To use a key card to unlock or lock the vehicle from outside, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located approximately one third of the way up the driver’s side door pillar. When the vehicle detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is enabled), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation Sound is enabled), and the doors unlock or lock.
NOTE: You may need to hold the key card against the transmitter for a few seconds.
Once inside, power up the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card. If you wait longer than two minutes, you must authenticate again by placing the key card near one of the card readers located on the wireless phone chargers in the center console. When the key card is detected, the two-minute authentication period restarts.
NOTE: Do not leave a key card in the vehicle, even if you have your paired phone key with you.
NOTE: If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, it operates only when you walk away using a phone key. When leaving the vehicle with a key card, the doors do not automatically lock.
To display a list of all keys that can access the vehicle, touch Controls > Locks. An icon appears next to each key to indicate whether it is a phone key or a key card. You can use this list to manage keys that have access to the vehicle.
The system supports up to 19 keys at a time. Three of these can be phone keys or watch keys. If the limit is reached, you must delete an existing key before adding a new one.
A key card can be paired with multiple vehicles, allowing you to use the same card without carrying multiple keys. Pairing enables you to access and drive the vehicle.
NOTE: If you rename a paired key card on one vehicle, the updated name will appear on any other vehicle paired with that same card.
You can use your phone to access the vehicle after adding it as a phone key. Before pairing your phone, ensure the following:
NOTE: The vehicle communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. Ensure your phone has enough battery power, as some devices disable Bluetooth when battery levels are low.
NOTE: You must remain logged in to your Tesla account to use your phone for vehicle access.
NOTE: If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla account, ensure the correct vehicle is selected in the mobile app to use convenience features such as hands-free frunk.
You can also use an Apple Watch as a key by opening the Tesla mobile app on the watch and selecting Set Up Watch Key.
NOTE: You must have your key card available when setting up a phone key.
The vehicle can connect to three phone keys simultaneously. If more than three phone keys are detected and you want to pair another device, move the other phones out of range or disable Bluetooth on them.
If you already have a paired key card, you can add a new key directly from the touchscreen.
