The Tesla Model S offers a futuristic approach to vehicle access, moving beyond traditional keys. While the Tesla Key Fob Model S is still an option, many owners are embracing the convenience of using their smartphones as a digital key. This guide will walk you through setting up your phone as a key for your Tesla Model S, ensuring a seamless and modern entry experience.
Setting Up Your Phone as a Tesla Model S Key: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transforming your smartphone into your Tesla Model S key is a straightforward process using the Tesla mobile app. Follow these steps to enable this feature:
1. Download and Log into the Tesla Mobile App
First, you’ll need the official Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone. Download it from your phone’s app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android). Once installed, open the app and log in using your existing Tesla account credentials.
Alt: Tesla mobile app login screen on a smartphone displaying username and password fields, for setting up Tesla Model S phone key access.
Important Note: Staying logged into your Tesla account in the mobile app is crucial for continuous phone key access to your Model S. If you log out, this functionality will be disabled. Also, if you manage multiple Tesla vehicles under one account, ensure the app is currently selecting the Model S you intend to control with your phone key.
2. Enable Bluetooth and Location Permissions
For your smartphone to communicate with your Tesla Model S and function as a key, specific Bluetooth and location settings need to be enabled on your phone.
- General Bluetooth Settings: Ensure Bluetooth is generally activated in your phone’s main settings.
- Tesla App Bluetooth Permission: Grant Bluetooth access specifically to the Tesla mobile app. You can usually find this in your phone’s settings under “Apps” or “Applications,” then locate the Tesla app and check its permissions.
- Location Access: Enable location access for the Tesla app and set it to “Always” or “Allow all the time.” This allows the app to work in the background and ensures seamless key functionality. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to keep the Tesla app running in the background.
Alt: Smartphone Bluetooth settings screen showing Bluetooth enabled for Tesla mobile app to allow phone key feature for Tesla Model S.
3. Verify “Allow Mobile Access” on Your Model S Touchscreen
For security reasons, you need to enable mobile access directly from your Tesla Model S touchscreen. Navigate to “Controls” from the bottom bar, then tap “Safety,” and finally ensure that “Allow Mobile Access” is toggled ON.
Alt: Tesla Model S touchscreen display showing ‘Allow Mobile Access’ setting enabled under Safety Controls, essential for phone key setup and mobile app connectivity.
Important Note: Tesla Model S utilizes Bluetooth technology to communicate with your phone for the phone key feature. Ensure your phone has sufficient battery charge to maintain a Bluetooth connection. Many smartphones automatically disable Bluetooth when battery levels are critically low, which would temporarily disable your phone key functionality.
4. Set Up Phone Key in the Tesla App
With all prerequisites in place, you can now finalize the phone key setup within the Tesla mobile app. While inside or in close proximity to your Model S, open the Tesla app.
- On the main app screen, look for and tap “Set Up Phone Key.”
- Alternatively, navigate to “Security” and then “Set Up Phone Key.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts displayed both in the mobile app and on your Model S touchscreen to complete the pairing process.
Alt: Tesla mobile app screen showing ‘Set Up Phone Key’ option, initiating the process to use a smartphone as a key for Tesla Model S.
Important Note: Upon successful setup, your phone key becomes the default “primary” key. Your Tesla Model S uses Bluetooth to detect your phone’s proximity. It’s crucial to understand that the vehicle cannot differentiate if the phone is inside or outside the car. Leaving your paired phone inside your Model S with Bluetooth enabled is akin to leaving traditional keys inside an unlocked car.
Security Considerations for Your Tesla Model S Phone Key
While the phone key offers immense convenience, it’s essential to be aware of security implications:
- Phone Left Inside: If you leave your paired phone inside the Model S, even if you lock the doors via the app, the car may unlock when the door handle is pulled as the phone key is detected inside.
- Manual Locking from Inside: To securely lock yourself inside the Model S, you must close the doors and use the lock icon on the touchscreen. This action temporarily overrides phone key settings like Walk-Away Door Lock.
- Walk-Away Door Lock: Normally, with phone key enabled, your Model S will automatically lock when you walk away with your phone. However, if you are inside and want to ensure it remains locked, the touchscreen lock icon is necessary.
Understanding the Tesla Model S Key Fob
Although this guide focuses on the phone key, the Tesla key fob Model S is still a viable and preferred option for some owners. The key fob offers a traditional key experience with added functionalities like remote locking/unlocking, trunk release, and summoning (depending on your Model S configuration). It’s a physical device that provides a tangible sense of security for those accustomed to traditional car keys. For users concerned about phone battery life or preferring a dedicated physical key, the key fob remains a reliable alternative to the digital phone key.
Conclusion
Setting up your phone as a key for your Tesla Model S is a modern and convenient way to access and control your vehicle. By following these steps and understanding the security considerations, you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone into your Tesla experience. Whether you choose the phone key or the traditional Tesla key fob Model S, Tesla provides flexible access solutions to suit your preferences.
