Using the Touchscreen for Your Tesla Model-Y SUV 2023

Climate Controls  
Overview of Climate Controls  
Climate controls are available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which  
maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the cabin temperature  
while in the Auto setting, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan  
speed to maintain the cabin at your selected temperature.  
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls screen,  
where you can adjust your climate preferences. You can revert back to Auto at any time by touching Auto. Touch the  
power button on the main climate controls screen to toggle on or off. For quick access to common controls, touch <  
or > to display the climate popup.  
NOTE: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases  
driving range.  
WARNING: To avoid burns resulting from prolonged use, individuals who have peripheral neuropathy, or whose  
capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes, age, neurological injury, or some other condition, should  
exercise caution when using the climate control system and seat heaters.  
Adjusting Climate Control Settings  
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature,  
hands-free by using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 136).  
NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See  
Customizing My Apps on page 8.  
1. Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.  
2. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the front cabin.  
3. Choose where air flows into the front cabin (windshield, face-level, or foot-level vents). You can choose one or  
more vents.  
4. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the rear cabin. If set to Auto, the rear vents turn on automatically when  
the front climate system is on and a passenger is detected (see Adjusting the Rear Vents on page 130).  
Using the Touchscreen  
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Climate Controls  
5. Touch the driver's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the driver. The seat operates at three levels from 3  
(highest) to 1 (lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) corresponding with the set  
level. Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms the front seats based on cabin  
temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar (see  
Customizing My Apps on page 8).  
6. Touch to control the heated steering wheel, if equipped. The icon displays red twisting lines that correspond to  
the set level. If set to Auto, the steering wheel is heated as needed, based on cabin temperature, whenever the  
climate control system is set to Auto. For one-touch access, you can add this control to the touchscreen's bottom  
bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 8).  
7. Touch to turn on the wiper defrosters (if equipped). Wipers defrost for 30 minutes then turn off automatically.  
8. Touch the passenger's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the front passenger. The seat operates at three  
levels from 3 (highest) to 1 (lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) to corresponding  
with the set level. Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms the front seats  
based on cabin temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's  
bottom bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 8).  
9. When in Park, these settings display to allow you to keep the climate control system operating, even when you  
10. Touch to adjust how air flows from the front vents. See Adjusting the Front Vents on page 130.  
11. When Model Y is in Park, touch Schedule to set a recurring daily time when you want Model Y to be ready to  
drive by preconditioning the Battery and cabin climate and/or charging during off-peak hours (see Scheduled  
Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 174).  
12. If your Model Y is equipped with the medical-grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, this filter ensures  
the best quality air inside the cabin whenever the climate control system is on and outside air is entering the  
cabin (recirculate is off). The HEPA filter is extremely effective at removing particles, including pollution,  
allergens, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and viruses. Both the HEPA filter and the secondary filtration system also  
contain activated carbon to remove a broad spectrum of odors and gases. When you engage Bioweapon Defense  
Mode, the positive pressure inside the cabin minimizes the amount of outside air that can enter the vehicle.  
NOTE: Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not effectively removed by activated carbon.  
13. Touch to control the flow of air inside the cabin. Air can be drawn into Model Y from outside or air can be  
recirculated inside the cabin.  
14. Use the slider to adjust the fan speed. When in Auto, the fan speed levels change to Low/ Medium/ High.  
NOTE: Adjusting the fan speed may change the selected setting for how air is drawn into Model Y in order to  
increase or reduce air flow.  
15. Touch to turn the air conditioning system on or off. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves energy.  
NOTE: Because Model Y runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice the sound of the air  
conditioning compressor as it is operating. To minimize noise, reduce the fan speed.  
16. Touch to warm up the rear windshield. After 15 minutes, the rear window defroster automatically turns off. The  
exterior side mirrors are also heated whenever the rear window defroster is operating.  
17. The windshield defroster distributes air flow to the windshield. Touch once to defog the windshield (the icon turns  
blue). Touch a second time to defrost the windshield. Touch a third time to turn off and restore the air  
distribution, heating, and fan to their previous settings. In cold ambient temperatures, the exterior side mirrors are  
also heated whenever the windshield defroster is operating. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 85 for  
more information on preparing for cold weather.  
