Keys

Types of Keys

Note

In the event you lose both key cards, schedule a service appointment through the mobile app to replace and pair them.

Cybertruck supports the following types of keys:

Phone key - You can set up your personal phone as a "phone key" that communicates with Cybertruck using Bluetooth (BLE). A phone key supports automatic locking and unlocking.
Key card - Tesla provides key cards that communicate with Cybertruck using short range radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. Unlike the phone key, the key card does not support automatic locking and unlocking and must be touched against a card reader. In situations where your phone key has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to unlock, drive, and lock Cybertruck.

Cybertruck supports a total of 19 keys, which can include phone keys and key cards.

CAUTION

Remember to bring a key (and a backup key) with you when you drive. Although you can drive Cybertruck away from a detected key, you will be unable to power it back on after it powers off.

Phone Key

CAUTION

Do not leave your paired phone in your vehicle (for example, if you are hiking or at the beach). If you must leave your phone in the vehicle, disable Bluetooth and/or turn the phone off and ensure that you keep a key card with you.

Using your phone as a key is a convenient way to access your Cybertruck. As you approach your vehicle, the smartphone's Bluetooth signal is detected and the doors unlock when you press a door open button. Likewise, when you exit and walk away with the phone key, doors automatically lock (provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on; see Walk-Away Door Lock).

Before you can use a phone to access Cybertruck, follow these steps to authenticate it (see Add a Phone Key)

Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer requires an internet connection to be used as a phone key for Cybertruck. However, to use the phone hands-free, access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth device (see Bluetooth).

Note

Some Android smartphones with NFC capability can be used to lock/unlock your vehicle, just like using a key card. Ensure the Tesla mobile app is correctly paired to your vehicle and enable the NFC function on your phone. Once enabled, simply hold the phone to the driver's side door pillar to lock or unlock the door. Refer to your smartphone's instructions for specific information on how to do this.

Note

You can also set up an Apple Watch to be used as a key.

Key Card

Tesla provides you with two Cybertruck key cards, designed to fit in your wallet.

To use a key card to unlock or lock Cybertruck from outside, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located approximately one third the way up of the driver's side door pillar. When Cybertruck detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation Sound is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

Note

You may need to hold the key card against the transmitter for a few seconds.

Once inside, power up Cybertruck by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card (see Starting and Powering Off). If you wait longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near one of the card readers located on the wireless phone chargers on the center console. When your key card is detected, your two-minute authentication period restarts.

Key card with concentric circles on center console

Note

If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see Walk-Away Door Lock) operates only when you walk away using a phone key. When you walk away carrying your key card, Cybertruck does not automatically lock.

Managing Keys

To display a list of all keys that can access Cybertruck, touch Controls > Locks. An icon displays next to each key to indicate whether the key is a phone key or a key card. Use this list to manage keys that have access to Cybertruck. To add or delete keys, see Adding Keys from the Touchscreen.

Cybertruck supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.

You can pair a key card to multiple Tesla vehicles. This prevents you from having to deal with multiple keys when you switch vehicles. Key cards can be paired and used with many vehicles at a time. Pairing with a vehicle enables you to access the vehicle and enable driving.

Note

If you customize the name of a paired key card or key fob on one vehicle (by touching the pencil icon), any other vehicle to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also displays the changed name.

Add a Phone Key

You can use a phone to access Cybertruck after you add your phone as a phone key. Before you begin pairing your phone key, ensure:

Your phone's Bluetooth setting is turned on.
The Tesla mobile app can access your phone's Bluetooth. On your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is turned on.
Allow the Tesla mobile app to access your location. For the best experience, keep the mobile app running in the background.
Mobile access is enabled for your vehicle. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access.

Note

Cybertruck communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. Keep in mind that your phone must have enough battery power to support Bluetooth (some phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low).

To add a phone key:

Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
Log in to the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla account username and password.
Note
You must remain logged in to your Tesla account to use your phone to access Cybertruck.
Note
Many convenience features for accessing Cybertruck, such as hands-free frunk, can only be used with the vehicle currently selected in the mobile app. If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla account, you must ensure that the vehicle you want to use such convenience features with is currently selected on the mobile app.
While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app and touch Set Up Phone Key on the main screen, or navigate to Security > Set Up Phone Key.
You can also use an Apple Watch as a key. While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app on your Apple Watch and touch Set Up Watch Key (see Mobile App for Apple Watch).
Follow the prompts on the mobile app and vehicle touchscreen to set up your phone key.
Note
You must have your key card available in order to set up a phone key.

Cybertruck can connect to three phone keys simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three phone keys are detected and you want to authenticate or pair a different phone, move the other connected phone key(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting.

Adding Keys from the Touchscreen

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

On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key.
Scan your key card on one of the card readers located on the wireless phone chargers on the center console.
Scan a key card that has already been paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.
When complete, the key list includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

Adding Keys from the Mobile App

If you are the owner of the vehicle, you can pair a new key using the Tesla mobile app. Adding keys from the Tesla mobile app can be helpful in the event that you don't have a working key card or key fob.

Note

Pairing a key with the mobile app is supported with version 4.29.0 of the Tesla mobile app on vehicles with software versions 2022.40 or higher.

While inside or near the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
Touch Security & Drivers.
Touch Add Key Card.
Scan your key card on one of the card readers located on the wireless phone chargers on the center console.
When the key is paired successfully, the mobile app shows a confirmation message. Touch Done in the mobile app and remove the key card from the card reader.

When complete, the key list on the touchscreen includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.

Removing Keys

When you no longer want a key to access Cybertruck (for example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), follow these steps to remove it.

On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.
In the key list, find the key that you would like to delete and touch its associated trash icon.
When prompted, scan an authenticated key on the card reader to confirm the deletion. When complete, the key list no longer includes the deleted key.

Note

Cybertruck requires at least one authenticated key card at all times. If only one key card remains on the key list, you cannot delete it.

Replacing Key cards

If you lose a key card, you can purchase replacement ones on the Tesla Shop. When ready to pair, simply follow the steps in Managing Keys. Remember to remove your old key cards from Controls > Locks > Keys for security purposes.