Managing Keys

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Note
Depending on market region and vehicle configuration, key fobs may not be available on all vehicles.

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

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

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Note
You can use the same key for more than one Model S. 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 S (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model S to which the key card is authenticated also displays the changed name.
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Note
If you are leasing your vehicle, contact your leasing company to add or remove keys.

Pairing a New Phone Key

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

Adding Keys from the Touchscreen

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 on the wireless phone charger. To scan the key fob:
    • Place it at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider.
    • Point the front of the key fob down.
    • Swipe downwards (as shown in the image).
    When you hear a chime and the new key is recognized, remove it from the card reader.
    Key fob on left quadrant in lower right corner
  3. Scan a key card or key fob that has already been paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.
  4. When complete, the key list includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

Adding Keys from the Mobile App

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.

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Note
Only the owner of the vehicle is able to pair a new key using the mobile app.
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Note
Pairing a key with the mobile app is supported with version 4.29.0 of the Tesla mobile app on vehicles with software versions 2022.40 or higher.
  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 on the wireless phone charger. To scan the key fob:
    • Place it at the top of the left phone charger, against the center divider.
    • Point the front of the key fob down.
    • Swipe downwards (as shown in the image).
    Key fob on left quadrant in lower right corner
  4. 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.
  5. When complete, the key list on the touchscreen includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

Removing Keys

When you no longer want a key to access Model S (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.
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Note
Model S requires at least one authenticated key card or key fob at all times. If only one key card remains on the key list, you cannot delete it.

Replacing Key cards

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.