Ready to share the Tesla driving experience with someone new? Whether it's a family member, a friend, or even a temporary guest, adding a driver to your Tesla is a straightforward process that grants them convenient access to your vehicle. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare for the Journey - What You'll Need
Before you begin, make sure both you (the primary owner) and the person you're adding are prepared. This step is all about ensuring a smooth experience.
The Tesla App: Both you and the new driver must have the latest version of the Tesla app installed on your smartphones. This is the primary tool for managing drivers and vehicle access. If they don't have it, they can download it from their app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
A Tesla Account: The new driver will need their own Tesla Account. If they don't have one, they can easily create one within the Tesla app after downloading it.
Internet Connectivity: Ensure both your phone and your Tesla vehicle have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). This is crucial for sending and receiving invitations.
Vehicle Software Up-to-Date: While not always strictly necessary, it's a good practice to ensure your Tesla's software is up-to-date. You can check this in your car's touchscreen settings.
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| How To Add Someone To Tesla |
Step 2: Sending the Invitation - The Owner's Role
As the primary owner, you'll initiate the process by sending an invitation through your Tesla app.
Sub-step 2.1: Open Your Tesla App
Unlock your phone and open the Tesla app.
Ensure you're logged into your primary Tesla account.
Sub-step 2.2: Navigate to Security & Drivers
On the main screen of the app, you'll see your vehicle. Tap on your vehicle's name or image to access its details.
Scroll down until you find the "Security & Drivers" section. Tap on it.
Sub-step 2.3: Manage Drivers and Send Invite
Within "Security & Drivers," you'll see an option called "Manage Drivers." Tap on this.
You'll now see a list of current drivers (likely just yourself). Look for and tap the "Add Driver" button.
The app will prompt you to enter the email address or phone number associated with the new driver's Tesla Account. Enter it carefully.
Follow any on-screen instructions to send the invitation. The status for this new driver will likely show as "Pending."
Step 3: Accepting the Invitation - The New Driver's Role ✅
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Once you've sent the invitation, the ball is in the new driver's court. They need to accept it to gain access.
Sub-step 3.1: Download and Log In to the Tesla App
The invited individual should download the Tesla app if they haven't already.
They need to log in to their own Tesla account within the app. If they don't have an account, they'll be prompted to create one during the login process.
Sub-step 3.2: Accept the Invitation
Once logged in, the new driver should see a notification or prompt within their Tesla app to accept the invitation to your vehicle.
They should tap to accept the invitation.
Sub-step 3.3: Verify Access
After accepting, the new driver should see your Tesla vehicle appear in their Tesla app.
They can now access most of the app's features for your vehicle, such as locking/unlocking, preconditioning, checking charge status, and even scheduling service.
Important Note: Added drivers typically do not have access to purchase upgrades, manage payment methods, or view charging history.
Step 4: Setting Up a Driver Profile (Optional but Recommended)
While app access is granted, setting up a personalized driver profile within the car itself offers a much more tailored experience. This is especially useful for different drivers with varying seat, mirror, and steering wheel preferences.
Sub-step 4.1: Accessing Driver Profiles in the Car
Have the new driver sit in the Tesla.
On the touchscreen, locate the driver profile icon at the top (it often looks like a person's silhouette). Tap on it.
Sub-step 4.2: Creating a New Profile
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Tap on "Driver Profile Settings" or "Add New Driver."
Enter the new driver's name and tap "Create Profile."
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Sub-step 4.3: Adjust and Save Settings
Have the new driver adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel position, and exterior side mirrors to their liking. As they adjust, the touchscreen will prompt them to save these settings to their new profile.
They can also customize other preferences like climate control, autopilot settings, and display preferences.
Once satisfied, tap the "Save" button on the touchscreen.
Sub-step 4.4: Linking Phone Key (Highly Recommended)
With the new driver's profile selected, go to Controls > Locks > Keys on the Tesla touchscreen.
Ensure the new driver's phone, acting as a phone key, is linked to their specific driver profile. There will usually be a "person" icon next to the phone key in this menu. Tap it to link it. This ensures that when the car detects their phone, it automatically loads their personalized profile.
Step 5: Managing and Removing Drivers
As the primary owner, you have full control over who has access to your Tesla.
Sub-step 5.1: Removing a Driver
Open your Tesla app.
Go to "Security & Drivers" and then "Manage Drivers."
Next to the driver's name you wish to remove, tap "Remove."
Confirm your decision. This immediately revokes their app access to your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to add someone to Tesla using the mobile app?
To add someone to your Tesla, open your Tesla app, navigate to "Security & Drivers," then "Manage Drivers," and tap "Add Driver" to send an invitation via email or phone number.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How to create a new driver profile in a Tesla?
To create a new driver profile, sit in the Tesla, tap the driver profile icon on the touchscreen, then select "Driver Profile Settings" or "Add New Driver," enter a name, and save your preferred seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions.
How to link a phone key to a specific Tesla driver profile?
To link a phone key, first select the desired driver profile on the Tesla's touchscreen, then go to Controls > Locks > Keys, and tap the "person" icon next to the phone key to associate it with that profile.
How to remove a driver from my Tesla?
To remove a driver, open your Tesla app, go to "Security & Drivers," then "Manage Drivers," and tap "Remove" next to the driver's name you wish to revoke access for.
How to grant temporary access to my Tesla?
You can grant temporary access by adding the person as a driver through the Tesla app, similar to adding a permanent driver. You can then remove their access when no longer needed.
How to update my Tesla app to the latest version?
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
To update your Tesla app, visit your smartphone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and check for updates for the Tesla app.
How to set up multiple driver profiles in one Tesla?
You can set up multiple driver profiles by having each driver create their own profile on the car's touchscreen and linking their respective phone keys or key cards to their profile.
How to ensure my Tesla automatically adjusts settings for different drivers?
Ensure each driver has a personalized profile set up in the car and that their phone key (or key card) is linked to their specific profile. The car will then automatically adjust when it detects the linked key.
How to check my Tesla's software version?
You can check your Tesla's software version on the touchscreen by going to Controls > Software.
How to troubleshoot issues when adding a driver to Tesla?
If you encounter issues, ensure both phones and the Tesla vehicle have internet connectivity, that both Tesla apps are updated, and that the invited individual has a valid Tesla Account. If problems persist, contact Tesla support.
For a visual guide on adding a driver to your Tesla, you can check out this video:
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