Tesla Model 3: Keys

Three Types of Keys

Model 3 supports three types of keys:

• Authenticated phone - You can set up your personal smartphone to communicate with Model 3 using Bluetooth. Supports automatic locking and unlocking as well as several other functions using the Tesla mobile app.
• Key card - Tesla provides a key card that communicates with Model 3 using short range radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card is used to "authenticate" your phone to work with Model 3 and to add or remove other key cards, phones, or key fobs. In situations where your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to unlock, drive, and lock Model 3.
• Key fob - The key fob allows you to press buttons to open the front and rear trunks, and unlock, lock, and drive Model 3. The key fob also supports automatic locking and unlocking, if available in your region. This is an accessory sold separately.

Model 3 supports a total of 19 keys, which can include authenticated phones, key cards, and up to four key fobs.

Caution: Remember to bring a key with you when you drive. Although you can drive Model 3 away from its key, you will be unable to power it back on after it powers off.

Authenticated Phone

Using your phone is a convenient way to access your Model 3. As you approach, your phone's Bluetooth signal is detected and doors unlock when you press a door handle.

Likewise, when you exit and walk away with the phone, doors automatically lock (provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on, as described in Walk-Away Door Lock)

Before you can use a phone to access Model 3, follow these steps to authenticate it:

1. Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
2. Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla Account user name and password.

Note: You must remain logged in to your Tesla Account to use your phone to access Model 3.

3. Ensure that your phone's Bluetooth setting is turned on.

Note: Model 3 communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. To authenticate your phone or use it as a key, the phone must be powered on and Bluetooth must be enabled. Keep in mind that your phone must have enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low.

4. Ensure that Allow Mobile Access (Controls > Safety & Security > Allow Mobile Access) is enabled.
5. In the Tesla mobile app, touch PHONE KEY then touch START to search for your Model 3. When your Model 3 is detected, the mobile app asks you to tap your key card.
6. Tap the key card against the Model 3 card reader on the door pillar or center console (see Key Card)

When Model 3 detects your key card, the mobile app confirms that your phone has been successfully authenticated. Touch DONE.

If the key card is not successfully scanned within approximately 30 seconds, the mobile app displays an error message. Touch PHONE KEY on the app again to retry.

To view a list of keys that can currently access Model 3, or to remove a phone, touch Controls > Locks (see Managing Keys)

Note: Authenticating your phone allows you to use it as a key to access Model 3. To use the phone hands-free, access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair and connect to it using the Bluetooth settings

Note: Model 3 can connect to three phones simultaneously. Therefore, if more than one phone is detected and you want to use, or authenticate, a different phone, move the other connected phone(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting.

Note: Unlike the mobile app, once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer requires an internet connection to communicate with Model 3. Authenticated phones communicate with Model 3 using Bluetooth.

Note: Although Bluetooth typically communicates over distances of up to approximately 30 feet (9 meters), performance can vary based on the phone you are using, environmental interference, etc.

Note: If multiple vehicles are linked to the Tesla Account, you must switch the mobile app to the vehicle that you want to access before you can use the phone as a key.

Key Card

Tesla provides you with two Model 3 key cards, designed to fit in your wallet. Tap your Model 3 key card on one of its card readers, located on the driver's side door pillar and on the center console.

To use a key card to unlock or lock Model 3, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver's side door pillar. When Model 3 detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if equipped with the premium package and Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Sound Confirmation is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

Note: You may need to physically touch the center console or driver's side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds.

Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within thirty seconds of scanning the key card (see Starting and Powering Off) If you wait longer than thirty seconds, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console.

When your key card is detected, your 30 second authentication period restarts.

Note: Walk-Away Door Lock operates only when using an authenticated phone or passive key fob. When you walk away from Model 3 carrying your key card, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock, even if this feature is turned on (see Walk-Away Door Lock)

Caution: Always carry your key card with you in your purse or wallet to use as a backup in case your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen.

Key fob

If you have purchased the key fob accessory (available for purchase from Tesla stores or online, you can quickly familiarize yourself with this key by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model 3, with the Tesla badge representing the front.

The key has three buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.

1. Front trunk - Double-click to open the front trunk.
2. Lock/Unlock All - Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
3. Rear trunk - Double-click to open the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.

Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob (see Starting and Powering Off) If you wait longer than two minutes, you must press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute authentication period restarts.

When approaching or leaving Model 3 carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model 3 as you press a button, but you must be within operating range.

Radio equipment on a similar frequency can affect the key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phone, laptop, etc.).

If the key fob does not work (for example, its battery is dead), you can touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver's side door pillar (like the key card). Instructions for changing the battery are provided in Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Note: You can use the same key fob with multiple Model 3 vehicles provided you authenticate it (see Managing Keys). However, key fob works with only one Model 3 at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different Model 3, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver's side door pillar.

Note: Model 3 supports up to four different key fobs.

Caution: Protect the key from impact, high temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid contact with solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.

Passive Key Fob

Due market region or vehicle configuration, Passive Key Fob may not be available for your vehicle.

Locking and unlocking Model 3 with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model 3 has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately three feet (one meter). Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and simply pull on the door handle to unlock. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the trunk's exterior door handle. If Walk-Away Lock is on, your vehicle automatically locks when you exit and senses that the key fob is no longer in range (see Walk-Away Door Lock). Passive key fob is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to your vehicle.

The key fob can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. If you want your key fob to passively lock and unlock for a different vehicle, touch the flat side of the key fob onto the driver's side door pillar or center console card reader.

You only need to do this once to pair it to your desired vehicle. You must pair your key fob every time you use it with a different vehicle.

Note: Only key fobs with the TESLA logo printed on the flat side have the passive locking and unlocking functionality. Key fobs with the MODEL 3 logo printed on the flat side cannot passively lock and unlock your vehicle.

Note: For increased security, your key fob disables itself after five minutes of being stationary while in range but the vehicle is not in use. The vehicle will not lock or unlock passively when this occurs. Shake or press a button on your key fob to wake it up.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Under normal use, the accessory key fob has a battery that lasts for up to five years, depending on key fob version and selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a message displays on the touchscreen.

To replace the key fob battery:

1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft surface, release the bottom cover.

2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the retaining clips.

3. While avoiding touching the battery's flat surfaces, insert the new battery (type CR2032) with the '+' side facing up.

Note: CR2032 batteries can be purchased through online retailers, local supermarkets, and drug stores.

4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until it snaps into place.
5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking your vehicle.

Attaching a Lanyard

To attach a lanyard, release the bottom cover as described above. Place the lanyard over the pin located between the slots on the widest side of the key fob. Re-align the cover and snap into place.

Managing Keys

To display a list of all keys (phones, key cards, and key fobs) that can access your Model 3, touch Controls > Locks. An icon displays next to each key to indicate whether the key is a phone, key card, or key fob. Use this list to manage keys that have access to your vehicle.

To add or delete keys

Note: You can use the same key for more than one Model 3. This prevents you from having to deal with multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize the name of an authenticated key card or key fob on one Model 3 (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model 3 to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also displays the same customized name.

Note: Model 3 supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.

Adding and Removing Keys

Adding a new key card or key fob:

Note: If adding a key fob, ensure the key fob is at room temperature. Pairing may be unsuccessful if the key fob is cold.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks then touch + in the Keys section.
2.  Scan your new key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console. After the new key card or key fob is recognized, remove it from the key reader.
3. Scan an already-authenticated (i.e. already has access to the vehicle) key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console.
4. When complete, the key list on the touchscreen displays the newlyauthenticated key. You can customize its name by touching the associated pencil icon.

Adding a new phone key:

Note: To add a new phone key, Bluetooth must be enabled and the phone must have the Tesla mobile app installed and connected to the vehicle's Tesla account.