18. Touch Auto to turn the Auto setting on or off.  
Climate Popup  
Touch the temperature arrows on the bottom of the touchscreen to display a popup for easy access to some of the  
most common climate controls:  
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Climate Controls  
NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See  
Customizing My Apps on page 8.  
1. Touch to access the main climate controls screen.  
2. Enable or disable heated seats.  
3. Enable or disable the front or rear windshield defrosters.  
4. Modify the cabin temperature by dragging along the slider. You can also enable temperature splitting which  
allows the driver and front passenger to customize their own climate preferences. The front passenger can touch  
the temperature icon on the bottom of the touchscreen or the main climate controls screen to adjust. Touch Split  
again to disable climate splitting.  
Live Camera view is now available if Sentry Mode or Dog  
Mode, or both, are enabled. When Sentry Mode is on, the  
cameras show a live view of the vehicle's surroundings.  
Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp  
The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp settings allow you  
to keep the climate control system running when in Park,  
When Dog Mode is on, the interior cabin camera shows  
the inside of the vehicle so you can check on your pet at  
even after you've left Model Y or choose to stay inside  
any time. If both are enabled, switch the camera views  
the vehicle. These settings are useful when it is  
important to maintain the cabin temperature in hot or  
cold weather conditions. For example, when leaving  
groceries in Model Y on hot days, you may want to use  
by touching the gray circles or the interior icon that  
correspond to different cameras on the mobile app. See  
Sentry Mode on page 142 for more information.  
Keep Climate On to prevent spoilage.  
NOTE: Enabling the interior cabin camera for Dog or  
Sentry Mode requires the mobile app version 4.15.0 or  
Dog is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin  
higher. This feature is not supported in vehicles with  
temperature for your pet while you actively and  
Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls > Service  
frequently monitor this temperature using the mobile  
app (which requires both your phone and the vehicle to  
have cellular connectivity). When in Dog, the  
touchscreen displays the current cabin temperature to  
inform people passing by that your pet is safe. This  
setting is not intended for people, and should only be  
used for short periods of time while you stay in close  
proximity should you need to return to the vehicle in  
situations where the temperature can no longer be  
maintained.  
> Autopilot computer to find out which computer your  
vehicle has.  
NOTE: View Live Camera is limited to approximately one  
hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative  
usage per day  
Camp allows you to power electronics through the USB  
ports and low voltage outlet in addition to maintaining  
the cabin temperature. The touchscreen remains on so  
you can play music, browse the internet, play games in  
the arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater. You can  
also control media and climate settings from a paired  
phone. Camp is ideal for remaining inside your vehicle,  
such as camping or staying with a child. While active,  
Sentry Mode and the vehicle alarm system are disabled.  
NOTE: To avoid accidentally pressing the window switch  
(such as your dog stepping on it), the windows cannot  
be rolled down while Dog is enabled.  
NOTE: If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same time,  
Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect  
your pet. See Sentry Mode on page 142 for more  
information.  
To operate Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp:  
1. Make sure the Battery's charge level is at least 20%.  
2. Engage Park. The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp  
settings are available only when Model Y is in Park.  
Active Safety Features  
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Climate Controls  
3. If necessary, adjust the climate settings.  
4. On the climate controls screen, touch Keep Climate  
On, Dog, or Camp.  
NOTE: You can also control Dog and Camp from the  
mobile app, by swiping up from the gray bar on the  
Climate screen.  
The climate control system attempts to maintain your  
climate settings until you shift out of Park or manually  
turn it off. Avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp  
when the Battery's charge level is low. If the Battery's  
charge level drops below 20%, the Tesla mobile app  
attempts to repeatedly send notifications reminding you  
to check on anything that you have left in Model Y.  
NOTE: Software updates cannot be performed when  
Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active.  
1. Driver vent and controls  
WARNING: Never leave a child unattended in your  
vehicle.  
2. Passenger vent and controls  
WARNING: Check local laws for any restrictions on  
When the face-level vent is on you can adjust the  
direction of the air flow from each vent. To adjust the  
direction of the air flow, simply touch the radiating air  
waves from the corresponding vent on the touchscreen.  
The air flows in a single stream when centered or splits  
into mirrored air streams when air is directed outward or  
inward from the center of the vent.  
leaving pets unattended in your vehicle.  
WARNING: You are responsible for the safety of  
your dog or pet. Never leave them in Model Y for  
long periods of time. Constantly monitor the  
vehicle temperature and their well-being. Make  
sure you have sufficient cellular coverage on your  
phone and time to return to the vehicle, if  
necessary.  
When Model Y detects that there are no passengers  
sitting in the passenger seat, the passenger vent and  
controls automatically turn off. Adjust the climate  
settings to enable passenger air flow.  
WARNING: In the unlikely event that your climate  
control system needs service or is not working as  
expected, avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, and  
Camp. Never rely on your vehicle to protect  
something irreplaceable.  
NOTE: You can direct the face-level vents toward the  
windows to help defrost or defog them.  
WARNING: You can adjust and monitor the climate  
control system remotely using the mobile app.  
However, if you use the mobile app to turn off the  
climate control system, Keep Climate On, Dog, and  
Camp stop operating.  
NOTE: When you split a vent into two separate air flows,  
the air flow in each direction is not as strong as when all  
air is flowing in a single direction.  
NOTE: Outside air is drawn into Model Y through the  
grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill clear of  
obstructions, such as leaves and snow.  
Adjusting the Front Vents  
Adjusting the Rear Vents  
Model Y has a unique horizontal face-level vent that  
spans the width of the dashboard. Using the  
touchscreen, you can pinpoint exactly where you want  
to direct the air flowing from this vent when heating or  
cooling the front cabin area.  
Model Y has vents located at the back of the center  
console where air flows from when the setting is turned  
on from the touchscreen. To direct the flow of air in the  
rear cabin area, adjust the vents at the rear of the center  
console up, down, or from side to side as necessary.  
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Climate Controls  
You can also enable Cabin Overheat Protection remotely  
through the mobile app by touching Climate. Swipe up  
on the bottom menu and select a setting under Cabin  
Overheat Protection (see Mobile App on page 151).  
Cabin Overheat Protection operates until 12 hours has  
elapsed once you exit Model Y, or until the Battery  
energy drops below 20%, whichever comes first. Using  
Cabin Overheat Protection requires energy from the  
Battery, which may decrease range.  
WARNING: Due to automatic shut-off, extreme  
outside conditions, or other potential inability to  
maintain the selected temperature, the inside of  
the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even  
when Cabin Overheat Protection is enabled. If you  
experience temperatures exceeding the selected  
temperature repeatedly, contact Tesla service.  
WARNING: Never leave children or pets in the  
vehicle unattended. Due to automatic shut-off or  
extreme outside conditions, the inside of the  
vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when  
Cabin Overheat Protection is enabled.  
Climate Control Operating Tips  
Cabin Air Filter(s)  
You can improve the efficiency of the cabin heater by  
limiting acceleration. This allows the heat pump system  
to use more residual heat from the Battery to efficiently  
heat the cabin while maintaining the chosen acceleration  
level. This is useful in cold weather.  
Model Y has one or more air filters to prevent pollen,  
industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from  
entering through the vents.  
NOTE: Cabin air filter(s) require periodic replacement.  
See Service Intervals on page 177.  
• When you use the mobile app to turn on the climate  
control system, it automatically turns off when the  
charge level drops to 20%, or if two hours has passed.  
To cool or heat the cabin for a longer period of time,  
charge the vehicle and re-enable your climate control  
preference through the mobile app.  
Cabin Overheat Protection  
Cabin Overheat Protection prevents the cabin from  
getting too hot in scorching ambient conditions. While  
not necessary to activate whenever you leave Model Y,  
the climate control system can reduce and maintain the  
temperature of your vehicle’s cabin. This can prevent the  
cabin from getting too hot after leaving it parked in the  
sun, making the vehicle more comfortable when you  
return. Cabin Overheat Protection may take up to 15  
minutes to enable once you exit the vehicle. This feature  
is intended for passenger comfort and has no impact on  
the reliability of your vehicle's components.  
