To set up your smartphone as a key:

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 inside or near the vehicle, 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.

Keep in mind that the phone key defaults as the “primary” key and the vehicle uses Bluetooth to detect your phone’s proximity to the vehicle. The vehicle cannot detect whether the phone is inside or outside of Model 3. If you leave your paired phone inside the vehicle with Bluetooth enabled, it is essentially the same as leaving your keys in your vehicle with the doors unlocked – even if you press the lock icon on the mobile app. Therefore, your vehicle may not be secure if you lock a paired phone key inside because Model 3 will unlock the door when the exterior door handle is pulled since the phone key is already detected.

If you want to lock yourself inside Model 3, the only way to do so is to close the doors and use the lock icon on the touchscreen. This temporarily overrides any phone lock settings, such as Walk-Away Door Lock. Otherwise, because your phone is enabled as a key, the doors will unlock when the exterior door handles are pulled.

If you have a key card or key fob that is already paired with your vehicle, you can pair a new key using the touchscreen.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key.
2. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located 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 card reader.
3. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located on either wireless phone charger. When you hear a chime, the new key card is recognized.
4. Scan a key card or key fob that has already been paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.
5. When complete, the key list includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

In the event that you don't have a working key card or key fob, you can add a new key using the Tesla mobile app.

1. While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
2. In the mobile app, touch Security & Drivers, then touch Add Key Card.
3. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located behind the cup holders on the top of the center console.
4. Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located on either wireless phone charger.
5. When the key is paired successfully, the mobile app shows a confirmation message. Touch Done in the mobile app and remove the key card or key fob from the card reader.
6. When complete, the key list on the touchscreen includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

When you no longer want a key to access Model 3 (for example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), follow these steps to remove it.

1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.
2. In the key list, find the key that you would like to delete and touch its associated trash icon.
3. When prompted, scan an authenticated key on the card reader to confirm the deletion. When complete, the key list no longer includes the deleted key.

If you lose a key card, you can purchase replacement ones on the Tesla Shop. When ready to pair, simply follow the steps above. Remember to remove your old key cards from Controls > Locks > Keys for security purposes.