Ready to experience the future of parking and vehicle retrieval? Tesla's "Come to Me" feature, officially known as Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon" in some contexts!), is a fantastic piece of technology that allows your Tesla to navigate out of a parking spot and drive to your location, all from your smartphone. Imagine never having to squeeze into a tight parking space again or brave the rain to get to your car. Let's dive in and learn how to master this incredible feature!
Step 1: Are You Ready for Smart Summon?
Before we even think about summoning your Tesla, let's make sure you and your vehicle are prepared. This isn't just about having the right car; it's about having the right software, app version, and understanding the limitations.
1.1 Check Your Tesla's Software Version
First things first, your Tesla needs to be running a compatible software version. Tesla continuously updates its software over-the-air.
How to check: On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Software. You'll see your current software version listed there.
Update your software: If an update is available, you'll be notified on your touchscreen and in the Tesla app. Ensure your car is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal for the fastest and most reliable download. You can schedule the installation or install it immediately. Remember, you cannot drive the car during installation.
1.2 Update Your Tesla Mobile App
The "Come to Me" feature is exclusively controlled via the Tesla mobile app.
Ensure you have the latest version: Head to your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) and check for updates for the Tesla app. Smart Summon generally requires Tesla mobile app version 4.38.0 or later.
Log in: Make sure you're logged into the Tesla app with your Tesla account credentials.
1.3 Enable Mobile Access in Your Car
For the app to communicate with your car, mobile access needs to be enabled.
On your Tesla's touchscreen: Go to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access. Ensure this is toggled on.
Bluetooth on your phone: Also, make sure your phone's Bluetooth is turned ON and that Bluetooth is enabled for the Tesla app in your phone's global settings.
1.4 Understand the Types of Summon
Tesla offers two main types of Summon:
Dumb Summon (Basic Summon): This allows your Tesla to move straight forward or backward into or out of a parking spot, up to a maximum distance (typically 12 meters or about 39 feet). You must continuously hold the button in the app.
Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon / ASS): This is the "Come to Me" feature. It allows your Tesla to navigate around obstacles and drive to your GPS location (Come to Me mode) or a chosen destination on the map (Go to Target mode). This is the feature we're focusing on in this guide.
Step 2: Configuring Smart Summon in Your Tesla
Before you can use "Come to Me," you'll need to enable and potentially customize its settings in your car.
2.1 Enable Smart Summon in Vehicle Settings
This is a one-time setup to activate the feature.
On your Tesla's touchscreen: Navigate to Controls > Autopilot > ASS (Actually Smart Summon). Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that appears, then touch Yes to enable it.
2.2 Customize Summon Settings (Optional but Recommended)
You can fine-tune certain aspects of Summon to suit your preferences.
Completion Sound: You can select a sound to be played externally when your Tesla reaches its destination. This requires a Pedestrian Warning System.
Bumper Clearance (for Basic Summon primarily): Set the distance you want your car to stop from a detected object.
Require Continuous Press: For Basic Summon, you'll always need to hold the button. For Smart Summon, this might be a toggle depending on your software version and region, though continuous monitoring is always required.
Enable Standby Mode: To reduce the time it takes for your Tesla to respond when you initiate Smart Summon, you can enable Standby Mode (Controls > Autopilot > Standby Mode). Be aware: This consumes additional battery power. You can set exclusions for home, work, or favorite destinations to conserve energy.
Step 3: Unleashing "Come to Me" with the Tesla App
Now that your car is ready and your app is updated, let's make your Tesla come to you!
3.1 Open the Tesla App and Select Summon
Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Scroll down until you find the Summon section and tap on it.
The app will attempt to connect to your vehicle. Once connected, you'll see a live camera view from your car's surroundings, which is crucial for monitoring.
3.2 Initiate "Come to Me" Mode
This is where the magic happens!
Position yourself: Make sure you are within approximately 65 meters (about 213 feet) of your Tesla and have a clear line of sight to the vehicle. This is critical for safety and the feature's operation.
Select "Come to Me": On the Summon screen in your app, you'll see options for "Come to Me" and "Go to Target." Touch to select the Come to Me mode. The icon will turn blue when selected.
Press and Hold: To initiate the summon, press and hold the Come to Me button in the app. Your Tesla will show you a preview of the path it intends to take and will begin to move towards your GPS location.
Continuous Monitoring: As your Tesla moves, you must continually monitor the vehicle and its surroundings. Stay prepared to release the button immediately if you see any potential hazards, as releasing the button will stop the car. The app will also display a live view from the relevant camera as the car moves.
3.3 "Go to Target" Mode (Alternative Smart Summon)
If you want your Tesla to go to a specific spot, not just directly to you:
Touch the crosshair icon on the map within the Summon screen.
Drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination.
Press and hold the Go to Target button. Your Tesla will then navigate to that specified location.
Step 4: Safety First! Crucial Considerations for Smart Summon
While incredibly convenient, Smart Summon is a BETA feature and requires your full attention and adherence to safety guidelines.
4.1 Environmental Limitations
Smart Summon is not designed for all conditions.
Private Property Only: Always use Smart Summon only on private property, such as parking lots and driveways, where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Do NOT use it on public roads.
Flat Surfaces: Smart Summon is designed to operate on flat or gently sloped roads (up to a 10% grade). It may not function correctly on steeper inclines or declines.
Clear Path: Ensure the path is clear of obstacles, including curbs higher than ~1 inch (2.5 cm). While it navigates around objects, unforeseen items or rapidly moving objects (like children or pets) might not be detected in time.
Good Visibility: Heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely bright light can interfere with the cameras and sensors, limiting the feature's performance. Ensure cameras are clean and unobstructed.
4.2 Your Responsibility
You are the driver, even when the car is self-driving.
Constant Supervision: You must continually monitor your vehicle and its surroundings. Keep your eyes on the car at all times.
Be Prepared to Intervene: Be ready to release the button on the app (which stops the car) or take immediate action if needed.
Operating Range: Your phone needs to be connected to the car via Bluetooth and you must be within approximately 65 meters (213 feet) of the vehicle. If you move too far away, the car will stop.
4.3 What Can Cancel Summon?
Summon will automatically cancel in several scenarios:
A door handle is engaged or a door is opened.
You interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or shift lever.
The vehicle detects an obstacle it cannot navigate around.
The maximum distance for the Summon session has been reached (typically 20 meters, or about 65 feet, of total travel).
Your phone enters sleep mode or loses connectivity to your Tesla.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Smart Summon Issues
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some quick tips if you encounter problems.
5.1 Connectivity Issues
Check phone's internet: Ensure your smartphone has a stable internet connection (cellular data or Wi-Fi).
Tesla app is up to date: Double-check that your Tesla app is the latest version.
Phone's Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and for the Tesla app specifically.
Restart the app: Close and reopen the Tesla mobile app.
Restart your Tesla (soft reboot): If persistent issues, try a soft reboot of your Tesla's operating system by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and restarts.
5.2 Car Not Responding or Moving Unexpectedly
Camera calibration: Ensure your vehicle's cameras are fully calibrated. This usually happens automatically by driving the car.
Obstruction: Check that all cameras and sensors on your vehicle are clean and free of dirt, ice, or other obstructions.
Environment: Reconfirm you are on a flat, private surface with good visibility and no unusual obstacles.
Software Update: Ensure your car's software is up-to-date, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
5.3 "Summon Not Available" Message
Location Services: Make sure location services are enabled for the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Vehicle Status: Ensure your Tesla is in Park, not charging, and all doors and trunks are closed.
Tire Pressure: Believe it or not, sometimes low tire pressure (below 34 PSI) can affect sensor performance and prevent Summon from working. Check your TPMS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to enable Smart Summon on my Tesla?
To enable Smart Summon, go to Controls > Autopilot > ASS (Actually Smart Summon) on your Tesla's touchscreen and confirm.
How to use "Come to Me" in the Tesla app?
Open the Tesla app, navigate to the Summon section, select Come to Me mode, and then press and hold the "Come to Me" button.
How to stop a Tesla during Smart Summon?
Release the "Come to Me" (or "Go to Target") button on the Tesla app. The car will stop immediately.
How to know if my Tesla has Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is generally available on Tesla vehicles with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability package. You can confirm by checking for the "ASS (Actually Smart Summon)" option under Autopilot settings in your car.
How to troubleshoot if Tesla Summon is not working?
Check your phone's connectivity, app version, car's software version, ensure cameras are clean, verify you are on private property, and consider a soft reboot of your Tesla.
How to use Smart Summon safely?
Always maintain a clear line of sight to your vehicle, be prepared to intervene at any moment, and only use it on private property with familiar surroundings.
How to update the Tesla mobile app for Summon?
Go to your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store), search for the Tesla app, and check for available updates.
How to check my Tesla's software version?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap Controls > Software. Your current software version will be displayed.
How to get my Tesla to come to a specific spot instead of me?
In the Summon section of the Tesla app, select Go to Target mode, drag the map to place the pin on your desired destination, and then press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to prevent my Tesla from consuming extra battery in Standby Mode for Summon?
You can disable Standby Mode at your home, work, or favorite locations within the Summon settings to conserve battery power.
Learn more about Tesla Summon features by watching
