The Tesla app is a big part of what makes everyday life with a Tesla easy. It works as key, remote control and status overview in one. The features evolve over time via updates, but here are the core ones you can rely on.
The key features
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Phone as key | Unlocks the car automatically as you approach; no physical key needed. |
| Lock/unlock | Lock or unlock the car from the app, wherever you are. |
| Climate/preheat | Turn on heating or cooling and defrost windows before getting in. |
| Charging control | Track state of charge, start/stop, set a limit and schedule charging. |
| Find your car | See the car's location on a map — useful in large car parks. |
| Security | Notifications and status, e.g. for Sentry events (depends on car/market). |
| Sharing | Give family or friends access to the car via the app. |
| Service | Book and track service requests directly in the app. |
Tips to get the most from the app
- Turn on notifications so you don't miss updates and charge status.
- Set up your phone as a key, but keep the key card as backup.
- Schedule charging overnight via the app to hit the cheapest power — see home charging.
- Use preheating on a cold morning while the car is still charging.
Note
Exact features and names can vary over time and by market as the app is updated. Check the current app for what's available for your car.
New to all this? Start with the beginner guide, and understand the terms in the glossary.