How To Lock Your Tesla While Charging - With Useful Info

Charging a Tesla can take a while. So, you may decide to use that time to get some errands done, which requires leaving the car unattended. So, is it possible to lock your Tesla while it’s charging? 

It’s easy to lock your Tesla while it’s charging. Generally, you can use the following methods to lock your Tesla: 

• Key fob: Press the top button once. 
• Tesla mobile app: Tap the lock icon on the Tesla app. 
• Key card: Connect your key card to the pillar below the self-driving camera. 

Keep reading for more information about how you can charge your Tesla and keep it locked. 

1. Key Fob

A key fob is the primary way to lock/unlock Teslas. Although the key fobs in different Tesla models have different functions, they all share three buttons to lock/unlock the frunk, doors, and trunk. 

Pro Tip:

If you’re transporting something large and unable to close the trunk you can use a bungee rope to tie a knot and push the cord through the latch of the trunk. This way the car will think that it’s closing and lock in place around the bungee cord. Then you can just hook it onto the connector on the bottom part of the trunk. When you arrive at your destination you can just click on “Open Trunk” it will release your bungee cord and you can unload.

To lock any part of your Tesla, you need to press the corresponding button once. Press the button twice, and the vehicle will unlock. 

Tesla has made two versions of key fobs:

•  Non-passive entry 
•  Passive entry 

Model 3 key fobs are non-passive, meaning that you need to lock/unlock the vehicle by pressing a button. With the newer version—passive entry—your Tesla automatically unlocks if you’re within three feet. 

2. Tesla Mobile App

One year after making the Model S, Tesla introduced its mobile app in 2012. Among its many functions, the mobile app lets you lock/unlock the doors. 

Follow these steps to pair the phone with your Tesla: 

1. Download the Tesla app (available for both iOS and Android). 
2. Tap the vehicle icon on the Tesla touch screen on the bottom line. 
3. Go to locks. 
4. Press add a lock. 
5. Open the app and choose the phone key. 
6. Put your phone and the card key or key fob in the right places to be read. 

You can lock/unlock your Tesla by tapping the special icons in the app. You can also use your phone as a key card via NFC. 

We wrote a similar article that will shed more light on Tesla Keys, Fobs, and Key Cards. Check it out!

3. Key Card

A keycard comes in handy when your phone isn’t available or runs out of battery. Models S, X, Y, and 3 come with two keycards and a wallet.

To use the key card: 

1. Pair it with the car (go through the same steps mentioned for the app). 
2. Connect it to the pillar below the self-driving camera to lock/unlock the door. 

How To Lock/Unlock Different Tesla Models

Model S and Model X

When Tesla manufactured the first Model S, there was no phone app or keycard. So, the key fob was the only way to lock the vehicle. However, If you buy a refurbished Model S or Model X, you can use the key card and the app to lock/unlock your Tesla. 

Model X key fobs have some cool features. Besides the front, top, and backside buttons, they have two buttons on the sides to open/close the right/left passenger doors. Plus, you can tap the top of the key fob once to close all the open doors, even the trunk, and frunk. 

Here’s a video demonstrating the key fob of a Model X: 

Model 3/Y

You won’t get a key fob after buying a Model 3 or Model Y since it has been replaced with the Phone Key. You also get a key card, which comes in handy when your phone isn’t accessible. 

Interestingly, the Phone Key works as a key fob in Tesla Model 3, meaning your Tesla can recognize your phone and unlock the vehicle—even if the phone is in your pocket. 

Tesla Model	Default Lock/Unlock Option
Model 3/Y	Mobile App Keycard
Model S and Model X	Key fob Mobile App Keycard

Will Tesla Auto-lock if Left Unlocked After Parking?

A Tesla doesn’t automatically lock if left unlocked. That’s because automatic locking may cause some issues, including locking the car with the key inside. Instead, you can use walk-away automatic locking, enabling you to get it locked from a long distance. 

Can I Leave My Key Fob in the Car?

You can put your key fob in the car and lock it with your phone key. However, If someone presses the button on the handle, it’ll unlock easily. That means it never locks properly with the key inside.

Watch this video to see how Tesla stays unlocked with the key inside:

Will My Tesla Unlock When the Charger Is Disconnected?

If you lock your Tesla, you can’t disconnect the charger since the charger will be locked, too. That’s a security measure to avoid unauthorized unplugging. So, before disconnecting your charger, you must unlock your car. 

Model 3 Does Not Lock When I Walk Away. What To Do?

If your Model 3 doesn’t lock when you walk away, check if your Bluetooth is on. Since the Phone Key connects to your Tesla via Bluetooth, automatic locking won’t work when your Bluetooth is off. Also, ensure there’s no key fob or keycard inside the car since it prevents the car from locking.