Unplugging your Tesla charger is a simple process, but knowing the correct steps ensures safety and prevents any damage to your vehicle or the charging equipment. Let's walk through it together!
Step 1: Confirm Charging Status & Unlock Your Tesla
Before you even touch the charger, it's crucial to confirm that your Tesla isn't actively charging and that the charging port is unlocked. Trying to disconnect a charger while it's still sending power or when the port is locked can damage the latching mechanism or even pose a safety risk.
Sub-heading: Checking the Charging Light
Observe the charge port light: The light around the Tesla logo on your car's charge port will tell you its status.
If it's blinking green, your car is actively charging.
If it's blue, the charger is connected but not actively charging (e.g., scheduled charging is active).
If it's white (or light blue), the charge port door is open, the car is ready to charge, and the connector is not inserted, or the latch is unlocked and the connector is ready to be removed.
If it's amber or red, there's a fault that needs troubleshooting.
Check your Tesla's touchscreen: On the main screen, you can navigate to the "Charging" menu or simply look at the car status overview. It will clearly indicate if charging is in progress. If it is, you'll need to tap "Stop Charging" on the touchscreen.
Use the Tesla mobile app: Your Tesla app is a powerful tool! You can open the app, select your vehicle, and check the charging status. If it's charging, you can also use the app to initiate the "Stop Charging" command.
Sub-heading: Ensuring Your Tesla is Unlocked
A common reason for a stuck charger is a locked vehicle. Your Tesla's charge port latches to the cable when locked. Make sure your car is unlocked using one of these methods:
Tesla mobile app: Use the app to unlock your car.
Key card: Hold your key card against the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors) on the driver's side, just below the camera.
Phone as a Key (Paak): If you have your phone paired as a key and Bluetooth is enabled, your car should unlock as you approach.
Key fob: If you have the key fob accessory, press to unlock your vehicle.
Step 2: Releasing the Charger (Standard Methods)
Once you've confirmed your Tesla isn't actively charging and is unlocked, you can proceed with disconnecting the cable. There are a few convenient ways to do this.
Sub-heading: Using the Charger Handle Button
This is the most common and often the easiest method.
Press and hold the button: On the top of the Tesla charging connector handle, you'll find a button. Press and hold this button firmly. You should hear a click as the latch mechanism inside the charge port disengages.
Observe the charge port light: The light around the charge port should turn white (or light blue), indicating that the latch is unlocked and the connector is ready to be removed.
Gently pull the connector: While still holding the button, gently pull the charging connector straight out from the charge port. Avoid twisting or yanking.
Automatic door closure: The charge port door will usually close automatically once the connector is removed.
Sub-heading: Using the Tesla Touchscreen
Your car's central display provides another intuitive way to release the charger.
Access charging controls: On the touchscreen, touch the lightning bolt icon (charge port icon) on the car status overview, or navigate to Controls > Charging.
Select "Unlock Charge Port": On the charging screen, you'll see an option to "Unlock Charge Port" or "Stop Charging." If you haven't already, tap "Stop Charging" first, then "Unlock Charge Port."
Pull the connector: Once the charge port is unlocked, you can then pull the connector out from the port.
Sub-heading: Using the Tesla Mobile App
Just like starting and stopping charging, the mobile app also allows you to unlock the charging port.
Open the Tesla app: Ensure you're connected to your car.
Go to the charging section: You'll usually see the charging status directly on the main screen of your car in the app.
Tap the "Unlock Charge Port" icon: This will send a signal to your car to release the latch.
Remove the connector: Once unlocked, you can then pull the charging cable out of the port.
Sub-heading: Using the Key Fob (If Equipped)
For some Tesla models and key fob accessories, you can use the key fob to release the charger.
Press and hold the rear trunk button: On your key fob, press and hold the button for the rear trunk for 1-2 seconds. This action can also release the charge port latch.
Pull the connector: Once released, carefully pull the connector out.
Step 3: Troubleshooting a Stuck Charger (Manual Release) ⚠️
Occasionally, a Tesla charger might get stuck. This can be due to various reasons, including a frozen latch in cold weather, a communication error, or simply a stubborn latch. Always try the standard methods first. If they don't work, here's how to use the manual release.
Sub-heading: Preparing for Manual Release
Ensure charging has stopped: Before attempting a manual release, it's critical to ensure that your Tesla is not actively charging. Go to the touchscreen and touch "Stop Charging." Attempting a manual release while power is flowing can be hazardous.
Locate the rear trunk: The manual release lever is located inside the rear trunk of your Tesla.
Sub-heading: Locating and Using the Manual Release Lever
The exact location of the manual release may vary slightly by Tesla model, but generally, it's found in the rear trunk.
