I have a 2016 Model S 75 (just bought) and the app I downloaded connects to my car and gives me some control but the key is not an option. Am I missing something or is there a feature I need to get this to work?
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The phone key feature is available on all Model 3 and Y cars and on refreshed 2021+ Model S and X cars. Older S/X cars only get the key fob.
Incorrect
This is remote start, not phone as key.
While similar, I would not call it the same. I have a 2016 S 75 and have the same feature of being able to remote-start, but unlike the phone key for 3/Y models, which is Bluetooth connected, this feature is over data, so I've had *very* rare issues where I could not start my car due to poor cell service.
Incorrect
This is remote start, not phone as key.
Concur, two different things that can achieve the same result, with the same phone. My wife uses her iPhone for "phone as key" (proximity bluetooth) for our 2018 Model 3, but doesn't usually carry the key card as backup. A few days ago, the phone as key didn't work, she knew she could unlock the car with the app still, but didn't realize there is a separate "remote start" (via cellular to cloud to cellular to car) button in the app. So she called me to bring a key card, but I remote started for her with my app.
Not the same.
While similar, I would not call it the same. I have a 2016 S 75 and have the same feature of being able to remote-start, but unlike the phone key for 3/Y models, which is Bluetooth connected, this feature is over data, so I've had *very* rare issues where I could not start my car due to poor cell service.
In my opinion, always carry your key.
You can argue semantics all you want, you’re just confusing the OP for no reason.His question in the subject is, “phone as a key” and you’re saying you can’t use your phone as a key?
When I purchased my car from a private individual, he did not have a FOB. He only used the app. I test drove the car and before agreeing to purchase the car, I told him he would have to purchase a fob for me.
I'm not saying this is the best way to do it, or this is the same as the new vehicles, or to not keep your fob on you, I'm saying that 100% can use the “phone as a key” and not need a FOB. Yes we might be talking about two different features, what I'm stating is that I can unlock and drive off without needing my fob.
EDIT: Here's a video i just recorded of me literally doing what the OP asked. No FOB, unlocking my car, getting in my car and driving off. Using my “phone as a key”
Weird thread....we all know what OP is talking about. He's asking if he can permanently use his phone as the key like Model 3/Y without taking it out of his pocket.
We all know that Model S does not have the Phone Key feature. Yes, you can unlock and "remote start" the car from the app, but it requires connectivity to Tesla's servers and is not extremely reliable. And you have to re-enable it every time you shift into Park. Model 3/Y are a local connection with the car, does not require data connectivity, and does not have to be re-enabled.
Just to further back this up, "Phone Key" is specifically mentioned in the Model 3/Y Owner's Manual. It is not at all referenced in Model S Owner's Manual:
Y: Model Y Owner's Manual | Tesla
S: Model S Owner's Manual | Tesla
So, OP - NO, your S does not have the permanent "Phone Key" feature that the 3 and Y do, but you can 'remote start' it from your phone in a pinch.
About half of the people on this thread believe they have the ability to read your mind. Can you please clarify your question?I have a 2016 Model S 75 (just bought) and the app I downloaded connects to my car and gives me some control but the key is not an option. Am I missing something or is there a feature I need to get this to work?