Phone key connected

[VicO]

Shouldn't the Phone Key always show connected?
If its disconnected how can It provide the vehicle's location or do any functions/controls in the app

 

[yyzbig6]

The connected status on the app indicates whether the BLE is connected. Once connected you can use your app to unlock doors.

Vehicle location (and most other functions) is obtained through the internet and is updated only when the car is awake and connected to the internet.

 

[RayK]

In the Tesla app, the "connected" status of the Phone Key indicates that the phone's Bluetooth communications is in contact with the car. The phone needs to be within several feet for the connection to occur. When "disconnected", the phone cannot be used to walk up to the car and have the door automatically unlock; in other words, operate as a "key". That could also happen if you turn the phone's Bluetooth off (Airplane mode).

You CAN control all other remote operations of the car IF the car has cell service (AT&T). That's what provides the vehicle's location to the app. You can unlock the car, open the windows, turn on the climate control, etc. All of this is done through the cell connection. It is independent of the Bluetooth connection.