Step 1: Getting Ready – The Essentials
So, you've got a new phone, and you're eager to get it working with your Tesla. Fantastic! Before we jump into the fun stuff, let's make sure we have all our ducks in a row. This preparation is crucial for a smooth setup.
 |
| How To Add New Phone To Tesla |
1.1 Download the Tesla Mobile App
The very first thing you need to do is download the official Tesla mobile app onto your new phone.
-
For Apple devices: Head over to the App Store.
-
For Android devices: Go to the Google Play Store. Search for "Tesla" and make sure you're downloading the official app from Tesla, Inc.
1.2 Log In to Your Tesla Account
Once the app is installed, open it up and log in using your Tesla account credentials (your email address and password).
-
Important Note: You must remain logged in to your Tesla account in the app for your phone to function as a key and access all remote features. If you have multiple Tesla vehicles linked to your account, make sure the specific vehicle you want to connect to is selected in the app.
1.3 Ensure Vehicle and Phone Readiness
For the best experience and to avoid hiccups, verify these points:
-
Your Tesla Vehicle: Make sure your Tesla is powered on and has sufficient battery charge. Also, ensure it's connected to cellular service or Wi-Fi. If your car's battery is very low, some Bluetooth functions might be limited.
-
Your Phone:
-
Bluetooth is ON: Go into your phone's general settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
-
Tesla App Bluetooth Permission: This is often overlooked! Even if your phone's general Bluetooth is on, you need to grant specific Bluetooth access to the Tesla app. Navigate to your phone's Settings, find the Tesla app in your app list, and ensure its Bluetooth setting is enabled.
-
Location Services for Tesla App: For optimal performance, especially for features like passive unlocking, set the Tesla app's location services to "Always" or "Allow all the time". This allows the app to detect your proximity to the vehicle even when it's running in the background.
-
Disable Power Saving Modes: If your phone's battery is low, it might automatically enable power-saving modes that can disable or restrict Bluetooth functions. Ensure your phone has enough battery power (ideally above 25%) and that no power-saving modes are interfering with Bluetooth.
-
Latest Software: Make sure both your phone's operating system and the Tesla mobile app are updated to their latest versions. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
-
Allow Mobile Access on Tesla: On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. This setting must be enabled for your phone to communicate with the vehicle.
-
Step 2: Pairing Your Phone as a Key
This is where your phone transforms into your Tesla key! You'll need one of your existing authenticated keys (a key card or key fob) for this step.
2.1 Initiating the Phone Key Setup
Tip: Write down what you learned.
-
Be Near or Inside Your Tesla: For this process to work, you need to be physically inside or very close to your Tesla.
-
Open the Tesla App: With all the prerequisites checked, open the Tesla mobile app on your new smartphone.
-
Start Setup: On the main screen of the Tesla app, you should see an option to "Set Up Phone Key" or something similar. If not, navigate to Security & Drivers > Set Up Phone Key. Tap this option to begin the pairing process.
2.2 Following the On-Screen Prompts
The Tesla app will now guide you through the process, often in conjunction with prompts on your vehicle's touchscreen.
-
Vehicle Detection: The app will attempt to detect your Tesla.
-
Key Card/Fob Authentication: You'll be prompted to scan an existing, already paired key card or key fob on the vehicle's card reader.
-
For Model 3/Y (most common): Place the key card on top of the center console, behind the cup holders. If your vehicle was manufactured as of approximately January 2024, the reader might be on either wireless phone charger.
-
For Model S/X: For vehicles manufactured prior to approximately January 2024, place the key card on the reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. For newer models (as of approximately January 2024), it's often on either wireless phone charger. If using a key fob, place it at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider, point the front of the key fob down, and swipe downwards.
-
Listen for a chime – this indicates the key has been recognized.
-
-
Confirmation: The Tesla app will show a confirmation message when the pairing is successful.
-
Finalize: Tap "Done" in the mobile app and remove your key card or key fob from the reader. The new phone key should now appear in the key list on your Tesla's touchscreen (found under Controls > Locks).
2.3 Customizing Your Phone Key (Optional)
Once successfully added, you can often customize the name of your phone key on the Tesla touchscreen. Go to Controls > Locks, find your phone's entry, and tap the associated pencil icon to rename it. This can be helpful if multiple people use their phones as keys for the same vehicle.
Step 3: Pairing Your Phone for Bluetooth Media & Calls
While setting up your phone as a key uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for access and control, for media playback, contacts syncing, and hands-free calls, you'll also want to pair your phone as a standard Bluetooth device.
3.1 Initiating Bluetooth Pairing from the Tesla
-
On your Tesla's Touchscreen: Go to Controls > Bluetooth.
-
Start Scanning: The Tesla will automatically start scanning for new Bluetooth devices.
3.2 Making Your Phone Discoverable
-
On your Phone: Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled and that it's discoverable. This is usually automatic when you enter the Bluetooth settings screen on your phone.
3.3 Connecting Your Phone to Tesla
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
-
Select Your Phone: On the Tesla touchscreen, wait for your phone's name to appear in the list of available devices. Once it does, tap "Connect".
-
Verify Pairing Code: A number will appear on both your Tesla touchscreen and your phone. Verify that these numbers match, then confirm the pairing on your phone.
-
Allow Access (Optional): Your phone might then ask if you want to allow your Tesla to access information like your contacts, call history, and media files. Allowing this will enable features like hands-free calling, displaying your contacts on the Tesla screen, and playing music directly from your phone.
3.4 Setting a Priority Device (If Multiple Phones)
 |
If you have multiple phones paired, your Tesla can be set to prioritize one.
-
On your Tesla's Touchscreen: Go to Controls > Bluetooth > Paired Devices.
-
Select Priority: Tap the dropdown next to the desired phone's name and choose to set it as the Priority Device. Your Tesla will then automatically connect to this phone whenever it's within range. If no priority is set, it'll connect to the last connected phone.
Step 4: Post-Setup Verification & Troubleshooting Tips
After successfully adding your new phone, it's a good idea to test everything out.
4.1 Verify Phone Key Functionality
-
Walk Away Lock/Unlock: With your phone in your pocket, walk away from your Tesla. Does it lock automatically? As you approach, does it unlock?
-
Manual Lock/Unlock: Use the Tesla app to manually lock and unlock the doors. Try opening the frunk and trunk.
-
Keyless Driving: Ensure you can get into your car and drive off without needing a key card after unlocking with your phone.
4.2 Verify Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Make a Call: Try making a call from your Tesla's touchscreen. Do your contacts sync? Is the audio clear?
-
Play Music: Stream music from your phone to the Tesla's sound system.
-
Check Messages (if enabled): If you allowed message access, verify that incoming texts are displayed on the screen.
4.3 Common Troubleshooting Steps
If you encounter any issues, don't fret! Here are some common fixes:
-
Toggle Bluetooth: On your phone, turn Bluetooth off and then back on again. Sometimes a quick refresh is all it needs.
-
Restart Tesla App: Close the Tesla app completely on your phone (force quit) and then reopen it.
-
Reboot Phone: A classic IT solution – turn your phone off and then back on.
-
Restart Tesla Touchscreen: In your Tesla, hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and then reboots. This can resolve minor glitches.
-
Check App Permissions (Again!): Double-check that the Tesla app has all the necessary permissions: Bluetooth, Location (Always On), and Notifications.
-
Remove and Re-add Phone Key: If all else fails, you can remove your phone as a key from the Tesla touchscreen (Controls > Locks > Phone as Key > Remove) and then re-add it by following Step 2. Remember to have a key card or fob handy!
-
Internet Connection: Ensure both your phone and your Tesla have a stable internet connection (cellular or Wi-Fi) for initial setup and some remote features.
FAQ: How To...
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Here are 10 quick answers to common questions about managing your Tesla phone key and connectivity:
How to remove an old phone from my Tesla?
To remove a phone key, go to your Tesla's touchscreen, tap Controls > Locks, find the old phone in the "Keys" list, tap its associated trash can icon, and then authenticate with an existing key card or fob to confirm.
How to switch between paired phones in my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Bluetooth > Paired Devices. Select the phone you want to connect to and tap "Connect." You can also set a "Priority Device" here for automatic connection.
How to troubleshoot if my phone key isn't working?
First, ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on and the Tesla app has Bluetooth and location permissions. Try toggling Bluetooth, restarting the Tesla app, or rebooting your phone. If the issue persists, reboot your Tesla's touchscreen or remove and re-add the phone key.
How to ensure my Tesla automatically locks when I walk away?
After setting up your phone key, go to your Tesla's touchscreen, tap Controls > Locks, and ensure "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled.
How to use my phone to open the frunk or trunk?
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Open the Tesla app on your phone, and on the main screen, you'll see icons for the front and rear trunks. Simply tap the relevant icon to open them.
How to start my Tesla if my phone key isn't working and I don't have a key card?
You can use the "Keyless Driving" feature in the Tesla app. Open the app, go to Controls > Start (or "Keyless Driving"), and you'll have a two-minute window to start driving. Note: Your phone and vehicle must have an active internet connection for this.
How to check my Tesla's software version?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap Controls > Software. The current software version will be displayed.
How to update the Tesla mobile app?
Go to your phone's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android), search for "Tesla," and if an update is available, you'll see an "Update" button.
How to manage location permissions for the Tesla app on my phone?
On your phone, go to Settings, find the Tesla app in your app list, and navigate to "Location." Set it to "Always" or "Allow all the time" for optimal phone key performance.
How to add a new key card or key fob to my Tesla?
On the Tesla touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your new key card or key fob on the designated reader and then authenticate with an existing key.
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
