The ability to "summon" your Tesla Model 3 using your smartphone is one of the most innovative and futuristic features Tesla offers. It's not just a party trick; it can be incredibly useful in tight parking situations or when you want your car to come to you in inclement weather. Let's delve into the world of Tesla Summon!
Summon features on your Model 3 allow you to move your car forward, backward, or even maneuver it out of a parking spot and around obstacles, all while you're outside the vehicle. There are generally two types of Summon functionality: Basic Summon (sometimes called "Dumb Summon") and Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon"). The latter offers more advanced capabilities, allowing your car to navigate more complex environments.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Unleash the Power of Summon?
Before you can magically call your Model 3, there are a few important prerequisites. Don't skip this step! Ensuring everything is in order will make the summoning process smooth and successful.
Sub-heading: Eligibility and Requirements
Software and Hardware: To use Smart Summon, your Model 3 needs to be equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability or Enhanced Autopilot (EAP). Basic Summon might be available on some vehicles without FSD/EAP, but for the full experience, FSD or EAP is usually required. Ensure your car's software is updated to the latest version.
Tesla Mobile App: You must have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone. Make sure your phone has a stable cellular connection and GPS enabled.
Proximity: For Basic Summon, your connected mobile device needs to be within approximately 6 meters (20 feet) of the vehicle. For Smart Summon, you typically need to be within 65 meters (213 feet). Beyond these distances, the car's speed will be limited or the session may pause/cancel.
Vehicle Status: Your Model 3 needs to be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Clear Line of Sight: For your safety and the car's, you should always maintain a clear line of sight to your Model 3 when using Summon. This allows you to monitor its movements and intervene if necessary.
Environment: Summon is designed for private property, such as parking lots and driveways. It's not intended for use on public roads.
Camera Calibration: Ensure your vehicle's cameras are fully calibrated. If they aren't, you might see a message on your touchscreen, and Summon features might be unavailable.
Cleanliness: Crucially, make sure all cameras and sensors on your Model 3 are clean and unobstructed. Dirt, mud, snow, ice, or even excessive paint or wraps can significantly impair their function and affect Summon's performance.
Step 2: Preparing Your Model 3 for the Summoning Ritual ♀️
Once you've confirmed you meet all the prerequisites, it's time to set up your car for summoning.
Sub-heading: Adjusting Summon Settings
Access Settings: On your Model 3's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon.
Bumper Clearance (Basic Summon Only): Here, you can set the distance you want Summon to stop from a detected object. For example, if you're parking in a garage, you might want it to stop a few inches from the wall.
Summon Distance (Basic Summon Only): Set the maximum distance your Model 3 can travel when entering or exiting a parking space using Basic Summon.
Side Clearance (Basic Summon Only): This option allows you to specify how much side clearance you want. Choosing "Tight" lets the car enter and exit very narrow spaces, but be aware that it also limits the sensors' ability to detect obstacles, increasing the risk of damage.
Require Continuous Press: By default, and for safety, Basic Summon generally requires you to continuously press and hold a button on the mobile app to move the vehicle. Releasing the button will stop the car. Smart Summon also requires continuous pressing.
Standby Mode (Smart Summon): To reduce the delay when starting Smart Summon, you can enable "Standby Mode." This keeps your Model 3 ready to summon. You can also exclude certain locations (like Home or Work) from Standby Mode to conserve energy. To find this setting, go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon and then touch Standby Mode.
Step 3: Initiating the Summon – Bringing Your Tesla to Life!
Now for the exciting part!
Sub-heading: Using the Tesla Mobile App
Open the Tesla App: On your smartphone, open the Tesla mobile app.
Tap "Summon": On the main screen of the app, locate and tap the "Summon" icon.
Select Summon Type:
For Basic Summon: You will typically see "Forward" and "Reverse" buttons.
For Smart Summon: Tap the "Smart Summon" icon, usually located in the center of the image of your Model 3. A map will appear showing your car's location (red arrow) and your phone's location (blue dot) within a blue circle, which represents the maximum operating range.
Position Yourself: Ensure you are standing within the blue circle on the map, with a clear line of sight to your Model 3.
Engage Summon:
Basic Summon: Press and hold either the "Forward" or "Reverse" button to move the car in the desired direction.
Smart Summon: You'll have two modes:
Come to Me Mode: Press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Model 3 will then attempt to drive to your current GPS location, following you if you move.
Go to Target Mode: Touch the crosshair icon on the map, then drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination. Once set, press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Model 3 will then attempt to drive to that specified location.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During Summon
Continuous Supervision: You must continuously supervise your vehicle and be prepared to take immediate action at all times. Never rely solely on Summon to make decisions.
Release to Stop: If at any point you need to stop the vehicle, simply release the button you are holding on the mobile app. The car will stop immediately.
Obstacle Detection: Both Basic and Smart Summon are designed to navigate around or stop for detected objects. However, they are not foolproof. Always be vigilant.
Flashed Hazard Lights: Immediately after initiating Smart Summon, your Model 3's hazard lights will briefly flash, and mirrors may fold. This indicates that Summon is active.
Completion: When your Model 3 reaches its destination (or your location in "Come to Me" mode), or if you release the button, the hazard lights will flash again, and the car will shift into Park. The mobile app will display a message indicating that Summon has completed.
Step 4: Troubleshooting and What to Do If Things Go Awry
Even with advanced technology, sometimes things don't go perfectly. Knowing how to troubleshoot can save you a headache.
Sub-heading: Common Reasons for Summon Interruption or Failure
Released Button: As mentioned, releasing the button on the app will stop the car.
Exceeding Range: If your phone moves too far away from the car (beyond the 65-meter range for Smart Summon, or 6 meters for Basic Summon), the Summon session may pause or cancel.
Blocked Path: If the car detects a significant obstruction that it cannot safely navigate around, it will stop.
Door/Trunk Opened: Engaging a door handle or opening a door will immediately cancel Summon.
Manual Intervention: Touching the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or shifting the gear selector will cancel Summon.
Phone Issues: If your phone enters sleep mode, loses cellular connectivity, or its GPS signal weakens, Summon may cancel.
Environmental Conditions: Poor visibility due to heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely hot/cold temperatures can interfere with sensor and camera operation, leading to Summon failure.
Sloped Surfaces: Summon is primarily designed for flat surfaces (up to a 10% grade). Steep slopes can cause issues.
Damaged/Dirty Sensors/Cameras: Any damage or obstruction to the cameras or sensors will severely impair Summon's functionality.
Trailer Mode/Accessories: If your Model 3 is in Trailer Mode or has certain accessories attached, Summon may not function.
If Summon cancels, you'll need to restart the process from the beginning on the mobile app. Always prioritize safety and your surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summoning Your Tesla Model 3 ❓
Here are 10 common questions about using Summon with quick answers:
How to enable Summon on my Tesla Model 3?
Summon is typically enabled through your Tesla's software, often requiring the Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) package. Once you have the necessary package, you access it via the Tesla mobile app.
How to use Basic Summon on my Model 3?
Open the Tesla app, select "Summon," and then press and hold the "Forward" or "Reverse" button to move the car straight in the desired direction.
How to use Smart Summon on my Model 3?
After opening the Tesla app and tapping "Summon," select the "Smart Summon" icon. Then, choose either "Come to Me" (to have the car drive to your location) or "Go to Target" (to send it to a specific point on the map), pressing and holding the respective button.
How to stop my Tesla during a Summon maneuver?
Simply release the button you are holding on the Tesla mobile app, and your Model 3 will immediately come to a stop.
How to ensure safety when using Summon?
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your vehicle, be prepared to intervene at any moment, and use Summon only on private property in familiar environments.
How to know if my Model 3 has Summon capability?
Check your vehicle's software version and if you have the Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) package. The Summon option will appear in your Tesla mobile app if your car is equipped.
How to troubleshoot if Summon isn't working?
Check your phone's connectivity and GPS, ensure you're within range, verify the car's doors/trunks are closed and it's not charging, and confirm that all cameras and sensors are clean and unobstructed.
How to adjust the stopping distance for Basic Summon?
You can adjust the "Bumper Clearance" setting under Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon on your Model 3's touchscreen.
How to keep my Model 3 ready for Smart Summon without delay?
Enable "Standby Mode" under Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon on your car's touchscreen.
How to use Summon for parking in a tight garage?
For tight spaces, Basic Summon (forward/reverse) is often best. Use the "Bumper Clearance" setting to ensure the car stops at a safe distance from walls or objects.
For a visual guide on Tesla's Smart Summon feature, you can check out this video:
