Tesla Model Y Phone Key: Set It Up, Share Driver Access and Remove Old Keys

A phone key, an invited Tesla app driver and a Bluetooth phone for calls are not the same setup. Keeping those separate makes it easier to add a new phone—and helps avoid leaving unwanted access behind when a phone or driver changes.

This guide follows the Canadian 2025+ Model Y key instructions and Tesla Support Canada’s driver-access instructions. Make changes only for a vehicle you own or are authorized to manage. For a leased vehicle, Tesla’s manual says to contact the leasing company to add or remove keys.

Before setup: keep a working backup with you

Carry a working key card or other authenticated backup key. Do not delete your old working key before the replacement is set up and verified. Tesla specifically recommends carrying a key card in case your phone is lost, stolen or out of battery—not leaving it inside the vehicle.

Charge the phone and install the Tesla app. Sign in to your own authorized Tesla account and stay signed in. An invited driver should use their own account, not the owner’s password. Pairing the phone for calls or music alone does not turn it into a phone key.

Set up the phone key while parked

1. Enable Bluetooth on the phone and grant the Tesla app its Bluetooth permission. Low-battery phone settings can disable Bluetooth, so check both rather than assuming the app has access.
2. In the phone’s app permissions, enable location access as directed by Tesla; its manual specifies Always. Keep the Tesla app running in the background for the best experience. Menu names can vary by phone.
3. On the vehicle touchscreen, open Controls → Safety → Allow Mobile Access and enable it if it is off.
4. While inside or near the parked car, open the Tesla app and choose Set Up Phone Key on the main screen, or Security → Set Up Phone Key.
5. Complete the prompts on the phone and vehicle touchscreen. Then inspect Controls → Locks for the key entry and confirm normal access with the new phone while your backup remains available.

Once authenticated, a phone key uses Bluetooth and does not need an internet connection for that key function. Remote app services and calls or media are separate. Keep the app signed in; do not treat deleting it or switching accounts as an ordinary troubleshooting step when it is your only available key.

Invite another driver without sharing your login

The new driver needs the Tesla app and their own Tesla account. Both people should use the latest app version. As the vehicle owner:

1. Open the Tesla app and select the correct vehicle.
2. Choose Security & Drivers → Manage Drivers.
3. Follow the prompts to send the intended driver an invitation.
4. Have the driver complete the invitation and set up their own phone key near the vehicle using the supported prompts. Confirm the new phone works while keeping an authenticated backup key available.

This grants meaningful access, including vehicle access, service functions and location information. Tesla’s dedicated support page says additional drivers cannot manage drivers or payment methods, purchase upgrades, view charging history or access insurance information. Share access only with someone you intend to authorize; it is not simply sharing a seat-position profile.

Remove driver access and review the vehicle’s keys separately

To remove an invited driver, the owner opens the correct vehicle in the app, then Security & Drivers → Manage Drivers, taps Remove beside the person’s name and confirms Yes. A non-owner can remove their own access using Remove Access at the bottom of the vehicle screen.

Separately, review Controls → Locks inside the vehicle for old phones, cards or fobs that should no longer be authorized. To remove a particular key:

1. Identify the correct entry in the key list before touching its trash icon.
2. When prompted, scan an authenticated key on the vehicle’s card reader to confirm deletion.
3. Check that the unwanted entry is gone and that your retained backup key is still listed and available.

Tesla requires at least one authenticated key card or fob to remain. Do not assume deleting a key also cancels someone’s app-account access, or that removing a driver automatically removes every physical key they may possess. Check both lists. If a phone is stolen or account access may be compromised, contact Tesla for account-security assistance as well; removing one entry is not proof every route of access is closed.

If setup fails, check permissions before deleting keys

Recheck battery power, both Bluetooth settings, location permission, signed-in account and mobile access. Model Y can connect to 3 phone keys simultaneously; if other connected phone keys interfere with pairing, move those phones out of range or turn off their Bluetooth while keeping your working backup available. If the key list is full or you cannot safely clear an old entry, use Tesla Service rather than deleting keys you cannot identify.

Do not leave a paired phone inside and assume the car is secure because you tapped Lock in the app. A detected phone key can still allow entry. Keep the key with you and confirm the vehicle is locked before leaving.

Sources checked October 31, 2026.