Have you ever found yourself in a tight parking spot, wishing your car could just… come to you? Or maybe it's pouring rain, and you're laden with groceries, dreaming of your car magically pulling up to the storefront. Well, if you own a Tesla Model Y, these aren't just dreams – they're possibilities with Smart Summon! This incredible feature, part of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, allows your Model Y to navigate complex parking environments and come to your location or a chosen destination, all from your smartphone.
Let's dive into the fascinating world of auto-summoning your Tesla Model Y.
The Magic of Tesla Smart Summon: What It Is and Why You'll Love It
Tesla's Smart Summon is a highly advanced driver-assist feature that builds upon the original "Summon" function. While basic Summon moves your Tesla straight forward or backward a short distance, Smart Summon takes it to the next level. It leverages your Model Y's cameras, ultrasonic sensors (if equipped), and GPS data to intelligently navigate obstacles and drive itself to you or a specified spot within a parking lot or private property.
Think of it as having a personal valet, but it's your car itself! This feature is particularly useful in situations like:
Tight Parking Spaces: No more squeezing yourself out of a narrow spot.
Inclement Weather: Stay dry and comfortable while your Model Y retrieves itself.
Heavy Loads: Avoid long walks with groceries or luggage.
Convenience: Simply summon your car to where you are in a large parking lot.
It's important to remember that Smart Summon is an assistive tool and requires constant driver supervision. You are always responsible for monitoring your vehicle and its surroundings.
Step 1: Confirming Your Model Y's Readiness and Your Own!
Before you can experience the marvel of Smart Summon, there are a few prerequisites to ensure both your Tesla Model Y and your setup are good to go.
Sub-heading: Vehicle and Software Requirements
First things first, your Tesla Model Y needs to be equipped with the necessary hardware and software.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: Smart Summon is a component of Tesla's Full Self-Driving package. If you don't have FSD, you won't have Smart Summon. You can check your vehicle's software and purchased features via the touchscreen in your Model Y.
Up-to-Date Software: Ensure your Model Y has the latest software update. Tesla continuously refines its features, and the performance of Smart Summon is often improved with newer versions.
Camera Calibration: Your Model Y's cameras must be fully calibrated. This happens automatically as you drive, but if you've recently had a service or a software update, it might need to recalibrate. The car will usually notify you if calibration is required.
Clean Sensors and Cameras: This is crucial! Dirty cameras and sensors (if equipped) can significantly impact Autopilot and Smart Summon performance. Before you attempt to use the feature, quickly wipe down all exterior cameras and any sensor areas. Environmental conditions like heavy rain or snow can also affect performance.
Sub-heading: Mobile App and Connectivity Essentials
Your Tesla mobile app is your remote control for Smart Summon.
Latest Tesla Mobile App Version: Make sure you have the most recent version of the Tesla app installed on your smartphone. Outdated apps might not support the feature or have glitches.
Strong Phone Connection: Your phone needs to be connected to your Model Y via Bluetooth and have a strong cellular signal and GPS data. Smart Summon operates within a proximity of approximately 65 meters (about 213 feet) from your phone. If you move too far away, or your connection drops, the summoning will pause.
Clear Line of Sight: While Smart Summon uses cameras and sensors, it's always recommended to have a clear line of sight to your Model Y during the entire summoning process. This allows you to monitor its movements and be ready to intervene.
Sub-heading: Environmental Considerations and Safety Warnings
Smart Summon is designed for specific environments.
Private Property Only: Smart Summon is exclusively designed and intended for use on private property parking lots and driveways where the surrounding area is familiar and predictable. Do NOT use Smart Summon on public roads.
Paved Surfaces: The feature is meant for paved surfaces and may not perform as expected on uneven terrain, gravel, or steep slopes (it's designed for gradients up to 10%).
Obstacle Awareness: While Smart Summon navigates around objects, it may not stop for all objects, particularly very low objects like some curbs or very high objects like shelves. It also may not react to all oncoming or side traffic. Always remain vigilant!
Driver Responsibility: Remember, Smart Summon is a BETA feature. You are the driver, and you are continually responsible for monitoring the vehicle and its surroundings and being prepared to take immediate action at any time. Release the button on the app to stop the car instantly if needed.
Step 2: Enabling and Customizing Smart Summon Settings
Once you've confirmed your Model Y and phone are ready, you'll need to enable and potentially customize the Smart Summon settings within your vehicle.
Sub-heading: Activating Smart Summon in Your Tesla
On your Model Y's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon.
You'll likely see options for both "Summon" (basic forward/reverse) and "Smart Summon" (sometimes referred to as "Actually Smart Summon"). Ensure Smart Summon is enabled.
You'll be prompted to read and understand a disclaimer. It's vital to take this seriously, as it outlines the responsibilities of the driver. Tap "Yes" to acknowledge.
Sub-heading: Personalizing Your Summon Experience (Optional but Recommended)
Within the "Customize Summon" menu, you can adjust a few settings to suit your preferences:
Standby Mode: This is a fantastic feature that reduces the time it takes for Smart Summon to "warm up" and start moving. When enabled, your Model Y stays ready for summoning, consuming a small amount of additional battery power. You can even exclude certain locations (like Home or Work) from Standby Mode to conserve energy overnight.
Bumper Clearance (for basic Summon, but good to understand the concept): While more relevant for basic Summon, it highlights how you can set the distance your Tesla will stop from a detected object. For Smart Summon, the system intelligently manages distances, but this gives you an idea of the precision.
Completion Sound: You can choose a sound for your Model Y to play externally when it reaches its destination after a Smart Summon maneuver (requires the Pedestrian Warning System).
Emissions on Abort: When enabled, your Model Y will perform an emissions system test if your Summon session is aborted.
Step 3: Initiating Smart Summon from Your Mobile App
Now for the exciting part – bringing your Model Y to life with a tap of your finger!
Sub-heading: Accessing the Summon Feature in the App
Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
On the main screen, you'll see a section for your car. Tap the "Summon" icon. This will typically be located near the bottom of the screen or accessible from the main controls.
You'll then see an image of your Model Y. Tap the "Smart Summon" icon, usually located in the center of the image. It might take a few seconds for the feature to initialize and connect to your vehicle.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Summon Mode
Once Smart Summon is active, the app will display a map with a blue circle, representing the maximum 65-meter proximity you must maintain. Your location will be a blue dot, and your Model Y will be a red arrow. You have two primary modes for Smart Summon:
1. Come to Me Mode ♀️
Purpose: This mode is perfect when you want your Model Y to drive directly to your current GPS location.
How to Use: Simply press and hold the "Come to Me" button on the app.
Behavior: Your Model Y will begin to move towards you, navigating around obstacles as necessary. As you move, your Model Y will follow your GPS location. When it reaches you, it will stop and shift into Park.
2. Go to Target Mode
Purpose: This mode allows you to specify a precise destination for your Model Y to drive to.
How to Use: Touch the crosshair icon on the map, then drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination. Once the pin is set, press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
Behavior: Your Model Y will move towards the set destination, maneuvering around obstacles. When it reaches the location, it will stop, shift into Park, and the mobile app will confirm that Summon has completed.
Changing the Target: If you need to change the destination during a "Go to Target" session, simply lift your finger, reposition the map, and then press and hold "Go to Target" again.
Sub-heading: Continuous Monitoring and Stopping Your Tesla
Always Hold the Button: Regardless of the mode, you must continually press and hold the button ("Come to Me" or "Go to Target") on the mobile app for your Model Y to keep moving. If you release the button at any time, your Model Y will immediately stop. This is a crucial safety feature.
Eyes on the Car! There is no need to look at your mobile app while the car is moving. Your primary focus should be on your Model Y and its immediate surroundings. Be ready to release the button at a moment's notice.
What Happens When it Starts: Immediately after initiating Smart Summon, your Model Y's hazard lights will briefly flash, mirrors will fold, and the car will shift into Drive or Reverse. It will then slowly move, typically within 1 meter of you (Come to Me) or your chosen destination (Go to Target).
Step 4: Understanding Limitations and Best Practices
While Smart Summon is an impressive feature, it's not a fully autonomous system and has important limitations. Adhering to best practices will ensure a safe and successful experience.
Sub-heading: Key Limitations to Be Aware Of
Maximum Distance: Smart Summon typically works when your phone is within approximately 65 meters (213 feet) of your Model Y. If the vehicle moves beyond this range (especially in Go to Target mode, where you might not be following it), it may limit speed or stop.
Obstacle Detection: While advanced, Smart Summon may not detect all obstacles, especially very small, low-lying, or extremely high objects. It also might not react to all cross-traffic or anticipate sudden movements from pedestrians or other vehicles.
Environmental Factors: Performance can be significantly impacted by weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog), poor lighting, or obstructions to cameras/sensors (e.g., mud, ice, stickers).
Sloped Surfaces: Smart Summon is primarily designed for flat, paved surfaces. It may not operate effectively on steep inclines or declines (over a 10% grade).
GPS Availability: In areas with poor cellular coverage or GPS signals (like underground parking garages), Smart Summon may not function or may behave erratically.
No Public Road Use: Reiteration: Smart Summon is strictly for private property. Using it on public roads is unsafe and against Tesla's guidelines.
Sub-heading: Best Practices for a Smooth Smart Summon Experience
Stay Attentive: This cannot be stressed enough. Always maintain full attention on your Model Y and its immediate environment. Think of yourself as the co-pilot, ready to take over at any second.
Keep Line of Sight: While the app provides camera views, having a direct, clear line of sight to your vehicle is the safest approach.
Anticipate and Be Ready to Stop: There can be a slight delay between releasing the button and the car fully stopping. Always anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to release the button quickly.
Clean Your Cameras: A quick wipe-down of all exterior cameras (Autopilot cameras are located around the car) before using Smart Summon can drastically improve performance.
Use Standby Mode: If you frequently use Smart Summon, enable Standby Mode to reduce startup delays.
Practice in Familiar Areas: Begin by using Smart Summon in familiar, open, and predictable environments to get a feel for how your Model Y responds.
Don't Over-rely: Smart Summon is a convenience feature, not a replacement for attentive driving. It's best used for its intended purpose in appropriate scenarios.
Smart Summon vs. Summon: A Quick Distinction
It's helpful to understand the difference between the two "Summon" features:
Summon (often called "Dumb Summon"): This is the basic functionality. Your Model Y moves straight forward or backward into or out of a parking space, typically a maximum of 12 meters (39 feet). It's simple and doesn't actively steer around obstacles. You operate it with forward/reverse buttons in the app or sometimes the key fob.
Smart Summon (also "Actually Smart Summon"): This is the advanced version. Your Model Y actively navigates around obstacles within a more complex environment (like a parking lot) to come to you or a designated spot. It uses the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" modes in the app. This is the feature we've been discussing in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Model Y Auto Summon
How to enable Smart Summon on my Tesla Model Y?
To enable Smart Summon, go to your Model Y's touchscreen: Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon, then ensure Smart Summon is toggled on and agree to the disclaimer.
How to use Smart Summon on my Tesla Model Y with the mobile app?
Open the Tesla mobile app, tap the "Summon" icon, then tap the "Smart Summon" icon. Choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" mode and press and hold the corresponding button.
How to stop my Tesla Model Y during a Smart Summon maneuver?
Simply release your finger from the "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" button on the Tesla mobile app, and your Model Y will immediately come to a stop.
How to know if my Tesla Model Y has Smart Summon?
Smart Summon is part of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability. Check your Tesla's software or your Tesla account to see if you have the FSD package purchased or subscribed to.
How to ensure my Model Y cameras are calibrated for Smart Summon?
Camera calibration usually happens automatically as you drive. If a calibration is needed, your Model Y's touchscreen will typically display a message. Driving for some distance with clear lane markings usually completes the process.
How to improve Smart Summon performance in challenging conditions?
Ensure all cameras are clean, operate in well-lit areas, maintain a strong phone signal and GPS, and use Standby Mode to reduce startup delays. Avoid using it in heavy rain, snow, or on steep slopes.
How to set a specific destination for my Model Y to come to using Smart Summon?
In the Smart Summon map view on your Tesla app, tap the crosshair icon, then drag the map to place the pin on your desired destination. Press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to follow my Tesla Model Y when using Smart Summon in "Go to Target" mode?
If you've set a target far from your current location, you may need to walk or move to stay within the 65-meter (213-foot) range of your Model Y for the summoning to continue uninterrupted.
How to avoid common issues when auto-summoning my Tesla Model Y?
Always have a clear line of sight to the car, keep your finger on the button, ensure clear camera views, and only use the feature on private property with familiar surroundings.
How to conserve battery power when using Smart Summon?
While Smart Summon itself is not a major power drain, if you use "Standby Mode" frequently, you can conserve battery by setting it to exclude your Home or Work locations during specific hours (e.g., overnight).
