Securing Your Tesla: A Comprehensive Guide to Valet Mode
Ever feel a slight twinge of anxiety when handing over the keys to your beloved Tesla? Whether it's to a valet, a service technician, or even a friend, you want to ensure your vehicle is handled responsibly and your personal data remains private. This is where Tesla's Valet Mode comes in – a fantastic feature designed to provide peace of mind by limiting vehicle functionality and safeguarding your personal settings. Let's dive into how to activate and deactivate it, and what exactly it does!
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| How To Put Tesla In Valet Mode |
Step 1: Initiating Valet Mode – Let's Get Started!
Before we begin, ensure your Tesla is in Park. This is a crucial first step for activating Valet Mode, regardless of whether you're doing it from the car's touchscreen or the mobile app.
From Your Tesla's Touchscreen: The In-Car Method
Locate the Driver Profile Icon: On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, look for the driver profile icon. This is usually located at the top of the "Controls" screen. It often looks like a silhouette of a person.
Select "Valet Mode": Tap on the driver profile icon, and a dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select "Valet Mode."
Create Your PIN (First Time Only): If this is your first time enabling Valet Mode, your Tesla will prompt you to create a 4-digit PIN. This PIN is vital as you'll need it to both activate and deactivate Valet Mode in the future. Choose a memorable but secure PIN! If you have "PIN to Drive" enabled, you'll need to enter your driving PIN first before setting up the Valet PIN.
Confirm Activation: Once you've entered or confirmed your PIN, Valet Mode will become active. You'll notice the driver profile on the touchscreen change to "Valet Mode" and the word "Valet" will be displayed.
From the Tesla Mobile App: Remote Convenience
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone and ensure you are logged in with your Tesla account credentials.
Navigate to Security & Drivers: In the app, tap on the "Security & Drivers" section.
Toggle Valet Mode On: You'll see an option to "Toggle Valet Mode." Simply tap this to activate it. A key advantage of using the mobile app is that you won't need to enter a PIN since you're already securely logged into your account.
Confirmation: The app will confirm that Valet Mode is now active.
Step 2: Understanding Valet Mode's Limitations and Benefits
Once Valet Mode is engaged, your Tesla transforms into a more controlled version of itself, ensuring certain functions are restricted for security and privacy.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
What Valet Mode Restricts: Keeping Things in Check
Speed Limit: The maximum speed of your Tesla will be capped, typically at 70 mph (113 km/h). This prevents any joyrides at excessive speeds.
Reduced Acceleration: The vehicle's acceleration will be limited, usually to the "Chill" setting. This means no sudden, powerful bursts of speed.
Locked Storage: The front trunk (frunk) and glovebox will automatically lock, preventing access to any personal items stored within. The main rear trunk, however, generally remains accessible.
Disabled Features: Several advanced features are temporarily disabled:
Autopilot/Full Self-Driving (FSD) functionality
Voice commands
Navigation (including access to home/work locations, recent destinations, and favorites)
Text messages are not displayed.
The touchscreen will not display the list of authorized keys.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are deactivated, and you cannot pair new Bluetooth devices or view/delete existing ones. However, if a paired device or known Wi-Fi network is in range, it will connect.
Smart Summon functionality is disabled.
Privacy Protection: Valet Mode also ensures your personal information isn't readily accessible. Addresses, contacts, and schedule information are kept confidential.
Sentry Mode: Sentry Mode settings cannot be adjusted while Valet Mode is active. If Sentry Mode was active before Valet Mode, it will remain active.
The Advantages of Using Valet Mode: Peace of Mind Achieved ✅
Prevents Reckless Driving: The primary benefit is preventing anyone from "testing the limits" of your Tesla's performance, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Protects Personal Belongings: By locking the frunk and glovebox, your valuables are kept secure.
Safeguards Your Privacy: Your personal data, such as navigation history and contact information, remains private.
Ideal for Teen Drivers: Valet Mode can also serve as a useful tool for parents when allowing less experienced drivers to use the vehicle, as it limits speed and acceleration.
Charging Not Restricted: Conveniently, charging capabilities are not restricted in Valet Mode, allowing the vehicle to be charged without any limitations.
It's important to note that none of Tesla's core safety features are disabled when Valet Mode is active.
Step 3: Deactivating Valet Mode – Reclaiming Full Control ✨
When you're ready to take back full control of your Tesla, deactivating Valet Mode is just as straightforward.
From Your Tesla's Touchscreen: The In-Car Method ️
Ensure Your Tesla is in Park: Again, the car must be in Park.
Tap the Valet Mode Driver Profile: On the touchscreen, touch the "Valet Mode" driver profile icon at the top of the "Controls" screen.
Enter Your 4-Digit PIN: You'll be prompted to enter the 4-digit PIN you created when you first activated Valet Mode.
Restoration: Once the correct PIN is entered, Valet Mode will deactivate. All settings associated with your most recently used driver profile, including climate control, will be restored, and all vehicle features will become available again.
From the Tesla Mobile App: Remote Deactivation
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla mobile app.
Navigate to Security & Drivers: Go to the "Security & Drivers" section.
Toggle Valet Mode Off: Simply tap the "Toggle Valet Mode" option to switch it off.
No PIN Required (App Benefit): Similar to activation, you do not need to enter a PIN when deactivating Valet Mode via the mobile app, as you're already authenticated through your Tesla Account credentials.
Forgot Your Valet PIN? Don't Panic!
If you happen to forget your Valet Mode PIN, Tesla has a built-in recovery method:
From Inside Your Tesla: With your Tesla in Park, on the touchscreen, when prompted for the PIN, select the option to reset it. You'll need to enter your Tesla Account credentials (email and password) to verify your identity. This will reset the PIN and also deactivate Valet Mode.
Using the Mobile App: You can also reset your Valet PIN directly through the Tesla mobile app. The process is similar to the in-car method, requiring your Tesla Account login.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tesla Valet Mode ?
Here are 10 common questions about Tesla Valet Mode with quick answers:
How to customize the speed limit in Valet Mode?
You can adjust the maximum speed limit in Valet Mode by using the "Speed Limit Mode" feature found within your Tesla's safety settings. This feature allows you to set a custom maximum speed and requires a PIN to change.
How to use Valet Mode for teen drivers?
Valet Mode is ideal for teen drivers as it limits speed and acceleration, and restricts access to certain features like Autopilot, promoting safer driving habits for inexperienced drivers.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
How to tell if my Tesla is in Valet Mode?
When Valet Mode is active, the touchscreen will display the word "Valet," and the driver profile shown will change to "Valet Mode."
How to charge a Tesla while in Valet Mode?
Yes, charging capabilities are not restricted in Valet Mode, so you can charge your Tesla without any limitations while it's active.
How to ensure my personal data is protected in Valet Mode?
Valet Mode automatically blocks the display of personal information like addresses, contacts, and schedules on the infotainment screen, and locks the frunk and glovebox.
How to use Valet Mode if PIN to Drive is enabled?
If "PIN to Drive" is enabled, you'll need to enter your driving PIN before you can set up or activate Valet Mode for the first time. Once Valet Mode is active, the driving PIN is not required for the valet.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
How to access the trunk in Valet Mode?
The main rear trunk of your Tesla typically remains accessible even when Valet Mode is active, while the front trunk (frunk) is locked.
How to disable Valet Mode using the Tesla app?
To disable Valet Mode via the Tesla app, simply open the app, go to "Security & Drivers," and toggle the "Valet Mode" option off. No PIN is required when using the app.
How to prevent Valet Mode from being used with a trailer?
Tesla explicitly advises against using Valet Mode when towing a trailer, as the torque limitations imposed by the mode can make it difficult to pull a trailer up an incline.
How to restore settings after deactivating Valet Mode?
Upon deactivating Valet Mode, all settings associated with your most recently used driver profile, including climate control, are automatically restored to their previous state.
Here's a quick look at Tesla's Valet Mode and its features:
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