Open the rear trunk: Access the trunk of your Tesla.
Locate the access panel/flap: On the left side of the trunk's side trim, you'll typically find a small flap or opening.
Find the release lever/cable: Look for a red or black lever or cable. It might be recessed within the opening of the trim.
Pull the lever/cable: Carefully pull the release lever or cable downwards, towards the front of the vehicle, to unlatch the charge cable. You should hear a click as the latch disengages.
Important Safety Note: Do NOT pull the release cable while simultaneously attempting to remove the charge cable from the charge port. Always pull the release cable before attempting to remove the charge cable. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious inju
ry.
Remove the connector: Once the latch is released, you can then pull the charging cable out from the charge port.
Sub-heading: Dealing with Frozen Chargers
If you're in a cold climate and suspect the charger is stuck due to ice, Tesla has a built-in feature to help:
Activate Inlet Heater: On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Inlet Heater. This will heat the charge port for up to two hours to help unfreeze the charging cable.
Step 4: After Disconnection ✌️
Once the charger is successfully disconnected, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Charge Port Door: The charge port door will typically close automatically. If it doesn't, you can close it manually by gently pressing it shut, or using the touchscreen (Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port), or via voice commands.
Adapter Considerations: If you were using a third-party adapter (like a J1772 or CCS adapter), ensure it's removed from your Tesla's charge port and from the charging handle if it remained attached. Sometimes, the adapter might stick to the car even if the main charger is released. In such cases, reinsert the charger with the adapter, press the release button, and then pull both out together.
Public Charger Courtesy: If you were using a public charger, make sure to return the charging cable neatly to its holster and follow any instructions on the charging station. This ensures the station is ready for the next user.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to disconnect a Tesla charger if the button on the handle isn't working?
If the button on the charging handle isn't working, first ensure your Tesla is unlocked and not actively charging (check the touchscreen or mobile app). Then, try releasing it via the touchscreen (Controls > Charging > Unlock Charge Port) or the Tesla mobile app. If all else fails, use the manual release lever in the trunk.
How to manually open a Tesla charge port?
You can manually open a Tesla charge port by pressing the bottom of the charge port door when the car is unlocked and a key (phone, key card, or key fob) is nearby. Alternatively, you can use the touchscreen (Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port), the button on the Tesla charge cable, or the rear trunk button on the key fob.
How to stop Tesla charging without the app or touchscreen?
If you're charging with a Tesla Supercharger or Wall Connector, pressing the button on the charger handle itself will signal the car to stop charging and release the latch. For third-party chargers with an adapter, pressing the latch button on the charging handle and waiting for the charge port light to turn white often works to stop charging and unlock.
How to remove a stuck Tesla charger in cold weather?
If your Tesla charger is stuck due to freezing temperatures, use the "Inlet Heater" function on your Tesla's touchscreen (Controls > Service > Inlet Heater). This will warm the charge port and help to unfreeze the cable, allowing for easier removal.
How to deal with a Tesla charger that won't release after charging is complete?
First, ensure your Tesla is unlocked. If it's still stuck, try pressing the button on the charging handle, using the touchscreen to "Unlock Charge Port," or using the Tesla mobile app. If these methods fail, resort to the manual release cable located in your car's rear trunk.
How to know if my Tesla is still charging?
You can tell if your Tesla is still charging by looking at the charge port light (it will be blinking green), checking the car status overview or "Charging" menu on your Tesla's touchscreen, or viewing the charging status in the Tesla mobile app.
How to unplug a Tesla before it's done charging?
While it's generally recommended to let your Tesla charge to its set limit, you can unplug it before it's done. However, you must first stop the charging session. Do this by pressing "Stop Charging" on your Tesla's touchscreen or through the Tesla mobile app. Once charging has stopped, you can then disconnect the cable using the standard methods.
How to prevent my Tesla charger from getting stuck?
To prevent a stuck charger, always ensure your vehicle is unlocked before attempting to disconnect. In very cold weather, utilize the "Inlet Heater" feature. For third-party adapters, ensure you're removing both the adapter and the charging handle simultaneously if they tend to stick together.
How to re-attach a Tesla charger adapter that came off?
If your third-party adapter (like a J1772) detaches from the charging handle and gets stuck in the Tesla's port, reinsert the charging handle into the adapter. Then, press the release button on the charging handle and pull both the handle and the adapter out together.
How to contact Tesla service for a stuck charger?
If you've tried all troubleshooting steps, including the manual release, and your charger is still stuck, you should contact Tesla Service. You can do this through the Tesla app or by calling their support number.
This video demonstrates how to remove a stuck J1772 adapter from a Tesla:
