The Tesla Key Card is the company’s answer to the pain of the traditional car key. The pocket-sized card is designed to be a backup method to your Phone Key or key fob, which are the preferred method to lock and unlock your car.
The cards are durable, waterproof, require no batteries, cheap to replace (only $35 for two, where a normal key may cost upwards of $300 to replace and reprogram), and make it easy to revoke access in the event a keycard is lost or stolen. The same goes for Tesla key fobs, which are an optional extra for Model 3 or Model Y, but come standard with Model S or Model X.
The Tesla Key Card is compatible with all Model 3 and Y vehicles, and the refreshed 2021+ Model S and X.
Use Android Phone as Key Card
You can use your phone as a key card via NFC! The feature is enabled by default when you add your device as a phone key, so make sure NFC is on, and try it out! Tap your phone on the b-pillar to unlock/lock the car. If this doesn’t work, go to the contactless payment settings on your device and make sure “Tesla” is enabled as a contactless payment method.
You can use an Android phone as a Key Card to open your Tesla
How to use the Tesla Key Card
Remove the key card from your pocket, wallet, etc. The key card may not be recognized while inside a wallet, due to interference from other contactless cards.
Place the card flat against the b-pillar (between the front and rear doors), just a few inches below the camera hidden behind the glass.
You’ll hear a single chirp from the vehicle to indicate it’s unlocked (if you have the feature enabled, otherwise the lights will flash to indicate it’s unlocked). Remove the key from the car, enter the vehicle, and you’re good to go!
If more than approx. 30 seconds passes between unlocking the car and placing your foot on the brake, a message will pop up on the screen to indicate you need to tap the key again to be able to drive. The screen will show a graphic demonstrating how and where to place the card - this varies between different vehicle models, so follow the on-screen instructions for your specific vehicle.
How to Add a New Key Card
Note: You will need an existing key to add a new card. Enter your vehicle and open the Car menu on the screen. Navigate to the Locks section, and press the button to add a new keycard.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the new card - these instructions vary between vehicle models.
How to Remove a Key Card If Lost or Stolen
If you have lost a key card or wish to prevent a key card from accessing your vehicle, you can revoke access. To do so, enter your vehicle and open the Car menu on the screen. Navigate to the Locks section, and press the trash can icon next to the key card you wish to remove.
Follow the on-screen instructions. If you’re unsure which key card is the right one, this trick might be able to help - any time you tap a key card against the center console (3/Y) or wireless charging pad (2021 S/X), it will identify itself from the list on screen.
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Tesla has reintroduced its referral program in the U.S. today. You’ll need Tesla App V4.36.1 to see the updated referral menu, so be sure to update your app first.
The program is quite different from the original program, and rather than offering referral credits, instead Tesla is offering a redeemable gift card. Let’s dig into the new offerings.
Rewards
Not a Tesla App
The new referral program will provide referrers $500 credits, while the user of the code receives $1,000 off a new Tesla. The $500 can be used toward just about anything, including Supercharging, software upgrades, merchandise from the Tesla Shop, service payments, or even a new vehicle. However, users are limited to 10 awards. Each referral code is also only good to get $1,000 off a new Tesla for the first 10 uses.
That means that if you refer 10 people, you can receive up to $5,000 towards your next Tesla, or just about anything else under the Tesla umbrella. Tesla isn’t clear whether the limit of 10 uses is per year or lifetime, however, we’re excited to see the program officially return.
Tesla Events
One of the most unique parts of the program is that those who refer new buyers will also have the chance to win an invitation to upcoming Tesla events. So, if you want to see the Robotaxi event on October 10th, best get referring!
Referrals in Other Markets
Currently, the referral program seems to be limited to the United States. Canadian and European uses are currently unable to see the updated referral UI, and the button to open the link to refer isn’t available in the app. We’re hopeful Tesla will implement the referral program in other markets as well. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if Tesla turns it on and off in select markets based on demand.
Tesla recently released update 2024.32 to employees, and it comes with several new features that we’re sure everyone will be happy to see in their vehicles in the future.
Keep in mind that some features may be region-specific such as there construction on your route update. There may also be additional features available for other models or regions. The Cybertruck is expected to receive AutoPark soon, which may also be included in this update.
Construction on Your Route
If you’ve got Premium Connectivity, and have Online Routing enabled (Settings > Navigation), maps will display construction that is on your route with an icon on the screen. Tesla added map icons to the screen with the 2023 holiday update and they continue to support additional features in more regions.
Tesla already considers construction when navigating to a location, but it’ll now display the location of the construction on the screen, giving you a better idea of the area to avoid, or a better understanding of the route the navigation system picked. For those in urban areas that see lots of heavy construction, this will be a fantastic addition.
Not a Tesla App
Predictive Text for Navigation Searches
Alongside construction on the route, Navigation Searches will now have predictive text to try and suggest search terms as you type. The predictive text will be helpful to quickly complete searches – but you’ll need to have a solid internet connection for predictive text to function. Premium Connectivity won’t be required.
Search This Area
As part of more updates for Navigation Search, you’ll now be able to “Search this Area” when you’re searching for something specific if you drag the map to a different location. This is similar to the “Search this Area” feature that’s on Google Maps and is a good update for when the navigation likes showing you locations in a different town.
Mobile App Notifications – Tire Service
As part of a previous update, your vehicle can now inform you when it's in need of a tire change or tire rotation. You’ll need to set your own schedule based on distance under Service > Tire Service Mileage. You can set a mileage-based reminder when you want to rotate your tires. With this update, you will also be notified on the Tesla mobile app when your vehicle reaches the set mileage. You’ll also need to be on mobile app version 4.35 or later.
When Is It Coming?
This update is still being tested with wave 1 employees, but it’s expected to become available to the first set of consumers very soon. However, like most updates, it’ll take weeks before it becomes available to most users.
If you’re subscribed to FSD or own it outright, don’t expect this update any time soon. The FSD branch is always at least several weeks behind the main code branch. With Tesla recently updating its FSD branch to 2024.26, it may be another month before it gets updated again.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
Enhance Auto’s innovative products elevate your Tesla experience. The customizable S3XY Buttons and Knob offer seamless control over vehicle features with a simple press or turn. Visit enhauto.com to explore their full range of products and transform your driving experience today!
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.