You may hear the sound of the climate system inside  
the cabin of Model Y when Parked. It makes a low fan  
noise. The climate system attempts to dry itself out  
to minimize additional moisture or musty odors. This  
is a normal operation and not a cause for concern.  
You can improve the efficiency of the cabin heating  
by reducing your selected acceleration mode (see  
Acceleration Modes on page 73). This allows the heat  
pump system to take more heat from the Battery to  
efficiently heat the cabin, instead of maintaining the  
Battery's ability to provide peak acceleration  
performance. This helps to maximize driving  
efficiency in colder weather. Note that when  
subsequently increasing the acceleration mode, the  
Battery requires time to warm up before the  
increased level of acceleration is available.  
To turn on, touch Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat  
Protection and choose:  
On: The air conditioning operates when the cabin  
temperature exceeds 105° F (40° C), or the selected  
temperature if available, on the touchscreen or  
mobile app. Customizing temperatures may require  
the most recent version of the mobile app.  
Your charge port latch may freeze in extremely cold  
weather or icy conditions. In cases where you cannot  
remove or insert the charge cable, or your vehicle is  
not Supercharging due to the latch being frozen in  
place, enable Defrost Car in the mobile app. This  
No A/C: Only the fan operates to prevent touch  
surfaces from getting too hot.  
Off: Disables Cabin Overheat Protection.  
Using the Touchscreen  
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Climate Controls  
helps thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge  
cable can be removed or inserted. See Cold Weather  
Best Practices on page 85 for more information.  
• If the climate control system is louder than you prefer,  
manually reduce the fan speed.  
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning  
compressor also cools the Battery. Therefore, in hot  
weather, the air conditioning compressor can turn on  
even if you turned it off. This is normal because the  
system’s priority is to cool the Battery to ensure it  
stays within an optimum temperature range to  
support longevity and optimum performance.  
• Even when not in use, you may hear Model Y emit a  
whining noise or the sound of water circulating.  
These sounds are normal and occur when the internal  
cooling systems turn on to support various vehicle  
functions, such as maintaining the low voltage  
battery and balancing the temperature of the high  
voltage Battery.  
To ensure the climate control system operates  
efficiently, close all windows and ensure that the  
exterior grille in front of the windshield is free of ice,  
snow, leaves, and other debris.  
• In very humid conditions, it is normal for the  
windshield to fog slightly when you first turn on the  
air conditioning.  
• It is normal for a small pool of water to form under  
Model Y when parked. Extra water produced by the  
dehumidifying process is drained underneath.  
• Model Y is designed to automatically maximize  
efficiency; therefore, your air conditioning  
compressor and external fan may run and make noise  
even when the outside temperature is cold and your  
vehicle is heating or supercharging.  
To reduce the temperature in the cabin in hot  
weather conditions, the fan may turn on to vent the  
cabin when the vehicle is parked. This occurs only if  
the battery's charge level is above 20%.  
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Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing  
4. On the touchscreen, touch Add New Device > Start  
Search. A list of all available Bluetooth devices within  
operating distance displays on the Bluetooth settings  
screen.  
®
Bluetooth Compatibility  
You can use your Bluetooth-capable phone  
5. Choose the phone with which you want to pair.  
Within a few seconds, the Bluetooth settings screen  
displays a randomly generated number. Your phone  
also display a number.  
hands-free in Model Y provided your phone  
is within operating range. Although  
Bluetooth typically supports wireless  
communication over distances of up to  
approximately 30 feet (nine meters),  
performance can vary based on the phone  
you are using.  
6. Check that the number displayed on your phone  
matches the number on the Bluetooths settings  
screen. Then, on your phone, confirm that you want  
to pair.  
Before using your phone with Model Y, you must pair it.  
Pairing sets up Model Y to work with your Bluetooth-  
133).  
7. If prompted on your phone, specify whether you  
want to allow Model Y to access your personal  
information, such as calendar, contacts and media  
files.  
