By: Otaiba Ahsan
Whether you’re handing your Tesla over to a valet, selling the vehicle, removing access for a former driver, or simply cleaning up old digital keys, knowing how to remove keys from your Tesla is an important part of managing your vehicle’s security. Fortunately, Tesla makes it easy to delete phone keys, key cards, and key fobs directly from the touchscreen in just a few minutes. Continue reading for steps on how to remove keys from your Tesla.
Managing Keys
To display a list of all keys that can access your Tesla, tap Controls > Locks when sitting in your car. An icon displays next to each key to indicate whether it’s a phone key, key card, or key fob. Use this list to manage the keys for your vehicle.
You’ll see a pen and trash bin icon next to each key in your list. To customize the name of any key, tap the pen symbol and type in the name. To delete any key, tap the trash bin icon and it will be removed from the list of keys that can access your vehicle.
NOTE: Tesla supports up to 19 keys per car, and it can connect to a maximum of three devices at a time, like a phone key, key fob, or watch keys for example. When this limit is reached, a key must be deleted before a new one can be added.
Adding Keys from the Touchscreen
So long as you already have a key card or key fob that is already paired with your car, you can pair a new key using the touchscreen. When in your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Controls: When in your car, tap Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key.
- Scan: Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located on either wireless phone charger. When you hear a chime, that means it has been recognized.
- Confirm: Scan a key card or key fob that has already been paired to the vehicle to confirm the new key pairing.
- Complete: When complete, the key list includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.
NOTE: We’ve also created a detailed guide on how to add keys from the mobile app of your Tesla as well.
The Bottom Line
The steps on how to remove keys from your Tesla are straightforward. When in your car, tap Controls > Locks to pull up a list of active keys. Next, tap the trash bin icon for any key that you’d like to remove.