How Do You Lock a Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 locking and unlocking is simple and convenient. Simply carry your verified phone or linked key fob. When you push a door handle, Model 3 identifies the presence of an authenticated phone or associated key fob and automatically unlocks and locks. Here are a couple of quick notes:

• If you don’t have your authenticated phone or paired key fob with you (or if the phone’s battery is dead or the Bluetooth option is switched off), you may manually unlock or lock the Model 3 by placing the key card against the driver’s side door pillar (see How to use Key Card with Model 3).
• Due to market area limitations or vehicle design, the authenticated phone or Passive Key Fob may not always be available for your Model 3.
• An optional key fob allows you to lock and unlock the Model 3 by pressing buttons (see How to Use Key Fob with Model 3).
• The Walk-Away Door Lock only works when an authenticated phone or associated key fob is used. Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock when you walk away from it while holding a key card or an unpaired key fob attachment, even if this function is enabled (see How the Walk-Away Door Lock Works section below).
• Accessory key fobs made before October 2019 do not have passive functionality.

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How to Use the Exterior Door Handles

To unlock and open the Model 3, push the broader section of the door handle using your thumb. The handle will pivot towards you, allowing you to open the door by pulling on the handle or the door’s edge. Once you’re done, the handle automatically retracts. The touchscreen inside the car will display a Door Open indication light whenever a door or trunk is open.

Opening Doors from Inside of a Model 3 Tesla

The Model 3’s doors operate on electric power. To open a door from within, press the button at the top of the inner door handle and push the door open. However, in the unlikely event of a power failure, you can resort to the manual door release positioned in front of the window switches on the front doors.

• CAUTION: The manual door releases should only be used when the Model 3 is powerless.

Locking & unlocking a Tesla Model 3 from the inside

By tapping the lock symbol on the touchscreen while inside the Model 3, you may lock and unlock all doors and trunks. The symbol varies depending on whether the door is locked or opened.

You can also unlock the doors by pushing the Park button a second time at the conclusion of the driving stalk. This button engages the Park gear and opens the doors when pressed once.

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How the Walk-Away Door Lock Works

The Walk-In Door Lock feature enhances your Model 3’s security by automatically locking doors and trunks as you walk away with your authenticated phone or associated key fob. This feature applies to models purchased after approximately October 1, 2019. You can enable or disable this function by going to Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock.

When you lock the doors, the external lights flash once and the mirrors fold (if Fold Mirrors is enabled). Touch Controls > Locks > Lock Confirmation Sound > ON to hear a confirmation sound everytime the Model 3 locks.

If You click the Exclude Home option and Model 3 is parked at the place you’ve designated as Home, Model 3 does not automatically lock.

• Inside the Model 3, an authenticated phone or linked key fob is identified.
• You walk away with the key card or unpaired key fob instead of an authenticated phone or paired key fob. You must manually lock Model 3 while using the key card by tapping the key card on the door post. When utilizing an unpaired key fob (available separately), Model 3 must be manually locked by pushing the lock button.
• A door or trunk is not completely shut.
• Bluetooth is disabled on the phone.

NOTE: Walk-away locking is momentarily halted for one minute if all doors are closed and Model 3 was automatically opened by your authenticated phone or associated key fob. If you open a door within this minute, it will not re-lock until all doors have been closed and the authenticated phone or associated key fob has been removed.

NOTE: If the Model 3 detects an authorized key within five minutes of exiting the car and closing all doors, Walk-Away Lock is disabled and doors do not lock when you walk away. In this instance, you will need to physically lock your car until your next drive.

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Drive Away Locking Mechanism

When your Tesla goes faster than 5 mph (8 km/h) the Model 3 automatically locks all doors (including the trunks).

Child Safety Lock

The Model 3 incorporates child-protection latches on the rear doors to prevent them from being opened using the internal release buttons.  Touch Controls > Locks > Child Lock on the touchscreen.

• NOTE: Activating this feature when children are seated in the rear seats is highly recommended.

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Automatic Unlock on Park

When you come to a complete stop and engage the Park gear, you have the option of unlocking all doors. To enable or disable this option, go to Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park.

• NOTE: If the setting is OFF, you may open all doors by pushing the Park button again after entering the Park gear.