Troubleshooting Bluetooth

The vehicle uses Bluetooth and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to seamlessly connect your mobile phone to Model S. Occasionally, Bluetooth or BLE may disconnect or problems may occur during the pairing process due to several potential factors. Bluetooth connectivity allows your vehicle to use phone features, such as audio, phone calls, calendar, and text messaging.

BLE is not used for passive functions such as phone key.

Note: Do not disconnect the vehicle from the phone or remove the phone key without a working key card nearby.

Try the following to troubleshoot Bluetooth. Start with your mobile phone.

Troubleshoot the Mobile Phone

Bluetooth may not be able to connect due to settings and updates on your mobile phone:

  • Enable Bluetooth on your phone. If it is already enabled, disable and re-enable Bluetooth.
  • Make sure that airplane mode is disabled.
  • Charge the phone. If the phone's battery is too low, it may not support Bluetooth features.
  • Pair the device correctly. If it is already paired, disconnect and pair it again.
  • Update your phone to the latest software from the manufacturer.
  • Check that the car's audio system is selected as the audio output source.
  • Check that your phone's settings allow Bluetooth (for example, that mobile data is enabled and the phone is connected to Wi-Fi).
  • Turn your phone off and on again.
  • Make sure location permissions are set to 'Always on' for the mobile app.

Troubleshoot Tesla Mobile App

Check Tesla's mobile app:

  • Check that Tesla's mobile app is updated with the latest software.
  • Verify that you are logged in to Tesla's mobile app while using the phone key.
  • Make sure the Tesla app is running in the background.
  • Ensure that you have fully configured the profile in the mobile app and correctly set the settings.

Troubleshoot the Vehicle

The vehicle's settings may affect its ability to pair with your mobile phone:

  • Charge Model S: If the vehicle's battery level is too low, the Bluetooth feature may not work.
  • Update your vehicle's software and ensure it is always up to date. Check for new software updates by navigating to Controls > Software
  • Restart the touchscreen. See Restarting the touchscreen or dashboard.
  • Restart the vehicle.

If Bluetooth still does not work, disconnect the vehicle AND the mobile phone. Then try pairing them again.

If you have issues with the BLE phone key, navigate to Controls > Locks while seated in the vehicle and remove the phone from 'phone as key.' Then reconfigure it. Only do this while you are in the vehicle and have an available, reliable backup key (such as a key card).

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