Thinking about letting a friend, family member, or even a valet take the wheel of your Tesla? Giving access to your Tesla is incredibly convenient thanks to the robust features of the Tesla mobile app and in-car systems. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from granting temporary access to setting up custom driver profiles.
Let's dive right in and get you comfortable with sharing the incredible Tesla experience!
Step 1: Ensure Your Tesla and Phone are Ready
Before you can grant access, a few prerequisites are essential. Think of this as preparing the digital key for your vehicle.
1.1. Download and Update the Tesla App
First and foremost, make sure both you and the person you're granting access to have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphones. This is crucial for seamless functionality and access to the newest features.
1.2. Enable Mobile Access in Your Tesla
Your Tesla vehicle needs to allow mobile access for the app to communicate with it.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. Ensure this setting is enabled.
Note: Both your phone and your Tesla need to have internet service for the mobile app to function remotely.
1.3. Bluetooth Activation
For the "phone key" feature to work, ensure that Bluetooth is turned ON on both your phone and the phone of the new driver. Also, check that Bluetooth is enabled specifically for the Tesla app within your phone's settings.
Step 2: Adding a New Driver via the Tesla App (The Easiest Method!)
This is the most common and recommended way to share access to your Tesla. It allows the new driver to use their own Tesla Account and access most app features.
2.1. Initiate the Invitation from Your App
As the primary owner:
Open the Tesla app on your phone.
Select the vehicle you wish to share.
Tap on 'Security & Drivers' (you might need to scroll down to find this option).
Tap 'Manage Drivers'.
Select 'Add Driver'.
2.2. Send the Invitation
The app will prompt you to send an invitation to the driver you want to add. You'll likely need their email address, which they will use to create or log in to their Tesla Account.
Important: The invitation usually expires within 24 hours, so the invited driver should act promptly.
2.3. The New Driver's Actions: Accepting the Invitation
Once the invitation is sent, the new driver needs to:
Download the Tesla Mobile App (if they haven't already).
Create a Tesla Account or Sign in to their existing Tesla Account within the app.
They will receive a notification or an email with the invitation. They must tap on the 'Accept Invitation' button.
After accepting, their profile will be linked to your vehicle.
2.4. Understanding Access Levels for New Drivers
When you add a driver this way, they gain access to most Tesla app features for your vehicle, including:
Vehicle access (locking/unlocking, phone key)
Service scheduling, review, and history
In-app messages
Roadside assistance
Vehicle location information
However, for security and financial reasons, additional drivers typically do NOT have access to:
The ability to add or remove other drivers
Managing payment methods
Purchasing upgrades (like Full Self-Driving)
Viewing charging history
Accessing insurance information
Step 3: Creating and Linking Driver Profiles (For a Personalized Experience)
Beyond just app access, Tesla allows for personalized driver profiles that save seat, mirror, and steering wheel adjustments, as well as climate and media preferences.
3.1. Setting up a New Driver Profile in the Car
Once the new driver has app access:
In the Tesla vehicle, on the touchscreen, touch the driver profile icon at the top.
Touch 'Driver Profile Settings'.
Select 'Add New Driver', type the driver's name, and touch 'Create Profile'.
The driver can then adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors to their liking. These settings will be saved to their profile.
Optional: You can set up a Tesla Profile (synced to the cloud) for the new driver if they want their settings to apply across multiple Tesla vehicles they might drive under their Tesla Account. Navigate to Driver Profile Settings and select their Tesla Account name.
3.2. Linking a Driver Profile to a Key
To make the experience truly seamless, you can link a specific driver profile to a phone key, key card, or key fob. This way, the car automatically adjusts to the correct settings when the linked key is detected.
Ensure you are using the desired driver profile on the touchscreen.
Touch Controls > Locks > Keys.
You can then toggle the driver icon next to the phone key, key card, or key fob to link it to that specific driver profile.
The name of the driver profile will appear under the key to confirm the link.
Step 4: Managing and Removing Driver Access
Life changes, and so might your need to share access. Tesla makes it simple to revoke permissions.
4.1. Removing a Driver (As the Primary Owner)
Open the Tesla app.
Select the vehicle.
Tap 'Security & Drivers'.
Tap 'Manage Drivers'.
Next to the driver's name you wish to remove, tap 'Remove'.
Confirm your decision by tapping 'Yes'.
4.2. Removing Your Own Access (As a Secondary Driver)
If you are a secondary driver and no longer need access to a vehicle, you can remove yourself.
Open the Tesla app.
Select the vehicle.
Tap 'Remove Access' at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Alternative Access Methods (Key Cards & Fobs)
While the app is primary, Tesla also provides physical keys.
5.1. Using Key Cards for Temporary Access
Tesla vehicles come with two key cards. These are great for situations where a driver doesn't have the app or their phone dies.
To unlock, touch the key card to the reader on the driver's side door pillar.
To start the car, place the key card on the center console's card reader and press the brake pedal within two minutes.
5.2. Adding a New Key Card or Fob
If you need additional key cards or fobs:
On the vehicle's touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key.
Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader (usually on the wireless phone charger). You'll hear a chime when recognized.
Scan an already paired key card or key fob to confirm the new key pairing.
You can then customize the name of the new key in the list.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Advanced Tips
6.1. PIN to Drive
For an extra layer of security, especially when sharing your Tesla, consider enabling "PIN to Drive." This requires a 4-digit PIN to be entered on the touchscreen before the car can be driven.
Navigate to Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive on your Tesla's touchscreen.
6.2. Valet Mode
If you're giving access to a valet or someone for a very short period where you want to limit the car's performance and access to personal data:
Enable Valet Mode from your Tesla's touchscreen (or through the app). This limits speed, acceleration, and locks access to certain car features and personal data.
Note: If PIN to Drive is enabled, you'll need to enter your driving PIN before activating Valet Mode.
6.3. Third-Party App Access
Tesla allows third-party app developers to integrate with your Tesla via its API. If you use apps like Tessie for advanced data tracking or control, you'll grant them specific permissions.
You can manage these permissions via your Tesla Account online or in the Tesla app under Security and Privacy > Security > Third Party Apps.
Always ensure you trust the source of any third-party app before granting access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Add a Driver to My Tesla?
You add a driver through the Tesla mobile app by going to "Security & Drivers" > "Manage Drivers" > "Add Driver" and sending an invitation to their email.
How to Remove a Driver from My Tesla?
To remove a driver, open the Tesla app, navigate to "Security & Drivers" > "Manage Drivers," and tap "Remove" next to the driver's name.
How to Share Tesla Key Card Access?
You can give a key card directly to someone. If it's not already paired, you can pair it to your Tesla via the touchscreen by going to "Controls" > "Locks" > "Keys" and following the prompts.
How to Set Up a Driver Profile in Tesla?
On the Tesla touchscreen, tap the driver profile icon at the top, then "Driver Profile Settings" > "Add New Driver," and adjust settings like seat and mirrors.
How to Link a Phone Key to a Driver Profile in Tesla?
Ensure your desired driver profile is active on the touchscreen, then go to "Controls" > "Locks" > "Keys" and toggle the driver icon next to your phone key to link it.
How to Use Valet Mode in Tesla?
Activate Valet Mode from the car's touchscreen or the Tesla app. This limits speed, performance, and protects personal data.
How to Turn On PIN to Drive in Tesla?
On the Tesla touchscreen, go to "Controls" > "Safety" > "PIN to Drive" and follow the instructions to set your 4-digit PIN.
How to Grant Temporary Access to My Tesla?
The easiest way is to add them as a driver via the Tesla app for full app control, or simply provide a paired key card for basic car access. For very short-term and limited access, consider Valet Mode.
How to Check Who Has Access to My Tesla?
You can view and manage all drivers with app access from your Tesla app under "Security & Drivers" > "Manage Drivers."
How to Ensure Security When Sharing My Tesla?
Always use the official Tesla app for adding drivers, consider enabling "PIN to Drive," and use "Valet Mode" for service or temporary access by untrusted parties.
This video provides a visual guide on how to add a driver to your Tesla using the Tesla app, which is highly relevant to this topic.