Ever been locked out of your Tesla's glove box, staring at the touchscreen, and drawing a blank on that PIN you thought you'd remember? It's a common scenario! Fortunately, Tesla has made resetting your glove box PIN a straightforward process, relying on your main Tesla account credentials. This guide will walk you through every step to regain access and set a new PIN, ensuring your valuables are secure once more.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Touchscreen
Let's get started! The first thing you need to do is interact directly with your Tesla's central touchscreen. This is where all the magic happens for security settings and PIN management.
1.1: Navigate to Controls
From the main display, tap on the car icon (or "Controls" depending on your software version) located at the bottom of the screen. This is your gateway to various vehicle settings.
1.2: Access Safety Settings
Within the "Controls" menu, look for and select the "Safety" option. Tesla prioritizes security, so you'll find all PIN-related settings neatly categorized here.
Step 2: Locate the Glove Box PIN Option
Once you're in the "Safety" settings, you'll need to pinpoint the specific option for the glove box PIN.
2.1: Find "Glovebox PIN"
Scroll down the "Safety" menu until you see "Glovebox PIN". This is the setting you'll be interacting with. You might see a toggle switch next to it, indicating whether the PIN is currently enabled or disabled. Don't worry if it's enabled and you don't know the PIN – we're about to fix that!
Step 3: Initiate the Reset Process
This is the crucial step where you tell your Tesla you've forgotten the PIN and need to reset it.
3.1: Attempt to Disable or Change
Even if you don't know the current PIN, tap on the "Glovebox PIN" option. You'll be prompted to enter your 4-digit PIN. Since you've forgotten it, don't enter anything here.
3.2: Look for the "Forgot PIN" Link
At the bottom of the PIN entry keypad, you'll find a small link (it can be quite tiny, so look closely!) that says something like "Enter your Tesla Account credentials" or "Forgot PIN." This is your golden ticket! Tap on this link.
Step 4: Authenticate with Your Tesla Account
To ensure only the vehicle owner can reset security settings, Tesla requires you to verify your identity using your main Tesla account.
4.1: Enter Tesla Login Credentials
The touchscreen will now prompt you to enter your Tesla account email address and password. This is the same login you use for the Tesla mobile app or the Tesla website.
Accuracy is Key: Double-check your spelling for both your email and password. Even a small typo can prevent successful authentication.
Internet Connection: Your Tesla will need an internet connection to verify these credentials, so make sure you're in an area with good cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
4.2: Follow On-Screen Directions
Once you've entered your credentials, follow any further on-screen directions. Tesla's system will verify your ownership. Upon successful verification, the glove box PIN will be reset to its factory default state, effectively removing any previously set PIN.
Step 5: Set a New Glove Box PIN (Optional, but Recommended)
Now that the old PIN is cleared, you have the option to set a brand new one.
5.1: Re-enable "Glovebox PIN"
Go back to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN. This time, if the toggle is off, turn it on.
5.2: Create Your New PIN
You'll be prompted to create a new 4-digit PIN. Choose something memorable but not easily guessable. Avoid simple sequences like "1234" or "0000." Confirm your new PIN when prompted.
Congratulations! Your Tesla glove box PIN has now been successfully reset, and you can access your belongings with your new, remembered code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to open Tesla glove box without PIN if I forgot it?
If you've forgotten your PIN, you can reset it by navigating to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN on your Tesla's touchscreen and then selecting the "Enter your Tesla Account credentials" link to log in and clear the existing PIN.
How to change my Tesla glove box PIN if I know the old one?
To change your PIN when you know the current one, go to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN, toggle it off (which will prompt for the old PIN), and then toggle it back on to set a new PIN.
How to disable Tesla glove box PIN?
You can disable the glove box PIN by going to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and toggling the option off. You will need to enter your current PIN to confirm the disablement.
How to set a glove box PIN for the first time in a Tesla?
To set a PIN for the first time, navigate to Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and toggle the option on. You'll then be prompted to create your 4-digit PIN.
How to manually open a Tesla glove box in an emergency?
While the PIN protects the glove box, it can be manually opened by accessing a latch behind the side panel of the dashboard on the passenger side. This is typically an emergency measure and is not for everyday use.
How to access the glove box via voice command?
You can open the glove box using voice commands by pressing the voice command button on your steering wheel and saying "Open glove box." If a PIN is enabled, you'll still need to enter it on the screen.
How to use the Tesla mobile app to open the glove box?
While the Tesla mobile app offers various controls, direct glove box opening or PIN reset is typically done through the vehicle's touchscreen for security reasons.
How to ensure my Tesla account is secure for PIN resets?
Always use a strong, unique password for your Tesla account and consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
How to know if my Tesla glove box is locked?
The glove box is typically locked when your Tesla is locked externally (via key fob, phone key, or walk-away locking) or when Valet Mode is active. If a PIN is enabled, it will also be required to open it.
How to troubleshoot if the glove box PIN reset isn't working?
Ensure your Tesla has a strong internet connection. Double-check your Tesla account login credentials for any typos. If issues persist, contact Tesla Service for assistance.
For a visual guide on setting up and resetting your Tesla's glovebox PIN, you can check out this YouTube video:
