Using Authenticated App as a Key Tesla Model Y

Using your phone to access your Model Y is a convenient option. Your phone's Bluetooth connection is recognised as you approach, and doors unlock when you press a door handle. Similarly, when you exit and walk away with your phone, the doors automatically lock (if the Walk-Away Door Lock option is enabled).

Follow these procedures to authorise your phone before using it to access your Model Y:

  1. Install the Tesla mobile app on your device.
  2. Use your Tesla Account user name and password to access the Tesla mobile app. To use your phone to access Model Y, you must be logged in to your Tesla Account.
  3. Check to see if your phone's Bluetooth is turned on. You must have Bluetooth turned on in your phone's settings, as well as Bluetooth turned on in your phone's global settings for the Tesla mobile app. On your phone, go to Settings, select the Tesla mobile app, and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  4. The Model Y connects to your phone via Bluetooth. The phone must be turned on and Bluetooth must be enabled in order to authenticate or use it as a key. Keep in mind that Bluetooth requires a certain amount of battery power, and many phones shut off Bluetooth when the battery is low.
  5. Enable the setting Allow Mobile Access: Controls > Safety & Security > Allow Mobile Access.
  6. In your Tesla mobile app, touch Phone Key > Start to search for your Model Y. Once your vehicle is detected, the mobile app will prompt you to tap your key card.
  7. Tap the Model Y card reader on the door pillar or center console with the key card.

The mobile app will indicate that your phone has been successfully authenticated when Model Y identifies your key card. Touch Done.

Touch Controls > Locks to display a list of keys that can currently access Model Y, or to delete a phone (see Managing Keys).

Note: Once you've authenticated your phone, you can use it as a key to access your Model Y. You must pair and connect to the phone using the Bluetooth settings in order to use it hands-free, access your phone's contacts, play media from it, and so on.

Note: The Model Y can connect to three phones at the same time. If you want to use or authenticate a different phone, move the other connected phone(s) out of range or switch off its Bluetooth setting if more than one phone is identified.

Note: Once a phone is authorised, it no longer needs to be connected to the internet in order to communicate with Model Y. Bluetooth is used to communicate with the Model Y via authenticated phones.

Note: While Bluetooth can communicate across distances of up to 30 feet (9 metres), performance can vary depending on the phone you're using, ambient interference, and other factors.

Note: If your Tesla Account has numerous vehicles attached to it, you must first switch the mobile app to the vehicle you want to enter before you may use the phone as a key.

 

Disclaimer:
Tesla, Inc. was not involved in the development of this document and did not provide any input or otherwise edit, review or authorize it.