The features and information you need to drive Model Y are displayed on the touchscreen. When driving, the touchscreen displays driving-related information such as driving speed, vehicle range, warnings, etc. The touchscreen is used to control many features that, in traditional cars, are controlled using physical buttons (for example, adjusting mirrors). You can also use the touchscreen to customize Model Y to suit your preferences.
Warning: Always pay attention to road and traffic conditions when driving. To minimize driver distraction and ensure the safety of vehicle occupants as well as other road users, avoid using the touchscreen to adjust settings while the vehicle is in motion.
Note: The image below is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, software version and market region, your touchscreen may appear slightly different.
- This area on the top of the touchscreen displays useful information and provides shortcuts to various features. In addition to the time of day and the current outside temperature, this area displays the following icons:
- Car Status. This area dynamically displays the current status of Model Y as you drive, park, open doors, turn lights on, etc. Monitor this area when driving as it displays important information such as driving speed and warning messages (see Car Status on page 63). When the car is in Park, you can open the trunks or charge port door.
- Cards. This area automatically updates to display information such as incoming calls, seat belt reminders, current state of the wipers, etc. It also provides easy access to the rear view camera (see Rear View Camera on page 77), charging status (see Charging Instructions on page 159), voice commands (see Using Voice Commands on page 141), wiper controls (see Wipers on page 67), and seat belt reminders (see Seat Belt Reminders on page 32). Swipe to the right or left to access: Trips. You can display distance driven, energy usage and energy efficiency starting at any time, or since Model Y was last charged. You can also display this information for up to two trips. Touch ... in the top right corner of a trip to rename or reset a trip. Tire Pressures. Display tire pressures or view cautions or warnings related to pressures that are not within acceptable limits (see Tire Care and Maintenance on page 167).
- Controls. Touch to control features and customize Model Y to suit your preferences (see Controls on page 115).
- Media Player (see Media and Audio on page 135).
- Touch the app launcher then choose from the following apps:
- Climate Controls (see Climate Controls on page 124).
- Volume Control (see Volume Control on page 135).
- The map displays on the touchscreen at all times (see Maps and Navigation on page 129).
The Tesla "T"
Touch the Tesla "T" at the top center of the touchscreen as a one-touch shortcut to the Controls > Software tab, which displays:
- Vehicle name (see Naming Your Vehicle on page 122).
- Vehicle configuration.
- Odometer.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Version of software currently installed on your Model Y.
- Access to release notes associated with the currently-installed software version.
- Access to this owner's manual.
- One-touch access to call Tesla Customer Support and Roadside Assistance (if available in your market region).
Three Types of Keys
Model Y supports three types of keys:
- Authenticated phone - You can set up your personal smartphone to communicate with Model Y using Bluetooth. Supports automatic locking and unlocking as well as several other functions using the Tesla mobile app.
- Key card - Tesla provides a key card that communicates with Model Y using short range radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card is used to "authenticate" your phone to work with Model Y and to add or remove other key cards, phones, or key fobs. In situations where your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to unlock, drive, and lock Model Y.
- Key fob - The key fob allows you to press buttons to open the front and rear trunks, and unlock, lock, and drive Model Y. The key fob also supports automatic locking and unlocking, if available in your region (see Passive Key Fob on page 11). This is an accessory sold separately.
Tesla Model Y supports a total of 19 keys, which can include authenticated phones, key cards, and up to four key fobs.
Caution: Remember to bring a key with you when you drive. Although you can drive Model Y away from its key, you will be unable to power it back on after it powers off.
Authenticated Phone
Using your phone is a convenient way to access your Model Y. As you approach, your phone's Bluetooth signal is detected and doors unlock when you press a door handle. Likewise, when you exit and walk away with the phone, doors automatically lock (provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on, as described in Walk-Away Door Lock on page 15).
Before you can use a phone to access Model Y, follow these steps to authenticate it:
- Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
- Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla Account user name and password. Note: You must remain logged in to your Tesla Account to use your phone to access Model Y.
- Ensure that your phone's Bluetooth settings are turned on.
You must have your phone's Bluetooth setting turned on AND you must also ensure that Bluetooth is turned on within your phone's global settings for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is enabled.
Note: Model Y communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. To authenticate your phone or use it as a key, the phone must be powered on and Bluetooth must be enabled. Keep in mind that your phone must have enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low.
Ensure that Allow Mobile Access (Controls > Safety & Security > Allow Mobile Access) is enabled.
In the Tesla mobile app, touch PHONE KEY then touch START to search for your Model Y. When your Model Y is detected, the mobile app asks you to tap your key card.
Tap the key card against the Model Y card reader on the door pillar or center console (see Key Card on page 10).
When Model Y detects your key card, the mobile app confirms that your phone has been successfully authenticated. Touch DONE. If the key card is not successfully scanned within approximately two minutes, the mobile app displays an error message. Touch PHONE KEY on the app again to retry. To view a list of keys that can currently access Model Y, or to remove a phone, touch Controls > Locks (see Managing Keys on page 12).
Note: Authenticating your phone allows you to use it as a key to access Model Y. To use the phone hands-free, access your phone's contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair and connect to it using the Bluetooth settings (see Phone on page 138). Model Y can connect to three phones simultaneously. Therefore, if more than one phone is detected and you want to use, or authenticate, a different phone, move the other connected phone(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting.
Key Card
Tesla provides you with two Model Y key cards, designed to fit in your wallet. Tap your Model Y key card on one of its card readers, located on the driver's side door pillar and on the center console.
To use a key card to unlock or lock Model Y, 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 Model Y detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Sound Confirmation is on), and the doors unlock or lock.
Note: You may need to physically touch the center console or driver's side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds.