Managing keys

Note: Depending on market region and vehicle configuration, remote keys may not be available for all vehicles.

To view a list of all keys that have access to your Model Y, touch Controls > Lock. An icon appears next to each key to indicate whether the key is a phone key, a key card, or a remote key (if applicable). Use this list to manage keys that can lock and unlock Model Y.

Model Y supports up to 19 keys. Once you reach this limit, you must remove a key before you can add a new one.

Note: You can use the same key for more than one Model Y. This way, you don't have to deal with multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize the name of a paired key card or remote key on one Model Y (by tapping the pencil icon), the same name will appear on all other Model Ys paired with the key card.

Note: If you are leasing the vehicle, contact the leasing company to add or remove keys.

Pairing a new phone key

Set up your cell phone as a key:

• Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
• Log in to the Tesla mobile app with your Tesla Account username and password.

Note: You must be signed in to your Tesla Account to access Model Y using your phone.

Note: If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla Account, ensure that the vehicle to be accessed by the mobile app is selected in the mobile app.

Check the following:

• Your phone's general Bluetooth settings are enabled.
  
• Bluetooth is enabled in your phone's Tesla mobile app settings. For example, on your phone, navigate to Settings, select the Tesla mobile app, and make sure the Bluetooth setting is enabled.
  
• Access to your location is enabled. Open the Tesla mobile app in your phone's Settings and select Location > Always. Leave the mobile app running in the background for the best experience.
  
• Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the vehicle's touchscreen (Controls > Security > Allow Mobile Access).
  

Note: Model Y communicates with your phone via Bluetooth. Keep in mind that your phone must have sufficient battery power to use Bluetooth and that many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low.

• While in or near your vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app and tap Configure Phone Key on the main screen or go to Security > Configure Phone Key. Follow the instructions in the mobile app and on the vehicle's touchscreen to configure the phone key.
  

Adding keys from the touchscreen

If you have a key card or remote key already paired with your vehicle, you can pair a new key using the touchscreen.

• On the touchscreen, tap Controls > Lock > Keys > Add key.
  
• Read the new key card or remote key on the card reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console. When the new key card or remote key is recognized, remove it from the card reader.
  

Note: If you want to add a remote key, make sure it is at room temperature. It may be difficult to pair a very cold remote key.

• Read a key card or remote key that has already been paired with the vehicle to confirm pairing with a new key.
  
• Once the new key is added, it is included in the list of keys. Tap the associated pencil icon to customize the key name.
  

Adding keys from the mobile app

If you do not have a working key card or remote key, you can add a new key using the Tesla mobile app.

Note: Only the vehicle owner can pair a new key with the mobile app.

Note: Pairing a key with the mobile app is supported in version 4.29.0 of the Tesla mobile app on vehicles with software version 2022.40 or later.

• While in or near your vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app on your mobile phone.
  
• In the mobile app, tap Safety and Drivers, then tap Add Key Card.
  
• Read the new key card or remote key on the card reader behind the cup holders at the top of the center console.
  

Note: If you want to add a remote key, make sure it is at room temperature. It may be difficult to pair a very cold remote key.

• Once the key is paired, a confirmation message will appear in the mobile app. Tap Done in the mobile app and remove the key card or remote key from the card reader.
  
• Once done, the new key will appear in the touchscreen key list. Tap the associated pencil icon to customize the key name.
  

Deleting keys

If you no longer want a key to be used to lock and unlock Model Y (for example, if you have lost your phone, key card, etc.), follow these steps to remove the key.

• On the touchscreen, tap Controls > Lock.
  
• Locate the key you want to remove from the key list, then tap the key's associated trash icon.
  
• When prompted, scan an already paired key on the card reader to confirm the deletion. Once the key is deleted, it will no longer appear in the list of keys.
  

Note: Model Y always requires at least one paired key card or paired remote key. If there is only one key card left in the key list, you cannot delete it.

Replacing a key card

If you lost a key card, you can purchase a replacement card from your Tesla Store. When pairing, follow the steps above. For security reasons, remember to remove your old key cards from Controls > Lock > Keys.