.
Go to the "Security" section.
Locate the "Valet Mode" toggle and tap it to turn it off. Again, you won't need to enter a PIN here as you're already authenticated through the app.
Step 6: Monitoring Your Tesla in Valet Mode (Sentry Mode & GPS)
Even with Valet Mode active, you can still keep an eye on your Tesla.
6.1 Sentry Mode
If Sentry Mode was active before you enabled Valet Mode, it will remain active. Sentry Mode records suspicious activity around your car.
You cannot change Sentry Mode settings while Valet Mode is on. So, ensure it's configured as you wish before handing over the car.
6.2 GPS Tracking
Your Tesla's GPS tracking remains active in Valet Mode, allowing you to monitor its location through the Tesla mobile app. This is a powerful tool for knowing exactly where your car is at all times.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Valet Mode Issues ️
While generally reliable, you might encounter an issue with Valet Mode.
Forgotten PIN: If you forget your Valet Mode PIN, you can reset it from inside your car by entering your Tesla account credentials. This can also be done via the mobile app.
Stuck in Valet Mode: In rare cases, a car might get stuck in Valet Mode. If the in-car or app methods fail, try performing a soft reset of your car's touchscreen (hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen reboots). If the issue persists, contacting Tesla service is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Model Y Valet Mode
How to set a custom speed limit in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
While Valet Mode has a default speed limit, you can use the separate "Speed Limit Mode" (Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode) to set a custom maximum speed between 50-120 mph and apply a unique PIN to it.
How to restrict access to personal information in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
Valet Mode automatically restricts access to personal information such as home/work addresses and recent navigation destinations from the touchscreen, ensuring your privacy.
How to lock the glovebox and frunk in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
When Valet Mode is enabled, the front trunk (frunk) and glove box are automatically locked, preventing access to items stored within.
How to disable Autopilot in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features are automatically disabled when Valet Mode is active, preventing their use by the valet.
How to turn off Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
To turn off Valet Mode, ensure your car is in Park, tap the Valet Mode icon on the touchscreen, and enter your 4-digit Valet PIN. Alternatively, you can disable it through the Tesla mobile app in the "Security" section.
How to monitor the car's location in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
You can monitor your Tesla's location in real-time through the Tesla mobile app, as GPS tracking remains active even when Valet Mode is engaged.
How to prevent unauthorized changes to driver profiles in Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
Valet Mode disables access to all driver profiles, ensuring that the person driving your car cannot alter your personalized settings for seats, mirrors, steering wheel, and climate.
How to use Sentry Mode with Valet Mode on Tesla Model Y?
If Sentry Mode was active before Valet Mode was enabled, it will continue to function. However, you cannot change Sentry Mode settings while Valet Mode is active.
How to reset Valet Mode PIN if forgotten on Tesla Model Y?
If you forget your Valet Mode PIN, you can reset it from the car's touchscreen by entering your Tesla account login credentials, or through the Tesla mobile app.
How to ensure Valet Mode is properly engaged on Tesla Model Y?
After enabling Valet Mode, the touchscreen will display a "Valet" icon on the driver profile display, confirming that the mode is active and the restrictions are in place.
Here's a video that quickly demonstrates how to enable Valet Mode in your Tesla:
