Setting up your phone to act as a key to your Tesla can be an easy and convenient way to unlock and drive your vehicle. Check out our quick tutorial below and follow our four easy steps to get on the road with your new phone key in no time.
1. Download the Tesla App
Download the Tesla App to your mobile device via either the App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android). Once installed, log into the app with your Tesla Account username and password.
2. Set up your Bluetooth
Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on. You can do this by opening Settings>Bluetooth, and ensuring the setting is enabled.
Once Bluetooth is on, return to your main Settings menu and navigate to the tab for the Tesla App. In the app settings, set “Location” to “Always.” This allows your phone to automatically lock and unlock your vehicle based on your proximity to the car.
3. Set up your Vehicle
On your vehicle’s touchscreen, select the small car icon (“Controls”) on the lower left corner, then navigate to the “Safety” tab.
In the “Safety” tab, select “Allow Mobile Access” to allow the Tesla App to communicate with your vehicle.
4. Pair your Phone as a Key
While you are inside or close to your vehicle, open the Tesla App. Tap the “Set up Phone as Key” button displayed just underneath the icon of your vehicle.
Your vehicle will begin searching for your phone via Bluetooth. Once found, your phone’s name will show on the vehicle touchscreen. Select your device.
Your vehicle will then generate a secure code and send it to your phone. Ensure the code is the same on your phone and on the vehicle touchscreen and click “next.”
Your phone will finish pairing and is now ready to be used as a key.
Phone Key Best Practices
The Phone as Key feature is incredibly useful and convenient, and we have a few more tips for you to make your Tesla ownership even easier:
- Always keep one of your physical keys with you. It’s important to always keep a physical key with you in case your phone dies, gets lost, loses cellular connectivity, or is otherwise damaged. You can easily keep your key card in your wallet, bag, or pocket.
- Keep your phone within easy access. Each added layer between your phone and your vehicle makes it more difficult for the unlock and lock signals to pass between them. Make sure that your phone is not hidden too deeply within your bag, under heavy jackets, or inside other containers to allow it to function best.
Conclusion
Now you are all set to use your phone as a key with your Tesla vehicle. For more tips, tricks, and support throughout your Tesla ownership, check us out on social media!
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