Taking your Tesla out of Valet Mode is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to know the steps to regain full control and access to all your vehicle's features. Valet Mode is a fantastic security and privacy feature, especially when someone else needs to drive your car, but it's important to understand how to deactivate it when you're back behind the wheel.
Step 1: Getting Started – Is Your Tesla Ready?
First things first, let's make sure your Tesla is in the right state to exit Valet Mode. This is a critical preliminary step to ensure a smooth transition.
1.1 Park Your Tesla Safely
Before you begin, ensure your Tesla is in Park (P). You cannot deactivate Valet Mode while the car is in Drive, Reverse, or Neutral. Safety always comes first!
1.2 Accessing the Touchscreen or Mobile App
You have two primary ways to deactivate Valet Mode:
Via the Tesla Touchscreen: This is the most common method and will be our focus.
Via the Tesla Mobile App: This is a convenient option if you're not in the car or prefer to use your phone. We'll cover this too!
Step 2: Deactivating Valet Mode Using the Touchscreen ️
This is the most direct way to get your Tesla back to its full capabilities.
2.1 Locate the Driver Profile Icon
On your Tesla's large central touchscreen, look for the driver profile icon at the top of the screen. This icon often displays the name of the active driver profile. When Valet Mode is active, you'll typically see the word "Valet" displayed on the touchscreen, and the driver profile will clearly indicate "Valet Mode."
2.2 Tap the Valet Mode Icon
Once you've located the driver profile icon, tap on it. A drop-down menu or a new screen will appear, showing available driver profiles.
2.3 Select "Valet Mode"
Within this menu, you should see the option for "Valet Mode" prominently displayed. Tap on "Valet Mode".
2.4 Enter Your 4-Digit PIN
This is where your personalized security comes in! The touchscreen will prompt you to enter the 4-digit PIN you created when you first activated Valet Mode.
Type in your PIN carefully. If you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, it might temporarily lock you out.
If you've forgotten your PIN, don't panic! We'll cover how to reset it in the FAQ section.
2.5 Confirmation and Restoration of Settings
Once you enter the correct PIN, Valet Mode will deactivate. You'll notice the following:
The "Valet" indicator on the touchscreen will disappear.
All settings associated with your most recently used driver profile (before Valet Mode was enabled) will be restored. This includes your seat position, steering wheel position, mirror settings, climate control preferences, and more.
All restricted features will become available again. This means full acceleration, Autopilot/FSD functionalities, navigation access, glovebox and frunk access, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth will all be back to normal.
Step 3: Deactivating Valet Mode Using the Tesla Mobile App
The Tesla mobile app provides a convenient way to manage your vehicle, including Valet Mode.
3.1 Open the Tesla Mobile App
Ensure you have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone and that you are logged in to your Tesla Account.
3.2 Navigate to Security & Drivers
Once logged in, look for the "Security & Drivers" section within the app. The exact location might vary slightly depending on the app version, but it's usually found under the main vehicle controls or a "Security" tab.
3.3 Toggle Valet Mode Off
Within the "Security & Drivers" section, you should see a toggle switch for "Valet Mode." Simply tap this toggle to turn it off.
No PIN Required (for app deactivation): When using the mobile app to deactivate Valet Mode, you typically do not need to enter a PIN because your identity is already verified by logging into your Tesla account. This makes it a very quick and efficient method.
3.4 Verify Deactivation
Just like with the touchscreen method, your vehicle's settings will be restored, and all features will become available. You can verify this by checking your car's touchscreen or attempting to access features that were previously restricted.
Important Considerations and Features of Valet Mode ️
Valet Mode is designed to protect your vehicle and your privacy. Here's a quick rundown of what it typically restricts:
Speed Limit: Often capped at approximately 70 mph (113 km/h).
Acceleration: Reduced, typically to the "Chill" setting.
Autopilot/FSD: Disabled.
Glove Box & Front Trunk (Frunk): Locked.
Personal Information: Home/work addresses and recent destinations are hidden from navigation.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are deactivated (though existing paired devices might still connect if in range).
Voice Commands: Disabled.
Driver Profiles: Inaccessible (you cannot switch to other driver profiles).
Sentry Mode Settings: Cannot be adjusted (if active, it cannot be turned off).
Smart Summon: Disabled.
Understanding these restrictions helps you appreciate why Valet Mode is so useful!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 樂
How to reset Valet Mode PIN if forgotten?
If you forget your Valet Mode PIN, you can reset it from inside your Tesla by entering your Tesla Account credentials (your Tesla login email and password). This action will also automatically cancel Valet Mode. You can also reset your PIN using the mobile app by entering your Tesla account credentials.
How to know if my Tesla is in Valet Mode?
When Valet Mode is active, the touchscreen will display the word "Valet" prominently, and the driver profile at the top of the screen will change to "Valet Mode."
How to activate Valet Mode in a Tesla?
To activate Valet Mode, ensure your Tesla is in Park. On the touchscreen, tap the driver profile icon at the top of the Controls screen, then select "Valet Mode." The first time you activate it, you'll be prompted to create a 4-digit PIN. You can also activate it via the Tesla mobile app in the "Security & Drivers" section.
How to use Valet Mode to protect privacy?
Valet Mode helps protect your privacy by hiding your home and work addresses from the navigation system and preventing access to other personal data like contacts and calendar information. It also locks the glove box and front trunk.
How to ensure no one deactivates Valet Mode without my permission?
The 4-digit PIN (or your Tesla account login via the app) is your primary security measure. Only someone with your PIN or account credentials can deactivate Valet Mode.
How to use Valet Mode for teen drivers?
Valet Mode is an excellent tool for teen drivers as it limits the car's maximum speed and acceleration, and disables features like Autopilot, promoting safer driving habits for less experienced operators.
How to check if my Tesla has Valet Mode?
Valet Mode is a standard feature across all modern Tesla models (Model 3, Y, S, X, Cybertruck). You can find it under the driver profiles on your touchscreen or in the security settings of your Tesla mobile app.
How to prevent charging interruptions in Valet Mode?
Valet Mode does not impose limitations on the vehicle's charging capability. This means a valet can still plug in your Tesla for charging, ensuring it remains ready for use.
How to use the Tesla mobile app for Valet Mode control?
You can use the Tesla mobile app to both activate and deactivate Valet Mode remotely, provided your car is in Park. For deactivation via the app, no PIN is required as your account login serves as authentication.
How to find the driver profile icon on the touchscreen?
The driver profile icon is located at the very top of your Tesla's central touchscreen, usually near the car's image or status display.
If you want to see a demonstration of how to turn Valet Mode on or off in a Tesla, check out this
