The Tesla phone key feature is a convenient option to access and open your vehicle. However, some people experience moments when the feature fails to work. Here’s an explanation of how to overcome the Tesla phone key not working.
The Tesla phone key not working alert may come when trying to operate your vehicle using your mobile device. It may result from issues with Bluetooth connection or the need for a software update. Getting software updates or resetting your Bluetooth connection may fix the problem. If it persists, you must contact Tesla customer support.
You can install the Tesla app on a mobile device of your choice to manage all car features. Thanks to the handy app, starting or stopping to charge, unlocking or locking the doors, and even honking the horn are now a breeze.
How Do I Set Up Tesla Phone Key Access?
Tesla cars have a virtual key known as the Phone Key instead of a physical key to manage your vehicle. The connection between your Tesla and the mobile device works up to 30 feet under optimal conditions.
However, in a real-world experience, a reliable connection is between 15 to 20 feet. Here’s what you need to get started to set up a Tesla phone key.
- Compatible Android or iOS device
- Tesla Key Card
- Tesla app
- Access to car interior and touchscreen
- Five minutes installation time
After knowing what to start, it’s time to begin setting up the connection.
Step-By-Step Guide To Set Up Tesla Phone Key
- Download the Tesla app on your Android or iOS mobile device
- Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device
- Press the CAR icon on the bottom left of the Tesla touchscreen
- Hold down the LOCKS icon on the touchscreen
- Click the ‘+’ sign beside the key
- Press START when the app asks you to SET UP YOUR PHONE AS KEY
- Bluetooth will start searching for your car
- Press the key card on the appropriate spot on the center console when prompted
- The app on your device will show SUCCESS when the process is completed.
- Press DONE to exit the screen, and the name of your phone will show under KEYS on the Tesla touchscreen
- You can now use Tesla phone key access to enjoy all the features of your car
What May Cause The Tesla Phone Key Not To Work?
Several factors may make the Tesla app bring the TESLA PHONE KEY NOT WORKING error message. Let’s highlight them below.
Interruption in Bluetooth Connection
You’re likely to experience an interruption in the Bluetooth connection between your mobile device and your Tesla in areas with much interference. These include proximity to a power line or the presence of a cell tower.
The interference may also come from having multiple devices linked to the Bluetooth connection in your Tesla. Any of those devices has a possibility of causing interference.
Forgetting To Update The Update
Tesla keeps updating its software, and it’s your role to ensure your app is current. A good example is when some drivers using Android 13 faced incompatibility problems. Their devices were operating on the latest Android operating system, yet their app wasn’t updated.
Fixing the problem required updating the Tesla app to match the new operating system.
How To Fix Tesla Phone Key Not Working?
Here are some quick fixes when the Tesla phone key is not working.
Update The Tesla App
The first thing to do when you get this issue is to check your Tesla app. Ensure you have the latest app version installed on your smart device. Tesla regularly releases updates to its app, and installing the latest version may resolve the problem of a failed connection.
To get updates, go to Google Play or App Store, depending on your device. When no updates are available, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Ensure Your Bluetooth Connection Is Enabled
Sometimes you may turn off your Bluetooth and not realize it when you want to access your Tesla. When you realize the Tesla phone key is not working, a good idea is to check that Bluetooth connection is enabled on your device.
Some phones disable Bluetooth when the power reaches a low level. So, check that your device has sufficient power to run Bluetooth.
Reset Bluetooth Connection
If you enabled Bluetooth but the problem remains, you can reset the connection. Go to Bluetooth settings and find the name of your Tesla. Select FORGET DEVICE to have it removed from your Bluetooth-paired devices.
Restart your device and connect the car via Bluetooth again. It may solve the Tesla phone key is not working.
Restart Your Tesla
If resetting your Bluetooth connection doesn’t solve the problem, you must consider restarting your Tesla. Go to the CONTROLS menu on the Tesla app and choose POWER OFF. Wait for a few minutes before turning your Tesla back on. Check whether the problem is resolved.
Contact Tesla Customer Support
If all the above recommendations don’t work, you can call Tesla customer support. You will get additional troubleshooting steps or advice to solve the issue. It requires you to schedule an appointment on the app to open the lines of communication.
Tesla service will respond to seek more information about the issue you’re facing in the chat function. Alternatively, you can call them on their toll-free number, 888-518-3752.
Troubleshooting Tips in Phone Settings
You must ensure that your phone has an internet connection. This is important since the phone key feature works via Bluetooth, but your device must be connected to the internet.
The local services feature in your phone be set to ALWAYS ON or ONLY WHEN USING TESLA APP. Alternatively, you can try restarting your device to see if the issue will disappear.
Troubleshooting Tips On The Tesla App
Ensure that you have the Tesla app always running in the background. Always open the app and activate CLIMATE CONTROL before getting to your car to wake up the connection. If you have multiple cars connected to your MYTESLA account, ensure you choose the right one.
Wrapping Up
You may get a Tesla phone key not working alert when operating your vehicle through your mobile device. It may result from Bluetooth interference or the need to update the Tesla software. Resetting the Bluetooth connection or updating the software may solve the issue.
