Unlocking all doors on your Tesla Model 3 might seem like a simple task, but with Tesla's advanced features and customizable settings, there's more to it than just a button press! Whether you want all doors to unlock automatically as you approach, or prefer to manually control access, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every option, ensuring your Tesla Model 3 is as convenient and secure as you desire.
Let's dive in and get those doors opening exactly how you want them!
Step 1: Understanding Your Tesla Model 3's Key Options
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of unlocking all doors, it's crucial to understand the different ways you can interact with your Model 3's locking system. Tesla offers a few fantastic methods, each with its own benefits.
1.1 The Phone Key: Your Primary Access
The Tesla mobile app is often your most convenient key. It uses Bluetooth to communicate with your car, enabling automatic locking and unlocking as you approach and walk away. This is typically the default and most seamless experience for Model 3 owners.
1.2 The Key Card: The Reliable Backup
Every Model 3 comes with two key cards. These RFID-based cards are slim and can be kept in your wallet. While they don't offer automatic locking/unlocking, they are essential backups in case your phone battery dies or you need to grant temporary access to someone.
1.3 The Key Fob (Optional Accessory): Traditional Control with Tesla Flair
For those who prefer a more traditional car key, an optional key fob is available. This fob functions similarly to a conventional car remote, allowing you to press buttons for locking, unlocking, and opening trunks. Some key fobs also support passive entry (automatic locking/unlocking) depending on the model and region.
Step 2: Customizing Your Automatic Unlocking Preferences
This is where you gain control over whether only the driver's door unlocks or all doors unlock when you approach your Model 3. This is a common point of customization for many owners!
2.1 Disabling "Driver Door Unlock Mode" for All-Door Access
One of the most frequent reasons only the driver's door unlocks is a specific setting called "Driver Door Unlock Mode." If this is enabled, only the driver's door will unlock when you first unlock your Model 3 (e.g., by approaching with your phone key).
To ensure all doors unlock:
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to
Controls.Tap on
Locks.Look for the
Driver Door Unlock Modeoption.Ensure this setting is turned OFF.
By turning this off, your Model 3 will now unlock all doors and trunks when it detects your phone key or key fob within range and you pull a door handle.
2.2 Understanding "Walk-Away Door Lock"
The "Walk-Away Door Lock" feature is designed for convenience and security. When enabled, your Model 3 will automatically lock all doors and trunks as you walk away with your phone key or key fob.
To manage this setting:
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to
Controls.Tap on
Locks.Find
Walk-Away Door Lock.Toggle this on or off based on your preference.
Note: You can also set an "Exclude Home" option, which prevents the car from auto-locking when parked at a designated home location. This is useful if you frequently leave your car unlocked in your garage.
2.3 "Unlock on Park" for Interior Convenience
This feature allows all doors to unlock automatically when you stop your Model 3 and engage Park. This is particularly useful when you have passengers who need to exit the vehicle.
To enable or disable "Unlock on Park":
From the touchscreen, go to
Controls.Tap on
Locks.Toggle the
Unlock on Parksetting on or off.
Step 3: Manually Unlocking All Doors
Even with automatic settings, there are times you'll want to manually unlock all doors. Tesla offers several ways to do this.
3.1 Using the Touchscreen
The most straightforward method when inside the vehicle:
On the large center touchscreen, look for the lock icon at the top.
Tap this icon once. It will toggle between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, all doors will open.
3.2 Using the Tesla Mobile App
Your mobile app provides remote control over your Model 3.
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
On the main screen, you'll see a quick action icon for locking/unlocking your car.
Tap this icon to unlock all doors.
3.3 Using the Key Fob (if equipped)
If you have a Tesla key fob:
Double-click the center button (the car icon) on your key fob. This will unlock all doors and trunks.
A single click will lock the vehicle.
3.4 Using the Interior Door Handles (Electronic Release)
While technically for exiting, if the doors are locked from the inside, pressing the button at the top of the interior door handle (the electronic release) will unlock and open that specific door. However, to unlock all doors from the inside, the touchscreen icon is more efficient.
Step 4: Emergency Manual Door Release (Front Doors Only)
It's important to know how to manually open your doors in the rare event of a power failure. This method should only be used in emergencies.
4.1 Locating the Manual Release
The Model 3 only has manual door releases for the front doors.
On the front doors, look near the window switches.
You'll find a manual door release lever located in front of the power window controls.
Pull this lever upwards to mechanically unlatch the door.
Caution: When using the manual release, the window will not "short drop" as it normally does. Exercise care to avoid damaging the window when opening the door.
Step 5: Advanced Considerations and Troubleshooting
5.1 Phone Key Connectivity Issues
If your phone key isn't consistently unlocking your car:
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Check that the Tesla app has location services set to "Always On."
Make sure the Tesla app isn't running in a low power or "sleep" mode on your phone.
Keep your phone in your front pocket rather than a back pocket or bag, as physical obstruction can sometimes interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
Restart the Tesla app or reboot your phone if issues persist.
5.2 Key Card Usage for Unlocking and Driving
To use your key card to unlock your Model 3:
Tap the key card against the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors) on the driver's side, just below the Autopilot camera.
You may need to hold it for one or two seconds until the lights flash and mirrors unfold.
To drive with a key card:
Once inside, place the key card on the wireless phone charger in the center console.
Within two minutes, press the brake pedal to start the car. If you wait longer, you'll need to re-authenticate by placing the card on the charger again.
5.3 Valet Mode and Door Locks
When Valet Mode is active, certain features are restricted, including access to the front trunk and glovebox. While it doesn't typically prevent unlocking all passenger doors from the inside, it's a security measure to be aware of if you're handing over your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to unlock passenger doors from the outside if only the driver's door unlocks?
If Driver Door Unlock Mode is enabled, you'll need to either press the unlock button on your key fob a second time (if you have one), use the Tesla mobile app to unlock, or reach for the touchscreen inside to unlock all doors. The best solution for consistent all-door unlock is to disable Driver Door Unlock Mode in your car's settings (Controls > Locks).
How to unlock the Tesla Model 3 if my phone dies?
Use your Tesla key card. Tap it against the driver's side B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors) to unlock the vehicle.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 is locked?
When your Model 3 locks, the exterior lights will flash, and if Lock Confirmation Sound is enabled, you'll hear a short horn sound. Additionally, if Fold Mirrors is enabled, the side mirrors will fold in. You can also check the status in your Tesla mobile app.
How to disable automatic locking on my Tesla Model 3?
You can disable Walk-Away Door Lock in Controls > Locks on your touchscreen. You can also set an Exclude Home location if you only want to disable auto-locking when at home.
How to open the Model 3 doors manually in an emergency?
Only the front doors have manual releases. Pull the mechanical release lever located in front of the window switches on the inside of the front doors.
How to open the trunk or frunk when all doors are locked?
You can open the front trunk (frunk) or rear trunk using the Tesla mobile app or by double-clicking the corresponding buttons on your key fob (if equipped).
How to reset my Tesla's locking system if it's acting strangely?
A soft reboot of your Tesla's touchscreen can often resolve minor glitches. Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen goes black. The Tesla logo will reappear, and the system will reboot.
How to add a new key card or key fob to my Model 3?
On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan your new key and then an already paired key for confirmation.
How to prevent my Model 3 from automatically unlocking at home?
If you're using Walk-Away Door Lock, you can enable the Exclude Home option. To do this, ensure your home address is set in your navigation, then go to Controls > Locks and check the Exclude Home box.
How to unlock doors from the inside while in drive?
While inside the vehicle, simply tap the lock icon at the top of the center touchscreen. This will unlock all doors.
For more visual guidance, you can check out this video:
