So, you're ready to unlock your sleek Tesla, but your phone battery is dead, or you simply prefer the classic key card approach? No problem! The Tesla key card is a reliable and straightforward way to access and even start your vehicle. Let's walk through the steps together, making sure you feel confident and in control.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Key Card
First things first, let's locate your Tesla key card. It's a slim, wallet-sized card designed for convenience. Think of it as a modern, high-tech key that communicates with your Tesla using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) signals.
Why use a key card?
It's an excellent backup in case your phone key isn't available (e.g., dead battery, lost phone).
It's durable, waterproof, and battery-free, making it a reliable physical key.
It's a straightforward way to grant temporary access to others.
Make sure to remove the key card from your wallet or any other cards before using it. Other contactless cards can sometimes interfere with the signal, preventing your Tesla from recognizing it.
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| How To Unlock Tesla With Key Card |
Step 2: Unlocking Your Tesla's Doors
Now for the main event: getting inside your Tesla! The process is quite intuitive.
Locating the Card Reader
Your Tesla has a specific spot where the key card needs to be tapped. This is typically the driver's side door pillar, also known as the B-pillar. It's the pillar between the front and rear doors, usually around one-third of the way up from the bottom, often just below the side camera.
The Tap and Confirm Method
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
Position the Card: Hold your key card flat against the driver's side door pillar at the designated spot. You may need to physically touch it and hold it there for one or two seconds.
Wait for Confirmation:
You'll typically hear a single chirp from the vehicle (if enabled).
The exterior lights will flash.
The side mirrors will unfold (if "Fold Mirrors" is enabled).
The doors will unlock.
Voila! Your Tesla is now unlocked.
Opening the Door
Once unlocked, if your door handles are retracted, simply press your thumb into the widest part of the door handle. The handle will pivot outwards, allowing you to grasp it and pull the door open.
Step 3: Powering Up Your Tesla and Driving
Getting into your Tesla is just the first part; now you need to power it on to drive.
Within Two Minutes of Unlocking
Enter the Vehicle: Get into the driver's seat.
Press the Brake Pedal: Within two minutes of scanning your key card to unlock the car, simply press the brake pedal. Your Tesla will power on and be ready to drive.
If You Wait Longer Than Two Minutes
If more than two minutes pass after unlocking with the key card and before you press the brake, your authentication period will expire. Don't worry, it's an easy fix:
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Re-authenticate: Place your key card near the card reader located in the wireless phone charger on the center console.
Wait for Detection: When your Tesla detects the key card, your two-minute authentication period restarts.
Press the Brake Pedal: Once re-authenticated, press the brake pedal to power on your vehicle.
Step 4: Locking Your Tesla
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Just as easily as you unlocked it, you can lock your Tesla with the key card.
Manual Locking
Exit the Vehicle: Ensure all doors and trunks are closed.
Tap the Door Pillar: Once you've exited, place the key card against the driver's side door pillar again, just as you did to unlock it.
Confirmation: The exterior lights will flash, and the side mirrors will fold (if enabled), confirming that your Tesla is locked.
Related FAQ Questions
How to add a new Tesla key card?
You'll need an already paired key (another key card or a key fob) or access to the Tesla mobile app. On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key. Then, scan your new key card on the wireless phone charger.
How to remove a lost or stolen Tesla key card?
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Locks. In the key list, find the key you want to delete and touch the associated trash icon. You'll then be prompted to scan an authenticated key to confirm the deletion.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla key card isn't working?
Ensure you are tapping the card flat against the correct spot on the B-pillar and holding it for one to two seconds. Also, make sure there's no interference from other contactless cards in your wallet.
How to start a Tesla if the key card battery is dead?
Tesla key cards are battery-free and communicate via RFID, so they don't have a battery to die! This makes them an extremely reliable backup.
How to use the Tesla key card for different models (Model 3, Y, S, X)?
The process is largely the same for Model 3, Model Y, Model S (2021+ refreshed), and Model X (2021+ refreshed). You'll tap the card against the driver's side door pillar for unlocking and locking, and on the center console for starting if outside the two-minute window. Older Model S/X might primarily use a key fob.
How to tell if my Tesla is locked or unlocked with the key card?
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
When you tap to unlock, the exterior lights flash and mirrors unfold. When you tap to lock, the exterior lights flash and mirrors fold. You may also hear a confirmation sound if enabled.
How to ensure my Tesla key card lasts long?
Since it's a passive RFID card, it's quite durable. Simply avoid extreme physical damage, bending, or excessive exposure to heat.
How to use my phone as a Tesla key?
Download the Tesla mobile app, log in, enable Bluetooth on your phone, and then set up your phone as a key within the app. Ensure "Allow Mobile Access" is enabled on your vehicle's touchscreen (Controls > Safety).
How to open the frunk (front trunk) with a Tesla key card?
The key card typically doesn't have a dedicated button for the frunk. You would use the Tesla mobile app or the touchscreen inside the car to open the frunk.
How to open the rear trunk with a Tesla key card?
Similar to the frunk, the key card doesn't have a direct button for the rear trunk. You would open it via the Tesla mobile app or the touchscreen.
You can learn more about accessing your Model 3 through this official Tesla video:
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