Easiest Way to Unlock Tesla: Apple Watch Car Key 2023

Tesla isn’t as compatible with Apple products as Apple enthusiasts would like it to be. You can’t use Carplay, and there is no Tesla app on Apple Watch. However, many third-party apps exist that let you control your Tesla from your wrist. There was recently a Bluetooth update that finally makes it possible to set up your Apple Watch as a Tesla fob using the Watch app for Tesla app.

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• Using Watch App for Apple Watch Tesla Key
• How to Use Apple Watch as Tesla Key Fob

Using Watch App for Apple Watch Tesla Key

Before you can turn your Apple Watch into a Tesla key fob with the Watch app for Tesla ($19.99), you’ll have to download the app and add your watch as a key. You’ll need to be in your Tesla and have your key card or an activated key fob on hand. For more Apple Watch tips, remember to subscribe to our free Tip of the Day newsletter. To edit shortcuts on iPhone:

1. Download the Watch app for Tesla from the App Store on your iPhone and open it.
2. Tap Login with Tesla.
3. Enter the email to your Tesla account and tap Next.
4. Enter your password and tap Sign In.
5. You may need to tap Choose vehicle if you have multiple Teslas to activate the correct one using the app. In my case, my Tesla appeared automatically. Tap Activate.
6. Once activated, you may be returned to the Settings menu. Otherwise, tap Settings on your vehicle’s page. 
7. Scroll down until you see Enable Bluetooth direct vehicle control. Toggle this on.
8. You may need to grant Bluetooth permissions depending on your iPhone settings. Tap OK.
9. Now, open the Watch app for Tesla on your Apple Watch.
10. Tap Settings.
11. Tap Choose vehicle.
12. My Tesla appeared automatically, but you may have to select one if you have multiple cars. Scroll down and tap Activate.
13. Scroll down and toggle Enable Bluetooth direct vehicle control on. The toggle will be green and to the right when enabled.
14. Once it is done connecting, tap Add Key. 
15. You will also need to place the Tesla keycard on the designated area in the vehicle. Then, on your Tesla screen, you will see a phone key pairing request. Tap Confirm.
16. On your watch, you will see that your vehicle key has been added.

How to Use Apple Watch as Tesla Key Fob 

There are many third-party Tesla apps for Apple Watch, but most require you to connect to the internet, open the app, then tap the unlock button. What makes the Watch app for Tesla different is that it can actually turn your watch into a key fob. This wasn’t always possible, but a recent Bluetooth update lets the app connect directly to your Tesla, making it work like a Tesla car key! You just need to enable direct vehicle control via Bluetooth within the app; then you’ll be able to automatically unlock your Tesla when your Apple Watch is within range.

Now you know how to use your Apple Watch as a Tesla car key! While I’m still hoping that Tesla will make it possible for Apple users to add a car key to their Apple Wallet, this is by far the easiest way to unlock a Tesla!

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Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life who lives in Hawaii. With a BA in International Relations from Anglo American University, Olena traveled the world. She has lived in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, China, and the USA. Olena won an excellence award for a controversial article, got a grant to blog from a war-zone, and published a short fictional story. She hopes to publish a full-length novel and continue writing up a storm on her blog The Travel Bug Bite! When she’s not typing or flying, she is loving on animals, crafting bizarre creations, and devouring all-you-can-eat sushi.