Do you dream of having your Tesla magically glide out of a tight parking spot or gracefully navigate a crowded lot to pick you up? Well, that's precisely what Tesla's Summon feature, particularly Smart Summon (sometimes referred to as "Actually Smart Summon" in newer Tesla documentation), allows you to do! It's a fantastic convenience, but it requires specific hardware and software, along with a good understanding of its capabilities and limitations. Let's dive in and learn how to unlock this futuristic capability for your Tesla.
Step 1: Confirm Your Tesla's Eligibility and Requirements ✨
Before you get too excited, let's make sure your Tesla is ready for the Summon party! This isn't a feature that comes standard on every Tesla, and it depends on a few key factors.
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| How To Get Tesla Summon Feature |
Hardware and Software Prerequisites
Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: The Smart Summon feature (the more advanced version that navigates around objects) is primarily part of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability package. While "basic" Summon (moving forward/backward in a straight line) might have been included with earlier Enhanced Autopilot packages, Smart Summon generally requires FSD.
FSD Computer: Your Tesla needs to be equipped with the Full Self-Driving computer (HW3.0 or above). You can check this on your car's touchscreen under
Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Informationor in your Tesla app underVehicle > Specs & Warranty. If you don't have it, a hardware upgrade might be necessary (and usually not included with FSD subscriptions).Latest Tesla Software: Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date. Tesla frequently releases over-the-air updates that improve these features or introduce new functionalities.
Latest Tesla Mobile App: Make sure your Tesla mobile app is updated to the latest version (e.g., version 4.38.0 or later). The app is crucial for controlling Summon.
Connectivity and Calibration
Strong Connectivity: Summon relies on reliable cellular and GPS connectivity between your phone and your car. This is especially true for Smart Summon, which uses your phone's GPS to navigate to your location or a set target.
Calibrated Cameras: Your Tesla's cameras must be fully calibrated. If they aren't, the car won't be able to accurately perceive its surroundings, and Summon won't work.
Step 2: Understanding the Types of Summon
It's important to differentiate between the two main types of Summon:
Basic Summon (Forward/Reverse)
This is the simpler version. It allows your Tesla to move straight forward or backward into or out of a parking space. It's ideal for those really tight spots where you can't easily open your doors.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Smart Summon (Come to Me/Go to Target)
This is the more advanced and impressive version.
Come to Me: Your Tesla will navigate a parking lot, avoiding obstacles, to come directly to your location (as determined by your phone's GPS).
Go to Target: You can set a specific destination on the map in your Tesla app, and your car will drive to that point, again, maneuvering around obstacles.
Step 3: Enabling Summon on Your Tesla
Once you've confirmed your car's eligibility, it's time to enable the feature from within your Tesla.
On Your Tesla's Touchscreen:
Navigate to
Controls > Autopilot.Look for the "Summon" option.
You'll likely see a section for "Smart Summon" (or "Actually Smart Summon").
Enable it by touching the toggle. You'll probably be presented with a disclaimer pop-up that you must read carefully and agree to. This disclaimer emphasizes that you are still responsible for continually monitoring the vehicle and its surroundings.
(Optional) Customize Summon Settings: Within the Summon settings, you can often adjust:
Bumper Clearance: The distance at which Summon stops from detected objects.
Summon Distance: The maximum distance your Tesla can travel (typically up to 12 meters for basic Summon, and up to 200 feet for Smart Summon).
Side Clearance: How much clearance you want the car to maintain from objects on its sides.
Require Continuous Press: For basic Summon, you might have the option to release the button after initiating the move, but for Smart Summon, you must continuously press and hold the button on the app for the car to keep moving.
Step 4: Preparing for Summon Use
Before you press that button, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth and safe Summon experience.
Clear Line of Sight: Always maintain a clear line of sight to your Tesla while using Summon. This is crucial for safety, as you are still responsible for supervising the vehicle.
Private Property: Summon is designed and intended for use only on private parking lots and driveways where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Avoid using it on public roads.
Vehicle in Park: Your Tesla must be in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks must be closed.
Tire Pressure: Ensure all four tire pressures are at the recommended PSI.
Clean Cameras: Make sure all your Tesla's cameras are clean and free of obstructions. Dirty cameras can significantly impair Summon's performance.
No Accessories: Avoid using Summon if you have accessories like a roof rack, trailer hitch, or body kit that extend beyond the vehicle's normal dimensions, as Summon may not account for them when avoiding obstacles.
Step 5: Using the Tesla Mobile App to Summon Your Car
This is where the magic happens!
Sub-step 5.1: Launching Summon
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Select your Tesla vehicle.
