Getting a new key card for your Tesla? Or perhaps you've misplaced one and need to program a replacement? Don't worry, it's a straightforward process that you can do yourself! Let's get your new key card ready to unlock and drive your Tesla.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tesla and Key Cards
Before you start, make sure you have everything in order. This is crucial for a smooth programming experience.
What You'll Need:
Your Tesla Vehicle: Ensure it's in Park mode.
Your New Tesla Key Card(s): These are the cards you want to program.
An Existing, Paired Tesla Key Card or Key Fob: You'll need one that already works with your Tesla to authorize the addition of a new key.
Optional: Tesla Mobile App: While not strictly required for key card programming via the touchscreen, the app can be used for this purpose and is essential for managing your phone key. Make sure it's updated to the latest version (4.29.0 or later) and your vehicle software is 2022.40 or later if you plan to use the app for programming.
Pre-Programming Checks:
Vehicle Access: Ensure your Tesla is unlocked. You can use an existing key card, key fob, or your phone key to get in.
Park Mode: Your vehicle must be in Park (P) for the programming process to begin.
Battery Levels: While key cards don't have batteries, ensure your phone has sufficient battery if you're using the Tesla app as an existing key or for programming.
Step 2: Programming Your Tesla Key Card via the Touchscreen
This is the most common and generally recommended method for programming new key cards.
Sub-Step 2.1: Accessing the Key Management Menu
Enter Your Tesla: Get inside your vehicle.
Navigate to Controls: On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, tap the "Controls" icon. It's usually located at the bottom left of the screen.
Go to Locks: Within the Controls menu, select "Locks."
Find the Keys Section: You'll see a section dedicated to keys. Tap on "Keys" to view a list of all currently paired keys.
Sub-Step 2.2: Initiating the "Add Key" Process
Tap "Add Key": On the "Keys" screen, you'll find an option to "Add Key." Tap this button to begin the programming sequence. Your Tesla will now be ready to receive a new key.
Sub-Step 2.3: Scanning Your New Key Card
Locate the Card Reader: The location of the key card reader varies slightly by Tesla model:
Model 3 and Model Y: Place your new key card on top of the center console, behind the cup holders.
Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck: Place the key card at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider, pointing the front of the card down and swiping downwards.
Scan the New Card: Gently place or swipe your new key card on the designated reader. You might hear a chime, indicating that the new key card has been recognized. Remove the key card once it has been scanned.
Sub-Step 2.4: Confirming with an Existing Key
Scan an Existing Key: The touchscreen will now prompt you to scan a key card or key fob that is already paired with your vehicle. This step is a security measure to confirm you have authorization to add a new key.
Place the Existing Key: Place your currently working key card or key fob on the same card reader location you used for the new key.
Confirmation: Once the existing key is scanned, the new key card will be paired! The key list on the touchscreen will update to include your newly added key.
Sub-Step 2.5: Customizing Your New Key (Optional)
Rename the Key: To easily identify your new key, tap the pencil icon ✏️ next to its entry in the key list on the touchscreen. You can then enter a custom name, such as "Spare Key Card" or "Guest Card."
Save Changes: Don't forget to save any changes you make to the key's name.
Step 3: Programming Your Tesla Key Card via the Tesla App (Alternative Method)
This method is particularly useful if you don't have a working key card or key fob physically present, but it does require the Tesla app to be correctly set up as a phone key.
Sub-Step 3.1: Pre-requisites for App Programming
Latest Tesla App: Ensure you have Tesla app version 4.29.0 or later.
Vehicle Software: Your Tesla must be running vehicle software version 2022.40 or later.
Owner Access: Only the vehicle owner can add new keys using the Tesla app.
Bluetooth and Location Services: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and within the Tesla app's settings. Location services should be set to "Always On" for the Tesla app.
Allow Mobile Access: On your vehicle's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access and ensure this setting is enabled.
Near the Vehicle: You need to be inside or near your Tesla.
Sub-Step 3.2: Adding a Key Through the App
Open Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Navigate to Security & Drivers: Tap on "Security & Drivers" within the app.
Select "Add Key Card": You'll find an option to "Add Key Card." Tap this.
Scan the New Key Card: The app will instruct you to scan your new key card on the vehicle's reader (same locations as described in Step 2.3).
Confirmation: When the key is successfully paired, the Tesla app will display a confirmation message. Tap "Done" in the app and remove the key card from the reader.
Verify on Touchscreen: The key list on your vehicle's touchscreen will now include the newly added key. You can rename it from the touchscreen as described in Step 2.5.
Step 4: Testing Your Newly Programmed Key Card ✅
Always test your new key card to ensure it's working correctly.
Lock Your Tesla: Use your phone key or an existing key card to lock your Tesla.
Unlock with New Card: Take your newly programmed key card and tap it against the driver's side door pillar (the B-pillar, where the Autopilot camera is located, approximately one-third of the way up).
For Model 3 and Y, this is on the driver's side B-pillar.
For Model S and X, the location may vary slightly, often near the driver's side door handle or a specific spot on the B-pillar.
You may need to hold the card against the reader for one or two seconds.
Confirm Unlock: The car should unlock, indicated by the headlights flashing, mirrors unfolding (if enabled), and possibly an audible chirp. If you hear multiple quick beeps, it means the locking/unlocking did not work (e.g., a door is open).
Start Your Tesla: Once inside, place the key card on the center console reader (behind the cup holders for Model 3/Y, or the left phone charger for Model S/X). Within two minutes, press the brake pedal to start the car. If you wait longer than two minutes, you'll need to re-authenticate by tapping the card again.
Note: Key cards do not support "Walk-Away Locking." You must manually lock the vehicle by tapping the card on the B-pillar when exiting.
If everything works, congratulations! Your Tesla key card is now successfully programmed and ready to use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Important Tips ️
Interference: If your key card isn't recognized, try moving it away from other electronic devices or other cards in your wallet that might cause interference.
Cleaning: Ensure your key card is clean and free from dirt or debris. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
Cold Key Fobs: If you're pairing a key fob, ensure it's at room temperature. Very cold key fobs might not pair successfully.
Limit of Keys: Tesla vehicles can typically support up to 19 keys at a time (including phone keys, key cards, and key fobs). If you reach this limit, you'll need to delete an existing key before adding a new one.
Lost or Stolen Cards: For security, if a key card is lost or stolen, immediately remove it from your Tesla's system via the touchscreen (Controls > Locks > Keys > trash icon next to the key).
Official Tesla Key Cards: It's generally best to purchase replacement key cards directly from the Tesla Shop to ensure compatibility and security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to add a new Tesla key card if I've lost all my existing keys?
You can still add a new key using the Tesla mobile app, provided you are the vehicle owner and have the necessary app version and vehicle software. Open the Tesla app, go to "Security & Drivers," and select "Add Key Card."
How to delete a lost or stolen Tesla key card?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks > Keys. Find the lost or stolen key card in the list and tap the trash can icon next to it. You will then be prompted to scan a working key to confirm the deletion.
How to use the Tesla key card to unlock the car?
To unlock your Tesla with a key card, tap the card against the driver's side door pillar (the B-pillar, generally beneath the Autopilot camera). Hold it there for 1-2 seconds until the car responds.
How to start a Tesla using the key card?
Once inside your Tesla, place the key card on the center console reader (behind the cup holders for Model 3/Y, or the left phone charger for Model S/X). Within two minutes of placing the card, press the brake pedal to start the car.
How to know if my Tesla key card is working?
After programming, try unlocking your Tesla by tapping the card on the driver's side B-pillar. If the headlights flash, mirrors unfold, and the doors unlock, it's working. Then, try starting the car by placing the card on the center console and pressing the brake.
How to distinguish between multiple Tesla key cards?
After programming, go to Controls > Locks > Keys on your Tesla's touchscreen. Tap the pencil icon next to each key card and give it a unique, descriptive name (e.g., "Dad's Card," "Spare Card").
How to troubleshoot a Tesla key card not being recognized?
Ensure the key card is clean and not damaged. Try moving it away from other electronic devices or magnetic sources. Double-check that you're placing it on the correct reader location for your specific Tesla model. If problems persist, try reprogramming it.
How to get a replacement Tesla key card?
You can purchase replacement key cards directly from the Tesla Shop. Once you receive them, follow the programming steps outlined above.
How to enable "Allow Mobile Access" on my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety. You will find the option "Allow Mobile Access" there. Ensure it is toggled on if you plan to use the Tesla app for key management.
How to tell which Tesla key card reader to use for my model?
For Model 3 and Model Y, the interior key card reader is generally on the center console, behind the cup holders. For Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck, it's typically at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider.
