Tesla Phone Key Disabled? 7 Ways to Fix!!

The Tesla phone key is a feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a key to access your car, eliminating the need for a traditional key fob. However, this innovative feature is not without its challenges.

Users have reported issues such as delayed unlocking, disconnection, and even complete failure of the phone key feature.

So, what can you do if you’re experiencing problems with your Tesla phone key?

First, don’t panic.

There are several troubleshooting methods that can help you get back on the road.

You can try restarting your phone or resetting the Bluetooth connection between your phone and your car. If that doesn’t work, you must try the other tips provided below.

How To Pair Phone With Tesla To Use It As A Phone Key? 

To use your phone as a key, you need to have the Tesla app installed on your phone and logged in with your Tesla account.

You also need to have Bluetooth enabled on your phone and paired with your car. You can set up your phone as a key by following these steps:

1. On the touchscreen of your car, tap the car icon in the lower left corner and select Locks.

2. Tap the plus (+) icon next to the Key and choose Add Phone Key.

3. On your phone, open the Tesla app and tap the Phone Key.

4. Make sure you are near your car and tap Start on your phone.

5. Wait for your phone to pair with your car and confirm the success message on both devices.

6. Tap Done on the touchscreen of your car.

How do I add a second phone to my Tesla key?

To add a second phone to your Tesla key, you need to follow these steps:

1 Download the Tesla mobile app on the second phone and log in using your Tesla account username and password.

2. Make sure the second phone has Bluetooth and is location-enabled and that the Tesla mobile app has access to them.

3. On your Tesla touchscreen, tap the car icon on the bottom left, then tap Locks on the left menu.

4. Tap the + button next to Key, then tap Add Phone Key.

5. Open the Tesla mobile app on the second phone and tap the Phone Key.

6. Scan your key card or key fob on the card reader behind the cup holders on the center console to authenticate the second phone.

7. Assign a driver profile to the second phone if you want.

You can repeat this process for up to 19 keys, including phone keys, key cards, and key fobs. Remember to always bring a key with you when you drive, as you may not be able to power on your car if your phone key has a dead battery or is lost or stolen.

Tesla Phone Key Disabled: What to Do?

If you encounter any issues with your Tesla phone key, here are some possible solutions you can try:

#Fix 1. Make sure the Phone Key is Enabled

In some cases, the phone key may not work because it has not been enabled. Here are a few steps to enable the phone key:

1. Open the Tesla mobile app.
2. Go to “Controls” > “Settings” > “Phone Key.”
3. Make sure the “Phone Key” is turned on.

#Fix 2. Make sure the Phone Key is Authorized

If someone else is trying to use the phone key to access the car, but they have not been authorized to do so, it will not work. Here are a few steps to authorize a phone key:

1. Open the Tesla mobile app.
2. Go to “Controls” > “Settings” > “Phone Key.”
3. Add the person’s phone number or email address and send them an invitation to use the phone key.
4. Once they accept the invitation, they will be authorized to use the phone key.

#Fix 3. Make sure Bluetooth is Enabled

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and paired with your car. You can also try toggling Bluetooth on and off a few times or restarting your phone and car.

#Fix 4. Unparing and Paring Once Again

Make sure you have set up your phone as a key correctly and that it is selected as the active key on the touchscreen of your car. You can also try deleting and re-adding your phone as a key by following the steps above.

#Fix 5. Check Airplane Mode and Battery on the Phone

Make sure your phone is not in airplane mode or has sufficient battery to support Bluetooth. You can also try plugging in your phone to a charger or using a wireless charger if available in your car.

#Fix 6. Make sure You Have Logged in Tesla App

Make sure you have the latest version of the Tesla app installed on your phone and that you are logged in with your Tesla account. You can also try force closing and reopening the app or reinstalling it if necessary.

Make sure the app is running in the background and has access to Bluetooth and location services.

#Fix 7. Check your Tesla software

Make sure you have the latest version of the Tesla software installed on your car. You can check for updates by tapping Software on the touchscreen of your car or by using the Tesla app.

You can also try doing a two-button reboot of your car by pressing and holding both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black.

What if None of These Solutions Work?

If none of these solutions work for you, you may have a faulty or damaged phone key or a hardware issue with your car. In that case, you can try using an alternative method to access and drive your car, such as:

Using a key fob or a key card if you have one. These are physical devices that can unlock and start your car by tapping them on the door pillar or the center console respectively.

Using the Tesla app remotely. You can use the app to unlock, lock, start, and summon your car from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and cellular service.

In Conclusion

The Tesla phone key is a convenient feature that allows drivers to use their smartphones to unlock, lock, and start their cars. However, if it stops working, there are a few steps to troubleshoot the issue.

By following the steps above, drivers can quickly and easily solve most phone key issues and get back on the road.