Welcome, fellow Tesla Model Y owner! Ever find yourself handing over your precious Model Y keys to a valet and wondering about its safety and your privacy? You're not alone. Tesla has a fantastic feature precisely for this scenario: Valet Mode. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Valet Mode to ensure peace of mind.
Step 1: Understanding Valet Mode - Your First Line of Defense ️
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's understand why Valet Mode is so important. Imagine handing your Model Y to someone you don't know well. You want them to be able to park it, but you don't want them to:
Go for a joyride at excessive speeds.
Access your personal information like home address, recent destinations, or even your contacts.
Open your frunk (front trunk) or glove box, where you might keep valuables.
Play around with advanced features like Autopilot or Summon.
This is precisely what Valet Mode addresses! It's a specialized driver profile designed to limit the vehicle's performance and restrict access to sensitive features and personal data. Think of it as putting your Tesla in a "safe mode" for others.
Step 2: Activating Valet Mode - A Simple Process
Enabling Valet Mode is a straightforward process you can do directly from your Tesla's touchscreen or even remotely via the mobile app.
Sub-heading: From the Touchscreen
Ensure Your Model Y is in Park: This is a crucial first step. You cannot activate Valet Mode while driving.
Access the Controls Menu: On your Model Y's large touchscreen, touch the "Controls" icon. It's usually located at the bottom left.
Navigate to Safety or Driver Profile:
You can either go to
Controls > Safety > Valet Mode.Alternatively, and often more quickly, you can touch the driver profile icon at the top of the "Controls" screen. This icon typically displays the current driver's profile name.
Select "Valet Mode": Once you've navigated to the correct screen, you'll see "Valet Mode" as an option. Tap on it.
Create Your PIN (First Time Only):
The first time you activate Valet Mode, the system will prompt you to create a 4-digit PIN. This PIN is essential because you'll need it to cancel Valet Mode and return to your regular driver profile.
If you have PIN to Drive enabled, you'll need to enter your driving PIN before you can define or enter the Valet PIN.
Choose a memorable but secure PIN! Don't use something easily guessable like "1234" or "0000."
Confirmation: Once the PIN is set (or entered on subsequent uses), the touchscreen will display the word "Valet" at the top, and the driver profile will switch to "Valet Mode" on the screen. This confirms that Valet Mode is active.
Sub-heading: Via the Tesla Mobile App
Ensure Your Model Y is in Park: Just like with the in-car activation, the vehicle must be stationary.
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone and ensure you're logged into your Tesla account.
Navigate to Security: In the app, typically you'll find a "Security" section or an icon related to security settings.
Activate "Valet Mode": Within the security settings, you should see the "Valet Mode" option. Tap it to activate.
When using the mobile app, you generally don't need to enter a PIN because you've already authenticated yourself by logging into the app with your Tesla Account credentials.
Step 3: Understanding Valet Mode Restrictions - What It Limits
Valet Mode isn't just a simple speed limiter; it's a comprehensive set of restrictions designed to protect your car and your privacy. Here's a breakdown of what Valet Mode typically limits:
Sub-heading: Performance Limitations
Maximum Speed: The top speed is typically limited to 70 mph (113 km/h). This prevents excessive speeding.
Reduced Acceleration: Acceleration is significantly restricted, often to a "Chill" mode equivalent, reducing the car's overall power and preventing rapid acceleration.
Autopilot/FSD Disabled: Advanced driver-assistance features like Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Autopark, and Smart Summon are disabled. This ensures the valet focuses on manual driving.
No Ludicrous Mode: If your Model Y has Ludicrous Mode (found on some performance variants), it will be inaccessible.
Sub-heading: Privacy and Security Features
Glove Box and Frunk Locked: The glove compartment and the front trunk (frunk) are automatically locked, preventing access to any items you might have stored there.
Personal Information Hidden: The touchscreen will not display personal information such as:
Home and work addresses.
Recent navigation destinations.
Favorite locations.
Contacts.
Calendar information.
Voice Commands Disabled: Voice commands are inoperable to prevent accidental or unauthorized actions.
Connectivity Restrictions: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled, and you cannot view or add new devices.
Driver Profiles Inaccessible: Other saved driver profiles are unavailable, ensuring the valet cannot switch to a profile with different settings.
HomeLink Unavailable: If you have HomeLink (for garage door openers), it will be inaccessible.
Sentry Mode Options Frozen: If Sentry Mode is active when you engage Valet Mode, its settings cannot be changed (i.e., it cannot be turned off).
Sub-heading: Other Considerations
Charging Still Possible: Valet Mode does not limit the ability to charge your Model Y. This is useful if the valet location has charging stations.
PIN to Drive Behavior: If you have "PIN to Drive" enabled, it will be disabled while Valet Mode is active. This means the valet doesn't need your driving PIN.
Towing Not Recommended: Tesla advises not to use Valet Mode when towing a trailer, as the torque limitations can make it difficult to pull a trailer up a hill.
Step 4: Canceling Valet Mode - Regaining Full Control ↩️
Once you're back with your Model Y, you'll want to disable Valet Mode to regain full access to all your features and settings.
Sub-heading: From the Touchscreen
Touch the Valet Profile Icon: On the touchscreen, where the driver profile name is displayed (it will say "Valet"), tap on it.
Enter Your 4-Digit PIN: The system will prompt you to enter the 4-digit PIN you created when activating Valet Mode.
Confirmation: Once the correct PIN is entered, Valet Mode will deactivate, and your regular driver profile settings will be restored.
Sub-heading: Via the Tesla Mobile App
Open the Tesla App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
Navigate to Security: Go back to the "Security" section.
Deactivate "Valet Mode": Tap the "Valet Mode" option to toggle it off.
Again, a PIN is typically not required when deactivating via the app as you're already authenticated.
Sub-heading: What If You Forget Your Valet PIN?
Don't panic! Tesla provides options to reset it:
From Inside Model Y: You can reset the Valet PIN from within your Model Y by entering your Tesla Account credentials. This action will also automatically cancel Valet Mode.
Using the Mobile App: You can also reset your Valet PIN directly through the Tesla mobile app.
Step 5: Best Practices for Valet Parking Your Model Y ️
While Valet Mode is excellent, a few additional tips can enhance your experience:
Sub-heading: Pre-Valet Checklist
Remove Valuables: Even with the frunk and glove box locked, it's always a good practice to remove any highly valuable or sensitive items from the cabin.
Note Battery Percentage: Jot down your battery percentage before handing over the car. This helps you confirm it hasn't been used for excessive driving.
Communicate Charging Needs: If you're parking for an extended period and the valet offers charging, clearly communicate your desired charge level (e.g., "Please charge to 80%"). Remember that charging to 100% for extended periods is not ideal for battery health.
Check for Damage: Before and after, quickly inspect your Model Y for any new scratches or dings. Take quick photos with your phone if you're concerned.
Sub-heading: During Valet Process
Explain Valet Mode (If Necessary): While most valets at establishments accustomed to Teslas will understand, a quick mention of "I've put it in Valet Mode for security" can be helpful.
Keep Your Key/Phone Key Secure: Even if you're not using a physical key card, ensure your phone with the Tesla app (your phone key) is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to turn on Valet Mode in a Tesla Model Y?
To turn on Valet Mode, put your Model Y in Park, then touch Controls > Safety > Valet Mode on the touchscreen, or touch your driver profile icon at the top of the Controls screen and select Valet Mode. The first time, you'll set a 4-digit PIN.
How to cancel Valet Mode in a Tesla Model Y?
To cancel Valet Mode, touch the Valet profile icon on the touchscreen and enter your 4-digit Valet PIN. You can also cancel it via the Tesla mobile app if your vehicle is in Park.
How to set a Valet PIN for my Tesla Model Y?
The first time you activate Valet Mode, the touchscreen will automatically prompt you to create a 4-digit PIN that you will use to deactivate the mode.
How to reset a forgotten Valet PIN in my Tesla Model Y?
If you forget your Valet PIN, you can reset it from inside your Model Y by entering your Tesla Account credentials, which will also cancel Valet Mode. Alternatively, you can reset it using the Tesla mobile app.
How to know if Valet Mode is active in my Model Y?
When Valet Mode is active, the touchscreen will display the word "Valet" at the top, and the driver profile will change to "Valet Mode" on the touchscreen.
How to check my battery charge during valet parking?
You can easily check your Tesla's battery charge level remotely using the Tesla mobile app.
How to protect my personal information in Valet Mode?
Valet Mode automatically hides your home/work addresses, recent destinations, favorites, and contacts from the touchscreen display. It also locks the glove box and frunk.
How to prevent excessive speed with Valet Mode?
Valet Mode limits the maximum speed of the Model Y, typically to 70 mph (113 km/h), and significantly reduces acceleration.
How to use Autopark or Summon when Valet Mode is on?
Autopark and Summon features are disabled when Valet Mode is active to prevent unauthorized use of these advanced functions by the valet.
How to charge my Model Y while in Valet Mode?
Charging capabilities are not restricted in Valet Mode, so the valet can plug in your Model Y to charge if a station is available.
For a visual demonstration of Tesla's Valet Mode, check out this video:
