Practical guide
Key card: a reliable backup
Find readers in advance and practice using the card without your phone.
Guide updated 2 Oct 2026 · revision 1
Find both readers
For the Model Y 2025+, the guide shows an external reader on the driver's door rack and an internal in the wireless charging area of the phone. Look at the scheme of your generation: the location inside the cabin can not be confidently determined from a video about another Tesla. Practice on a standing car.
Unlock and confirm access
Attach the card to the external reader and wait for the reaction of the car; sometimes you need to hold it for a short time. After opening, press the brake within two minutes. If delayed, attach the card to the internal reader to confirm the right to start the car again.
Lock the car yourself
The card does not provide automatic locking upon departure. When leaving, take it with you and attach it outside to lock it. Practical order: first make sure that the card is with you, then close the door and check the result. Keeping the card separate from the phone makes it more useful when the phone is discharged.
Keep in mind: Do not leave the card in the car, even if there is a configured phone key nearby.
Sources and currency
This concise guide was prepared by Volt. A manual version does not mean that software is installed on your car.
For your vehicle and software, the in-car manual and release notes are the most precise references.