How to Lock a Tesla: An In-Depth Guide to Securing Your Vehicle

May 14, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Your Tesla has various options when it comes to locking and securing your vehicle

Not a Tesla App

In today's world, the security of your vehicle is more important than ever. Tesla, a pioneer in electric vehicles, has implemented advanced security features and locking mechanisms to help protect your investment. This guide will delve into the various ways to lock a Tesla, auto-locking options, and the process of locking doors from inside and outside, providing you with the knowledge to secure your car confidently.

Introduction to Tesla Locking Mechanisms

Tesla offers multiple methods to secure your vehicle, including auto-locking options, manual locking from the inside, and locking from the outside using the Tesla app or key card. Each option provides different levels of convenience and security to meet your individual preferences and needs.

Auto Locking Options

Auto-locking mechanisms on Tesla vehicles add a layer of security and convenience to your driving experience. Here are some key features:

Walk-Away Door Lock

Tesla's walk-away door lock feature automatically locks your car, whether you're using a phone key or key fob, as you move away from it. This ensures that your vehicle is secure when you're not around. As you walk back towards the car, it will automatically unlock, allowing for a seamless entry. If you keep your phone close to where your vehicle is parked, such as a bedroom above an open garage, your vehicle may unlock because your phone key is nearby. If you use the Tesla app, you can disable passive authentication on your Tesla app to prevent the vehicle from unlocking when your phone is nearby.

Exclude Home

Tesla allows you to exclude your home location from the auto-lock feature. This means your car will not auto-lock when parked at home, providing added convenience. You can input your home address in the vehicle's navigation system to set up this feature.

It's important to note that Tesla will recognize a location as being your home if it's within approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of your saved address. This means that if you leave your car in a nearby parking spot or outside of your garage, the vehicle will not lock if you have auto-lock turned off for your home location.

How Walk-Away Door Lock Works

The walk-away door lock feature utilizes your phone's or key fob's proximity to the car. The doors lock automatically when you move a certain distance away (approximately 10 feet). This distance can vary depending on your phone's signal strength or key fob battery life.

Camp Mode and Walk-Away Door Lock

When Camp Mode is activated, the walk-away door lock feature is disabled. This is to ensure that the car remains unlocked and accessible during camping or extended stays in the car. Camp Mode lets you maintain climate control, interior lighting, and USB power while parked.

Driver Door Unlock Option

You can choose to have only the driver's door unlocked when you approach the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of security by limiting access to the car. To enable this option, navigate to the "Locks" menu in your vehicle's settings.

Lock Confirmation Sound

Tesla allows you to enable or disable the lock confirmation sound, a helpful audible cue to know your vehicle is secure. This feature can be toggled on or off in the car's settings. If you decide to turn off the confirmation sound, you can check if the vehicle is locked by looking to see if the mirrors are folded.

Unlock Notifications

You can receive notifications if your car is left unlocked or if any doors are left open. This keeps you informed about the security status of your vehicle. To enable notifications, navigate to the "Safety & Security" menu in the car's settings and select the desired options.

Locking Doors from Inside

To lock a Tesla from the inside, follow these steps:

Tap the lock icon at the top of the screen. In a Model 3 or Model Y, there's also a lock icon on top of the vehicle visualization if the vehicle is parked. The doors will automatically lock, and the icon will change to indicate the locked status.

Locking Doors from Outside

You can lock your Tesla from outside using the Tesla app, key card, or touchscreen:

Locking Using the Tesla App

Open the app and look for the quick action icons. If the icon is white and unlocked, tap it to lock the car. If the icon is gray and locked, the car is already locked. Remember, quick actions are customizable, so if the lock icon is missing, you can add it back by customizing your quick actions. To customize quick actions, you can long press on any of the icons and drag the desired icons to the quick action bar.

Lock Using the Key Card

To lock your Tesla with a key card, simply tap the card on the designated area of the driver's side door pillar. The card uses RFID technology to communicate with the car, allowing for keyless entry and locking. Keep your key card safe, as it is an essential backup for accessing and starting your vehicle if your phone or key fob is unavailable.

Lock Using the Screen

Open the door, press the lock button on the center touchscreen, and then close the door. This method ensures that the car is locked even if you don't have your phone or key fob with you. As you close the door, the vehicle will recognize that the command came from inside and lock the doors accordingly.

Additional Tips for Securing Your Tesla

In addition to locking your vehicle, consider these tips to ensure your Tesla remains safe and secure:

Update Your Tesla App and Vehicle Software

Keep your vehicle's software and the Tesla app up to date to benefit from the latest security enhancements and features. You can check for updates in the car's settings under "Software."

PIN to Drive

To add an extra layer of security, enable the PIN to Drive feature, which requires entering a unique PIN before the car can be driven. This prevents unauthorized use of your vehicle, even if someone gains access to your key card or phone. You can enable PIN to Drive in the "Safety & Security" menu.

Activate Sentry Mode

Sentry Mode is a security feature that monitors the environment around your car when parked. If a potential threat is detected, the car will activate cameras and alarms to deter malicious activity. Sentry Mode cameras can also be viewed remotely in many regions.

Use a Strong Password

It is connected to your vehicle and its features. Make sure to use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Be Cautious With Car Access

While many third-party accessories and services are available for Tesla vehicles, be cautious when choosing products that may compromise the car's security, void its warranty or give access to your vehicle. Stick to reputable services and vendors and read reviews before making a purchase.

Tesla offers several options for locking and securing your vehicle, providing security and convenience. Familiarize yourself with these features and follow the additional tips mentioned above to ensure your Tesla remains safe and secure at all times. By taking advantage of these advanced security features, you can enjoy peace of mind while driving and parking your Tesla.

Tesla Updates Service Mode and Service Mode+ With Software Update 2025.2

January 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

Max Bracco / X

Tesla recently released software update 2025.2 with several new features, including Hands-Free Frunk and Trunk support for Android, a chime for rear cross-traffic alerts, and third-party charging preconditioning.

However, there are also several new features added to Tesla’s Service Mode and Service Mode+.

Recently, Tesla also added other improvements to Service Mode, including an Interactive Wiring Diagram for the Cybertruck, as well as a new speakers panel and audio test, ambient lighting features and more.

Service Mode Updates

Service Mode allows anyone to access service-related features that help troubleshoot vehicle issues. It’s available for free to all Tesla owners, but caution should be exercised when making any changes. More information about how to access Service Mode is available in our Service Mode guide.

In update 2025.2, Tesla improved two existing Service Mode panels:

Brake Burnishing - Brake burnishing helps condition new brakes and rotors. Tesla states: “The Brake Burnish procedure parameters have been updated to reduce the need for coming to almost a complete stop during each cycle.

This change is available for all vehicles.

Charge Port Calibration - Users can now run a charge port calibration, which can help to either get the charge port to fully close or fully open if you’re having issues or if you’ve refitted or retrofitted the charge port on your own. This was previously a command-line tool in ToolBox3.

In the release notes for service mode, Tesla states: “The charge port door calibration routine (PROC_CP_X_DOOR-SENSOR-CALIBRATION) and charge port latch calibration route (PROC_CP_X_LATCH-CALIBRATION) have been added to the Charging panel. Those routines are required to be run following the replacement of the charge port or charge port door.”

This change only affects the legacy Model S and Model X.

Service Mode+ Updates

The rest of the improvements to Service Mode are exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. Tesla has added new panels and several improvements to Service Mode+ with update 2025.2.

Accessories Panel - “A new Accessories panel is available to view and change configurations for accessories during retrofits, such as tow package, power liftgate, and soiler. To access the new panel, tap Low Voltage > Accessories.”

Previously, technicians had to manually enter all these configuration changes using the terminal.

This is for all Model 3s and Model Ys.

Signal Viewer Panel - “A new Signal Viewer panel is available to monitor multiple signal values live on a graph. If one or more of the signal values is unavailable, the graph will stop updating. To access the new panel, tap Tools > Signal Viewer.”

This will help technicians diagnose issues in real time when they’re related to signal quality or signal noise throughout the vehicle’s internal electrical systems.

This new panel is available on all vehicles with the AMD Ryzen infotainment processor.

Noise Recording Panel - “To improve the user experience, the recording duration has been decreased to 30 seconds, and reliability of the download routine PROC_ICE_X_FETCH-DIAGNOSTIC-AUDIO-RECORDS has been improved.”

The Noise Recording Panel, which was introduced with the 2024 Holiday Update, has been better tuned to improve technician experience while debugging noises or audio issues within the vehicle.

This particular improvement is only for the Cybertruck.

There’s rarely a software update that goes out that doesn’t include improved or new Service Mode panels. While this update focuses more on improvements to Service Mode+, it still includes other improvements to Service Mode. While these updates are aimed at Tesla technicians and third-party technicians, they also help consumers’ right to repair.

Tesla recently also started selling some vehicle parts directly to consumers through their service catalog.

Police React to Trying Tesla Patrol Vehicles [VIDEO]

January 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Unplugged Performance makes some amazing performance upgrades for Teslas and other EVs. One of their most recent programs is UP.FIT - where they equip Tesla vehicles for police duty.

Law enforcement agencies have highly specific requirements and the UP.FIT program is designed not only to meet those requirements but exceed them. EVs also come with the additional benefits of reducing maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs.

And UP.FIT isn’t just for run-of-the-mill policing, Unplugged Performance also provides upfitted Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, tailored for specialized roles such as tactical and defense applications. Let’s take a look at what real police officers think too.

“The difference is absolutely staggering. I don’t want to go back to this [ICE car] now.”

Hands-On With Teslas

Not a Tesla App

Police officers from eight different departments in California had the opportunity to participate in a unique event at an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) facility. Law enforcement agencies in North America and Europe are beginning to look at EVs more often, and finding a properly up-fitted EV for police work can be a challenge.

“I’ve never driven one until today, I have a different mindset here at 2:00 than I did at 6 a.m. this morning. I was not necessarily sold, but I am now.”

Unplugged Performance let these officers get hands-on with the Model Y Performance, and compare it to the industry-standard Ford Explorer PIU edition. They also got a chance to see some of the other UP.FIT lineup, including the Model S Plaid Interceptor and Cybertruck Patrol Vehicle.

Not a Tesla App

Reactions

The best part of this was the honest, real reactions from the officers who were trying out modified Teslas on the EVOC track.

“I might go buy one now!”

“I’m thoroughly impressed by how it handled and performed. It’s kind of made a believer out of me.”

“First time driving an electric car… The difference between the [Tesla and Ford] is staggering… I didn’t want to be in the Explorer anymore.”

Several comments talked about the handling of the vehicles - how fun they were to drive, how tight they cornered, and how fast they accelerated. They also mentioned that because of that performance - these cars were able to do things that the Ford Explorer just isn’t capable of.

And when doing simulated chases - our favorite comment “It’s like you don’t even have to try!”

Another fun data point that elicited some great reactions was the battery usage of the cars. The Teslas arrived at around 97% state of charge at 6 am, and at 2 pm, the cars still had about 55-60% of the battery left.

You can watch the entire video from Unplugged Performance below.

Teslas Just Make Sense

At the end of the day, the thing is, Teslas - and EVs in general - just make sense for patrol vehicles. Officers can leave the heat or AC running the entire time without having to idle an engine. EVs also perform far better than their ICE equivalents, and they reduce maintenance and fuel costs massively - especially when you can just charge a whole fleet of patrol vehicles overnight.

Many police officers have commented online and mentioned how they burn massive amounts of gas just idling away with their vehicles, which just continuously burns fuel and increases wear and tear on the thousands of components in an ICE vehicle.

Not a Tesla App

On top of that, this sold individual people - not just as officers but as consumers - on the idea of Teslas and EVs. Putting butts in seats in important, and it’s one of the best ways to convince naysayers that the future is already here.