I understand that the phone has to have BT on, the APP enabled by the key card and running, if only in the background. Just have not seen anywhere about if the phone has to have internet service to work as the key? Say you are deep in the mountains with no data service, will the phone still unlock and drive the car?
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Yes, it uses Bluetooth, not the internet. It actually doesn't even need to be a phone.
ProphetM
Member
I assume anything that has bluetooth and can run the Tesla app can be used as a key.
deonb
Active Member
It must at least do both. I can unlock my car even though I've never paired my phone with the car.
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
not necessarily. if you're just using it to get in and drive, you're fine once you load the app on the phone. (turn on wifi at home for app updates though)
It's a possibility that Tesla codes the app to have most of its functionality with the car independent of an internet connection.
Example: a smartwatch connects to your phone via BLE, and the phone and watch can interact back and forth even if neither has a connection to the outside world.
deonb
Active Member
A phone app is not going to be able to communicate with a car over Bluetooth when the phone has never been paired with the car.
I think there are two aspects to this.
1. The Tesla App can lock, unlock, control the climate stuff, etc. from anywhere on the planet, so long as both the car has a cellular connection and the phone is on the Internet (wifi or cell). I don't think the phone needs to be paired with the car to do this; the app just needs your account and password.
2. The phone can unlock the car with its Bluetooth signal, provided it's been properly set up with the app and paired with the car. The Keycard and Internet are needed (once) for this setup & pairing to take place. Once done, neither the car nor phone need an internet connection for the Bluetooth unlock to work. Think deep underground parking garage.
At least, that's what I have come to believe...
1. The Tesla App can lock, unlock, control the climate stuff, etc. from anywhere on the planet, so long as both the car has a cellular connection and the phone is on the Internet (wifi or cell). I don't think the phone needs to be paired with the car to do this; the app just needs your account and password.
2. The phone can unlock the car with its Bluetooth signal, provided it's been properly set up with the app and paired with the car. The Keycard and Internet are needed (once) for this setup & pairing to take place. Once done, neither the car nor phone need an internet connection for the Bluetooth unlock to work. Think deep underground parking garage.
At least, that's what I have come to believe...
T34ME
Active Member
I usually don't carry a smartphone with me. I consider it an intrusion on my retired life and a too bulky, unnecessary accessory for me. Without exaggeration, 80% of the calls are telemarketing anyway. Therefore, I will wear a smartwatch that is bluetooth enabled with the Tesla app.
This is exactly correct. Once paired, your phone does not need an internet connected to act as a key fob.
If the Tesla app has a watch version, which it doesn’t now. You may be able to use Remote S, which works well on the Apple Watch, and has been tested with the Model 3 (and with the new watch, using LTE (so it doesn’t need a phone)).
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
You pair by having physical access to both devices (ability to trigger scanning and ability to read/ enter PIN).
Not sure on the use case we are talking about:
You should be able to pair in an area without internet (assuming you already downloaded the app) if you can unlock the car via another device.
If you have a locked car, no internet/ cell coverage, and no entry card, there is no way to authenticate and no way to pair. (Unless the PINs are time/ VIN based and the mothership can assist on a land line)
deonb
Active Member
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
yes, the pairing process is covered in the manual, and I am sure that as part of the delivery process, Tesla will ask that you have your phone pre-loaded with the app before showing up.
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
the NFC key card.
In this chicken and egg scenario, the card is the only device paired with your car coming out of the factory.
deonb
Active Member
My point was that they'll support Internet as well for people who don't have a paired phone and lost the key. Just like the Model S/X does today. You don't need bluetooth to be able to unlock the car.
ModelNforNerd
Active Member
Right, just like GM and Onstar. You can unlock an equipped vehicle remotely in the case of someone losing a key. (not sure how you'd drive away though).
But mostly, a remote internet connection would be used for checking your charging status and setting/checking HVAC.
