Tesla key cards are an easy-to-carry alternative to using a phone key or a key fob for Tesla users, compatible with Tesla Model S, and X, as well as 3 and Y vehicles, produced earlier. They look like hotel room keys or credit cards and connect to the car through NFC technology.
Any car owner is afraid of losing their keys, and an EV enthusiast is not an exception. You might be thinking, “What do I do if I lose my Tesla key card?”, or worse, you have already lost yours and are looking for a solution to the problem.
We will share some security tips and ways to cancel and replace your lost key card to keep your Tesla cars safe and sound.
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Is there a way to locate Tesla keys?
First of all, do not panic and check if the key card for your vehicle is actually lost for good.
The Tesla app is connected to the card keys, so try to check their location with your phone.
If this doesn’t work and the key card is nowhere to be found, then it’s time for security measures.
How to cancel a Tesla key card?
If you can quickly enter your vehicle
With a spare card, it’s simple. You can revoke access for a lost Tesla key card through “Controls” in the “Car Menu”.
Use the trash icon in the “Locks” section. To identify the key card you still have, tap it against a center console or a charging pad (depending on the model). It will display itself on the screen.
A form of identification is required to make sure it’s not someone else deleting your card. When you make sure your Tesla model recognized you, use your spare to delete the lost card for good.
Avoid accidentally deactivating the only key card you have left – because then you can’t use a spare to prevent access to the lost one. If your cards are labeled, they’ll be easier to distinguish.
Note that the Tesla keys show up on the screen based on most recent use. Tap the card you have on the key reader by the cup holder to identify it and ensure you won’t lock yourself out. The deleted key shouldn’t be the one you have left.
If you can’t quickly enter your vehicle
But what if you don’t have a spare, a key fob, and a phone key is not an option because your phone is out of power?
It’s a very unlikely scenario for all these to happen at once, but it can still happen, and if it does, there are still options for you to recover from the situation.
You can contact someone you trust: a family member or anyone else who has access to the car enabled through the Tesla app.
Once connected, they can lock or unlock the car remotely for you to drive it safely away from potentially being stolen.
If it’s not possible, you might have to ask someone nearby to install the Tesla app on their device. It will be awkward to deal with, but better than worrying about the vehicle staying outside. With luck, the process shouldn’t take too long, and you’ll be able to enter the car.
Once you’re inside, you are free to drive somewhere where you can charge your phone or find another way to identify yourself to the vehicle. Then you can cancel a lost Tesla key card following the instructions above.
Lost Tesla Key Card: Best Helpful Tips & Recommendations (fastesttesla.com)