Open a Tesla with a Dead Key Fob or Mobile Phone

How to Open a Tesla with a Dead Key Fob or Mobile Phone

Getting into Your Tesla

• First, if you are already inside, click here for help getting started!
• Second, for video help, click here!
• Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.

Model S, through 2020

There are now three back up entry versions for the Model S depending on when it was built. The first two belong to vehicles that did not come with a key card. If your model did not come with a try card, try both methods below, as it is unclear where the exact build separation is.

In each case, the key fob is held to a spot on the body of the car until the key fob is recognized. Tesla uses an all electronic system, so there is no hard key and corresponding key cylinder available.

First Models

In the earliest versions of the Model S, the back of key fob is to be placed against the passenger side front fender, somewhat below and to the right of the emblem, as shown in the image. When the fob is recognized, the door handles will extend as they do normally.

The instructions in newer models note that if the car does not respond, first try repositioning the fob. Failing that, try removing the dead battery from the fob and go through the process again. This last bit really shouldn’t be necessary.

Note that it will take several seconds for the car to recognize the fob.

Newer Models

The concept is the same in the newer Model S, but the location is changed. However, it remains on the passenger side. Place the key fob near the base of the passenger side windshield wiper. The image to the right shows the exact spot that worked in the model we tested, and we tried several. Then press the driver’s door handle. The handles will extend if it is recognized, but it took a full 20 seconds in the car we tested. Try repositioning the fob if this fails. If it continues not to be recognized, try removing the battery and go back through the process.

Be patient – it took a full 20 seconds for the car to recognize the fob in the model we tested!

Model S, 2021 and newer

After 2021, all Model S cars include a key card and a location on the driver’s door pilar that where the card can be read (right). This location will read the key fob as well. Place either the card or the fob on the door frame between the front and rear doors just above the bottom of the windows (right). The door handles will extend inviting you inside. Recognition should be near instantaneous, but if not simply wait a few seconds.

The vehicle can be locked this way as well.

Model X, through 2020

Early versions of Tesla’s Model X uses an entirely different back up location. There again is no hard key or key cylinder. In addition, the door handles do not extend in normal operation as with the Model S. The mirrors will extend when the key fob is recognized.

Place the key fob at the base of the car on the driver’s side below the front of the rear door, as shown. If the car fails to respond, try changing the fob’s position. Finally, if the car continues not to respond, remove the battery from the fob and start over.

Once again, be patient. It may take several seconds in each position.

Model X, 2021 and newer

In 2021, the Model X also adds the same touch location on the driver’s door pilar, as seen in all remaining Tesla models. See the image above. Again, if you have a fob, the spot will read it as well.

Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla jumped the shark with the Model 3, doing away with the key fob altogether and relying on a mobile app to get their owner’s in and started. A fob can be ordered if you wish to have one. The app works. Of course, a mobile phone’s battery can be drained in a day or less, it can fail, or the phone itself can go missing. So, the back up is a key card, the size of a credit card. No pun intended, but don’t leave home without it. The process is the same for the Model Y.

To get in, the key card is placed on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown. As with other models, the mirrors will extend inviting you inside. The vehicles can be locked this way as well.

Again, a key fob with a dead battery can be read on the pilar as well.

Cybertruck

Tesla does not give Cybertruck owners an option to order a key fob, relying solely on the smart phone app or the key card.

Be sure to have the key card with you always…

There are videos to help here.

Models examined include the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

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