For Tesla Model S owners, the traditional key fob is just one way to access and operate your vehicle. Tesla provides a cutting-edge alternative: using your smartphone as a digital key. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your phone as a key for your Tesla Model S, ensuring a seamless and keyless experience.
Prerequisites for Setting Up Your Phone Key
Before you begin setting up your phone as a key, ensure you have the following in place:
- Tesla Mobile App: Download and install the official Tesla mobile app on your smartphone from your app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android).
- Tesla Account Login: You need to be logged into the Tesla mobile app using your existing Tesla account username and password. This is crucial for your phone to communicate with your Model S.
- Bluetooth Enabled: Bluetooth must be enabled in your phone’s general settings. Additionally, you need to ensure Bluetooth access is specifically granted to the Tesla mobile app within your phone’s app settings. This allows your phone to communicate wirelessly with your Model S.
- Location Access: Location services need to be enabled for the Tesla mobile app and set to “Always” or “Allow all the time”. This is often required for features like phone key functionality to work reliably. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to keep the Tesla app running in the background.
- Mobile Access Enabled on Vehicle: On your Tesla Model S touchscreen, navigate to ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Allow Mobile Access’ and make sure this feature is enabled. This setting authorizes your vehicle to communicate with and be controlled by the mobile app.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Phone Key
Once you have met all the prerequisites, follow these steps to set up your phone as your Tesla Model S key:
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Open the Tesla Mobile App: Launch the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone. Make sure you are logged in with your Tesla account credentials. If you have multiple Tesla vehicles linked to your account, verify that the app is currently selecting the Model S you intend to set up the phone key for.
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Initiate Phone Key Setup: While you are inside or in close proximity to your Tesla Model S, look for the “Set Up Phone Key” option on the app’s main screen. If you don’t see it there, navigate to “Security” and then “Set Up Phone Key”.
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Follow Prompts: The Tesla mobile app and your Model S touchscreen will now guide you through the setup process with on-screen prompts. Carefully follow these instructions to complete the pairing of your phone with your vehicle as a key. This process typically involves Bluetooth pairing and security confirmations.
Important Considerations and Security Tips
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Phone Key as Primary: Understand that once set up, the phone key defaults to being the “primary” key for your Tesla Model S. This means the vehicle will prioritize detecting your phone via Bluetooth for unlocking and access.
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Bluetooth Proximity Detection: Your Model S uses Bluetooth to detect your phone’s proximity. It’s important to note that the vehicle cannot differentiate whether your phone is inside or outside the car.
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Security Implications: If you leave your paired phone inside your Tesla Model S with Bluetooth enabled, it’s effectively the same as leaving a traditional key fob inside an unlocked car. Even if you use the lock icon in the mobile app, the car might still unlock when the exterior door handle is pulled because it detects the paired phone key inside.
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Locking Yourself Inside: If you need to lock yourself inside your Model S, the only reliable method is to close all doors and then use the lock icon on the vehicle’s touchscreen. This action temporarily overrides phone key settings like Walk-Away Door Lock, ensuring the doors remain locked even with your phone inside.
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Phone Battery: Remember that your phone needs sufficient battery power to maintain a Bluetooth connection with your Model S. Many smartphones automatically disable Bluetooth when battery levels are critically low, which would prevent your phone from functioning as a key.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up your smartphone as a convenient and modern digital key for your Tesla Model S, offering a seamless entry and driving experience. Always prioritize security and be mindful of how the phone key system operates, especially in terms of proximity detection and locking mechanisms.
