How to use Key Card and Key Fob with Model Y

Key Card

Tesla provides you with two Model Y key cards, designed to fit in your wallet.

To use a key card to unlock or lock Model Y, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located approximately one third the way up of the driver’s side door pillar. When Model Y detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation Sound is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

NOTE: You may need to physically touch the wireless phone charger or driver’s side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds.

Once inside, power up Model Y by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card. If you wait longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key card is detected, your two minute authentication period restarts.

NOTE: If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock operates only when you walk away using a phone key or passive key fob. When you walk away carrying your key card, Model Y does not automatically unlock/lock.

CAUTION: Always carry your key card with you in your purse or wallet to use as a backup in case your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen.

Key Fob

If you have purchased the key fob accessory (available for purchase from Tesla), you can quickly familiarize yourself with this key by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model Y, with the Tesla badge representing the front. The key has three buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.

  1. Front trunk – Double-click to unlatch the front trunk.
  2. Lock/Unlock All – Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
  3. Rear trunk – Double-click to unlatch the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.

Once inside, power up Model Y by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob (see Starting and Powering Off on page 50). If you wait longer than two minutes, you must press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute authentication period restarts.

When approaching or leaving Model Y carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model Y as you press a button, but you must be within operating range.

Radio equipment on a similar frequency can affect the key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phones, laptops, etc.).

In the event that the key fob’s battery is dead, you can still use it to drive the vehicle by scanning the key fob on the card reader located on the driver’s side door pillar (like the key card) .

NOTE: You can use the same key fob with multiple Model Y vehicles provided you authenticate it. However, key fob works with only one Model Y at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different Model Y, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver’s side door pillar.

NOTE: Model Y supports up to four different key fobs.

CAUTION: Protect the key from impact, high temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid contact with solvents, waxes, and abrasive cleaners.

Passive Locking and Unlocking

NOTE: Only key fobs with the TESLA logo printed on the flat side support the passive locking and unlocking feature.

Locking and unlocking Model Y with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model Y has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately six feet (two meters). Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and simply pull on the door handle to unlock. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the powered liftgate’s exterior door handle. If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, Model Y automatically locks when you exit and the key fob is no longer in range. Passive locking and unlocking is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to Model Y.

Although you can use the same key fob with multiple vehicles, it can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. To activate a paired key fob to a different vehicle, touch the flat side onto the driver’s side door pillar and click any button on the key fob to confirm.

NOTE: For increased security, passive locking and unlocking disables after being stationary for five minutes while within vehicle range when the vehicle is not in use (for example, you are standing outside your vehicle). In this situation, you must shake or press a button on the key fob to re-enable passive locking and unlocking.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

Under normal use, the key fob has a battery that lasts for up to one year, depending on key fob version and selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a message displays on the touchscreen.

To replace the key fob battery:

  1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft surface, release the bottom cover, using a small flat-bladed tool.
  2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the retaining clips.
  3. While avoiding touching the battery’s flat surfaces, insert the new battery (type CR2032 ) with the ‘+’ side facing up.
  4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until it snaps into place.
  5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking Model Y.

    WARNING: Key fob batteries contain a chemical burn hazard and should not be ingested. The key fob contains a coin cell battery. If the coin cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns within two hours and can lead to death. Keep new and used batteries away from children. If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children. If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
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