2021 Tesla Model 3 Keys Owners Manual

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

Using your phone as a key 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 key, doors automatically lock (provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on; see 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 username and password.
   Note

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

   If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla account, you must ensure that the vehicle you want the mobile app to access is currently selected on the mobile app.
3. Ensure:
   • Your phone’s general Bluetooth settings are enabled.
   • Bluetooth is enabled within your phone’s settings for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is turned on.
   • Access to your location is enabled. Open the Tesla mobile app in your phone’s settings and select Location > Always. For the best experience, keep the mobile app running in the background.
   • Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the vehicle touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access).
   Note

   Model 3 communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. 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. While sitting inside the vehicle with a key card handy, open the Tesla mobile app and touch Set Up Phone Key on the main screen, or navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key. Follow the prompts on the mobile app and vehicle touchscreen to set up your phone key.

To view a list of keys that can currently access Model 3, or to remove a phone key, touch Controls > Locks (see Managing Keys). Model 3 can connect to three phone keys simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three phone keys are detected and you want to authenticate or pair a different phone, move the other connected phone key(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting. Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer requires an internet connection to be used as a phone key for Model 3. However, to use the phone hands-free, access your phone’s contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone).

Tesla provides you with two Model 3 key cards, designed to fit in your wallet. 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 Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation Sound 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 two minutes of scanning the key card (see Starting and Powering Off). If you wait longer than two minutes, 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 two-minute authentication period restarts. If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see Walk-Away Door Lock) operates only when you walk away using a phone key or passive key fob. When you walk away carrying your key card, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock.

If you have purchased the key fob accessory (available for purchase from Tesla stores or online at http://www.tesla.com/shop), 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 unlatch 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 unlatch 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 (phones, laptops, etc.). In the event that the key fob’s battery is dead, you can still use it to drive the vehicle by scanning the key fob on the card reader located on the driver’s side door pillar (like the key card). Instructions for changing the battery are provided in Replacing the Key Fob Battery.

To display a list of all keys (phone keys, 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, key card, or key fob. Use this list to manage keys that have access to your Model 3. To add or delete keys, see Adding and Removing Keys.

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