You've found yourself in a bit of a pickle – your Tesla key card is nowhere to be found, but you still need to get on the road. Don't worry, Tesla has designed its vehicles with several convenient ways to access and start your car, even without the physical key card. Let's walk through the steps.
Step 1: Embrace the Power of Your Smartphone: The Phone Key
Have you ever wished your phone could do absolutely everything? Well, when it comes to your Tesla, it pretty much can! The Tesla mobile app transforms your smartphone into a "phone key," providing the most convenient keyless experience.
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| How To Start Tesla Without Key Card |
Setting Up Your Phone Key (If You Haven't Already)
If you've been relying solely on your key card, now's the perfect time to set up your phone as a primary key. This is a one-time setup that will save you headaches in the future.
Download and Log In: Ensure you have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone and are logged in with your Tesla account username and password. You must remain logged in to use your phone as a key.
Enable Bluetooth: On your phone, go to your general Bluetooth settings and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Also, specifically enable Bluetooth for the Tesla mobile app within your phone's app settings (e.g., on an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Tesla > Bluetooth, and turn it on).
Grant Location Access: For optimal performance, grant the Tesla app "Always" access to your location in your phone's settings (e.g., Settings > Tesla > Location > Always). Keeping the app running in the background also helps.
Allow Mobile Access on Vehicle: On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access and ensure this setting is enabled.
Pair Your Phone: While inside or near your Tesla, open the Tesla mobile app. You should see an option to "Set Up Phone Key" on the main screen, or you can navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key. Follow the prompts on both the mobile app and your vehicle's touchscreen to complete the pairing process.
Using Your Phone Key to Unlock and Start
Once your phone key is set up, it's remarkably simple to use:
Approach Your Vehicle: As you approach your Tesla with your phone key (and Bluetooth enabled), your car will detect the Bluetooth signal.
Unlock Automatically: The doors will automatically unlock when you pull a door handle (assuming "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled and configured, and your phone is with you).
Drive Away: Once inside, simply press the brake pedal. Your Tesla should be ready to drive. No need to place your phone on a specific pad.
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Step 2: The Tesla Mobile App's "Keyless Driving" Feature
Even if your phone isn't set up as a "phone key" for automatic access, or if you're experiencing issues with the phone key's proximity functions, the Tesla mobile app offers a "Keyless Driving" feature that can get you going. This is particularly useful if your phone key isn't working as expected or if you've forgotten your PIN to Drive.
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Access Controls: On the app's home screen, tap on "Controls."
Initiate Keyless Driving: Look for and tap the "Start" or "Keyless Driving" button.
Authenticate (if needed): The app may require you to authenticate with a passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm your identity.
Drive Away: Once "Keyless Driving" is enabled via the app, you'll see a notification on your vehicle's dash indicating that the key is not inside, but that the car is ready to drive. Press the brake pedal, and you're good to go!
Step 3: Considering Valet Mode (with caution)
While not a direct method to start your car without a key card when you don't have a key, it's worth understanding how Valet Mode functions, as it relates to key access. Valet Mode is primarily for when you do have a key but want to restrict access to certain features for a valet or another driver.
When Valet Mode is active, it limits the vehicle's speed, restricts acceleration, disables Autopilot, locks the glove box and frunk, and hides personal information from the touchscreen. Crucially, it disables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth during its active state, and you cannot pair new Bluetooth devices.
Starting Valet Mode: You typically initiate Valet Mode from the vehicle's touchscreen (by tapping your driver profile name and selecting "Valet Mode") and setting a 4-digit PIN. You can also turn it on or off via the mobile app in the "Security" section if the vehicle is parked.
Exiting Valet Mode: To exit Valet Mode, you'll need to enter the 4-digit PIN you set. If you initiate it from the app, you can often disable it from the app as well.
The key takeaway here is that Valet Mode is a security feature you activate when you have access, not a workaround for lacking a key card.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to use my phone as a Tesla key?
Download the Tesla app, enable Bluetooth and location services, and follow the in-app prompts to set up your phone as a "phone key," allowing automatic unlocking and starting.
How to start Tesla if my phone key isn't working?
If your phone key isn't working automatically, open the Tesla mobile app and use the "Keyless Driving" feature under "Controls" to initiate driving.
How to re-enable "Allow Mobile Access" on my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access and toggle the setting on.
How to pair a new phone key to my Tesla?
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Within the Tesla app, while near your vehicle, go to Security > Set Up Phone Key and follow the instructions on both your phone and the car's touchscreen.
How to troubleshoot a non-responsive phone key?
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone for both general settings and the Tesla app, location services are set to "Always," the app is updated and not in a power-saving mode, and "Allow Mobile Access" is on in your car.
How to use a Tesla key card to start the car?
Place the key card on the card reader located in the center console (typically behind the cup holders for Model 3/Y, or the left phone charger for Model S/X) and then press the brake pedal within two minutes.
How to add another driver to my Tesla?
Through the Tesla app or touchscreen, go to the "Car Access" or "Security & Drivers" section and select "Add Driver," then enter their name and email.
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How to lock my Tesla if my phone is dead?
If your phone is dead and you don't have a key card or key fob, you won't be able to lock your car remotely. You'd need to find a way to charge your phone or retrieve a physical key.
How to open the frunk or trunk without a key?
If your phone key is active, you can open the front and rear trunks remotely using the Tesla mobile app.
How to use Valet Mode in my Tesla?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap your driver profile name, select "Valet Mode," and set a 4-digit PIN. You can also activate/deactivate it from the mobile app.
For more detailed information on your Tesla's key functionalities, check out this helpful guide:
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