Tap the "Summon" icon. This will bring up a live view from your car's cameras, helping you visualize the surroundings.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Sub-step 5.2: Basic Summon (Forward/Reverse)
Align your Tesla with the parking space.
In the Summon interface in the app, you'll see "Forward" and "Reverse" buttons.
Press and hold the desired direction button. Your Tesla will begin to move straight in that direction. Release the button to stop the car immediately.
Sub-step 5.3: Smart Summon ("Come to Me" or "Go to Target")
In the Summon interface, tap the "Smart Summon" icon (often a small car icon in the center).
You'll see a map with a blue circle, representing the maximum operating range (typically 200 feet for Smart Summon). Your location (blue dot) and your car's location (red arrow) will be shown.
Choose your mode:
Come to Me: Position yourself within the blue circle, maintaining a clear line of sight to your car. Press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Tesla will then navigate through the parking area towards your GPS location. As you move, the car will attempt to follow you.
Go to Target: Tap the crosshair icon and drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination. Then, press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Tesla will move to that specified location.
Crucially, you must keep the button pressed and held down for Smart Summon to continue operating. If you release it, the car will stop.
Monitor your Tesla's movement closely and be prepared to release the button to stop it at any moment if needed.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Limitations ⚠️
While incredibly cool, Summon has limitations and requires constant driver supervision.
Environment: Summon works best on flat, paved surfaces with clear surroundings. It may not function correctly on slopes (generally limited to 10-20% grade), unpaved surfaces, or when encountering raised concrete edges (over ~1 inch).
Obstacle Detection: While Smart Summon can maneuver around many obstacles, it may not detect all of them. Be aware of objects lower than the bumper, very narrow objects, or objects hanging from ceilings (like bicycles in a garage). It also may not detect all traffic or curbs.
Connectivity Issues: Poor cellular coverage or GPS data can disrupt Summon's operation.
Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, fog, or extreme temperatures can interfere with camera and sensor performance, affecting Summon.
Speed: Summon operates at a very low speed (typically up to 6 mph, and even slower on inclines).
Driver Responsibility: You are legally responsible for the vehicle's actions while using Summon. Always pay attention and be ready to intervene.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're having trouble with Summon, here are some things to check:
"Summon is unavailable" error:
Check your phone's connection to the car (Bluetooth, cellular data).
Ensure you have a clear line of sight to the vehicle.
Verify the car is in Park, not charging, and all doors/trunks are closed.
Check for any warnings on your car's touchscreen.
Car stops unexpectedly:
You might have released the button on the app.
The car might have detected an obstacle.
It might have reached its maximum travel distance.
Your phone might have lost connectivity or gone to sleep.
Performance issues:
Clean your cameras.
Check tire pressures.
Ensure you're on private, familiar property with good connectivity.
Try a soft reset of your Tesla's touchscreen (holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel).
Consider performing a camera recalibration if issues persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to activate Summon on Tesla?
To activate Summon, open the Tesla mobile app, tap "Summon," and then select either basic Summon (Forward/Reverse) or Smart Summon ("Come to Me" or "Go to Target").
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to use Smart Summon effectively?
To use Smart Summon effectively, ensure you have a clear line of sight to your vehicle, are on private property, and keep the button on the app pressed and held down throughout the maneuver.
How to check if my Tesla has Summon?
You can check if your Tesla has Summon by navigating to Controls > Autopilot on your car's touchscreen. If the option is present, you have the feature.
How to update Tesla software for Summon?
Tesla software updates are delivered over-the-air. Connect your car to Wi-Fi and allow it to install available updates. You should also regularly update your Tesla mobile app.
How to troubleshoot Summon not working?
Troubleshoot Summon by checking your phone's connection, ensuring clear line of sight, verifying the car's state (Park, not charging, doors closed), cleaning cameras, and checking for any error messages on the car's screen.
How to set Summon distance limits?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
You can set Summon distance limits in your Tesla's touchscreen under Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon settings.
How to use Summon in a tight garage?
For a tight garage, use basic Summon (Forward/Reverse) while maintaining a clear line of sight and being ready to stop the car at any moment. Adjust bumper and side clearance settings in your car.
How to get Full Self-Driving Capability for Summon?
Full Self-Driving Capability, which includes Smart Summon, can be purchased outright or subscribed to via the Tesla app or your Tesla account.
How to know the legal restrictions for Summon?
Summon is generally intended for use on private property. Laws vary by region, so always be aware of local regulations regarding autonomous or remote-controlled vehicles.
How to stop Summon in an emergency?
To stop Summon immediately, simply release the button you are pressing on the Tesla mobile app.
Learn more about Tesla's Smart Summon feature and see it in action:
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