1. While sitting in the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app and select the appropriate vehicle (if there are multiple vehicles associated with the account), then touch Phone Key > Start.
2. Scan an already-authenticated key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console.
3. When the mobile app notifies you that the pairing was successful, touch Done. The key list on the touchscreen (Controls > Locks) displays the new phone key. The name of the phone key is determined by the name used in the phone's settings.

Removing a key:

When you no longer want a key to access your vehicle (for example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), you can remove the key.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.
2. Find the key that you would like to delete in the key list, then touch the key's associated trash icon.
3. When prompted, scan an alreadyauthenticated key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console to confirm the deletion. When complete, the key list no longer includes the deleted key.

Note: Your vehicle requires at least one authenticated key card or key fob at all times.

If only one key card is included on the key list, this key cannot be deleted.

Mobile App

In addition to using it to authenticate a phone as your Model 3 key, you can use the mobile app to communicate with Model 3 remotely using your iPhone or Android phone. With this app, you can:

• View the vehicle's estimated range.
• Lock or unlock Model 3 doors and trunks remotely.
• Check charging progress, stop charging, and receive notifications when charging is started, interrupted, almost complete, or complete.

Note: When Supercharging, additional notifications alert you when you will be charged idle fees for parking at a supercharger after charging is complete.

The idle fees are waived if your vehicle is moved within five minutes of when the vehicle finishes charging.

• Check the interior temperature and heat or cool the cabin before driving (even if it's in a garage).

Note: It is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place in extremely cold weather or icy conditions. In cases where you cannot remove or insert the charge cable, or the car is not Supercharging due to the latch being frozen in place, use your Tesla mobile app to precondition your vehicle on HI for approximately 30-45 minutes (you must use your mobile app to precondition the vehicle; setting your climate to HI using the touchscreen will not be effective). This helps thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed or inserted.

• Locate Model 3 with directions, or monitor its movement across a map.
• Flash the exterior lights or honk the horn to find Model 3 when parked.
• Enable/disable Valet mode.
• Enable Keyless Driving.

Note: Keyless Driving can be used to bypass PIN to Drive in cases where you forgot your PIN or your touchscreen is unresponsive.

• Park or unpark Model 3 using Summon.
• Retrieve Model 3 using Smart Summon, if available in your market region
• Enable/disable Speed Limit Mode and receive notifications when the vehicle's driving speed is within approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) of your selected maximum speed
• Support the Model 3 Calendar app by allowing the mobile app to send your phone's calendar data to Model 3.
• Enable/disable Sentry Mode.
• Open and close your garage door if your vehicle has a programmed HomeLink connection
• Enable maximum defrost to warm your vehicle in cold conditions.
• View available software downloads and download progress.
• Vent and close all windows.
• For supported video sources, send videos to play in the Tesla Theater by sharing the link through the mobile app.
• Receive notifications if the security alarm is triggered.
• Receive notifications when a software update is available or scheduled
• Start software updates from afar.
• Access your Tesla inbox.
• View the odometer, VIN, and current software version.

Note: Some of these features require installation of the latest version of the mobile app.

Note: Do not rely on the unlock and start (keyless driving) functions of your mobile app, especially if parking in an area with limited or absent cellular service, such as an indoor parking garage. Tesla recommends that you always have a functional key (key fob, key card, connected phone key) readily available.

In the event that you require lockout assistance from Tesla due to a non-warranty issue, such as having limited cellular connectivity and having no secondary key available, your expenses are not covered under the Roadside Assistance policy.

Note: To allow the mobile app to communicate with Model 3, the phone must be connected to the internet and mobile access must be enabled (touch Controls > Safety & Security > Allow Mobile Access on the touchscreen).

Note: If multiple vehicles are linked to the Tesla Account, you must switch to the Model 3 that you want to access in the mobile app before the phone can be used as a key

Note: To take advantage of new and improved features, download updated versions of the mobile app as they become available.

Caution: Tesla does not support the use of third party applications to contact Model 3.

Note: The above list may not represent an exhaustive list of the functions available on the Tesla mobile app. To ensure access to new and improved features, download updated versions of the mobile app as they become available.