NOTE: Authenticating your phone to use as a key (see  
Keys on page 10) does not also allow you to use the  
phone hands-free, play media from it, etc. You must also  
pair it as described below.  
When paired, Model Y automatically connects to the  
phone, and the Bluetooth settings screen displays the  
Bluetooth symbol next to the phone’s name to indicate  
that the connection is active.  
You can pair up to ten Bluetooth phones. Unless you've  
specified a specific phone as a Priority Device or if the  
phone specified as Priority Device is not within range,  
Model Y always connects to the last phone that was  
used (provided it is within range). To connect to a  
133.  
You can display the Bluetooth settings screen at any  
time and change the settings associated with a  
connected device. For example, you can designate a  
connected phone as the Priority Device. This is useful in  
situations where you have connected more than one  
phone, and both phones are frequently used in Model Y  
at the same time. Model Y automatically attempts to  
connect to the priority device before others. If a priority  
device is not specified, or is not within range, Model Y  
connects to the most recently used phone (if  
applicable).  
NOTE: On many phones, Bluetooth turns off if the  
phone’s battery is low.  
NOTE: In addition to phones, you can pair other  
Bluetooth-enabled devices with Model Y. For example,  
you can pair an iPod Touch, an iPad, an Android tablet,  
etc. from which you can play music.  
Importing Contacts and Recent  
Calls  
Pairing a Bluetooth Phone  
Once paired, use the Bluetooth settings screen to  
specify whether you want to allow access to your  
phone’s contacts, recent calls and text messages. If you  
allow access, you can use the phone app to make calls  
and send messages to people in your list of contacts and  
on your recent calls list (see Bluetooth® Compatibility on  
page 133). Before contacts can be imported, you may  
need to either set your phone to allow syncing, or  
respond to a popup on your phone to confirm that you  
want to sync contacts. This varies depending on the  
type of phone you are using. For details, refer to the  
documentation provided with your phone.  
Pairing allows you to use your Bluetooth-capable phone  
hands-free to make and receive phone calls, access your  
contact list, recent calls, etc. It also allows you to play  
media files from your phone. Once a phone is paired,  
Model Y can connect to it whenever the phone is within  
range.  
To pair a phone, follow these steps while sitting inside  
Model Y:  
1. Ensure both the touchscreen and the phone are  
powered on.  
NOTE: You can turn access to your contacts and recent  
calls on or off at any time by touching the Bluetooth  
icon on the touchscreen, choosing your phone, and then  
changing the associated access settings.  
2. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and ensure it is  
discoverable.  
NOTE: On some phones, this may require you to go  
to Bluetooth Settings for the remainder of the  
procedure.  
3. Touch the Bluetooth icon located at the top of the  
Controls screen.  
Using the Touchscreen  
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Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing  
WARNING: To minimize distraction and ensure  
Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone  
the safety of occupants as well as other road  
users, do not view or send text messages when  
the vehicle is in motion. Pay attention to road  
and traffic conditions at all times when driving.  
If you want to disconnect your phone and use it again  
later, simply touch Disconnect on the Bluetooth settings  
screen. If you no longer want to use your phone with  
Model Y, touch Forget This Device. Once you forget a  
device, you must pair it again if you want to use it with  
Contacts: Contacts are listed in alphabetical order  
and can be sorted by first name or last name. You can  
also choose a letter on the right side of the list to  
quickly scroll to the names that begin with the  
selected character. When you touch a name on your  
contacts list, the contact's available number(s)  
displays on the right pane, along with other available  
information (such as address). Touch the contact's  
number to make a call.  
NOTE: Your phone automatically disconnects when you  
leave Model Y.  
NOTE: Unpairing the phone has no effect on using the  
phone as a key. To forget an authenticated phone, see  
Managing Keys on page 13.  
Favorites: Displays the contacts from your phone that  
you have identified as Favorites.  
Connecting to a Paired Phone  
Calendar: Displays calendar entries from your phone  
(see Calendar on page 135). If an entry includes a  
phone number or an address, you can make a phone  
call, or navigate to a destination, by touching the  
corresponding information in the calendar entry.  
Model Y automatically connects to a phone that you  
designated as Priority Device on the Bluetooth settings  
screen. If you have not set a phone as a priority, Model Y  
connects to the last phone to which is was connected,  
provided it is within operating range and has Bluetooth  
turned on. If the last phone is not within range, it  
attempts to connect with the next phone that it has  
been paired with.  
Making a Phone Call  
You can make a phone call by:  
To connect to a different phone, touch the Bluetooth  
icon at the top of the Controls screen. The Bluetooth  
settings screen displays a list of paired phones. Choose  
the phone you want to connect to, then touch Connect.  
If the phone you want to connect to is not listed, you  
must pair the phone. See Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on  
• Speaking a voice command (see Voice Commands on  
page 136). Voice commands are a convenient, hands-  
free way to call or text your contacts.  
Touching a phone number shown in a list in the  
phone app - Contacts, Calls, or Calendar.  
• Using the Model Y on-screen dialer in the Phone  
app's Calls list.  
When connected, the Bluetooth settings screen displays  
the Bluetooth symbol next to the phone's name to show  
that Model Y is connected to the phone.  
NOTE: If it is safe and legal to do so, you can also initiate  
a call by dialing the number or selecting the contact  
directly from your phone.  
Using the Phone App  
NOTE: You can also make a phone call by touching a pin  
on the map and choosing the phone number (if  
available) on the popup screen.  
When your phone is connected to Model Y  
using Bluetooth, and you have allowed  
access to information on your phone (see  
page 133), you can use the phone app to  
display and make a hands-free call to  
anyone listed on your phone.  
Receiving a Phone Call  
When your phone receives an incoming call, the  
touchscreen displays the caller’s number or name (if the  
caller is in your phone’s contact list and Model Y has  
access to your contacts).  
Calls: Displays recent calls in chronological order with  
the most recent call listed first.  
Touch one of the options on the touchscreen to Answer  
or Ignore the call. Depending on the phone you are  
using and what speakers you used for your most recent  
call, your phone may prompt you to choose which  
speakers you want to use for the incoming call.  
Messages: Displays message in chronological order  
with the most recent message listed first. You can  
view, send, and receive text messages. Instead of  
typing a text message, touch the microphone button  
on the right side of the steering wheel to enter text  
using your voice.  
WARNING: Stay focused on the road at all times  
while driving. Using or programming a phone while  
driving, even with Bluetooth enabled, can result in  
serious injury or death.  
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Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing  
WARNING: Follow all applicable laws regarding the  
Zoom  
use of phones while driving, including, but not  
limited to, laws that prohibit texting and require  
hands-free operation at all times.  
Seamlessly take meetings and calls  
through your vehicle's touchscreen. To set  
up, touch the Zoom app and sign in or  
enter the meeting ID. You can even access  
meetings shown on your calendar or in text  
messages by touching the Zoom link. Your  
vehicle's cabin camera can be used in calls  
over Zoom only when Model Y is Parked.  
When the vehicle is shifted out of Park in  
the middle of a Zoom call, the meeting  
switches to audio only. Use the  
In Call Options  
When a call is in progress, the call menu displays on the  
touchscreen. Then roll the right scroll button to choose  
an option. To adjust the call volume, roll left scroll button  
during a call.  
Calendar  
touchscreen to turn on/off the video,  
mute/unmute yourself, and customize  
various preferences for your meeting.  
The calendar displays scheduled events  
from your phone’s (iPhone or Android™)  
®
calendar for the current and next day. The  
calendar is conveniently integrated with  
the phone app so you can dial into your  
meeting from a Calendar entry. It is also  
integrated with the navigation system so  
you can navigate to the event's location.  
1. Ensure your phone is paired to Model Y.  
2. Ensure your are logged into the Tesla mobile app.  
3. In your Tesla mobile app, touch Profile > Settings >  
Calendar Sync.  
NOTE: To ensure you have access to all of the  
calendar's features, it is recommended that you use  
the most recent version of the mobile app.  
4. On your phone, go to Settings and allow access/give  
permission to share your calendar with the Tesla  
mobile app. The mobile app can then periodically  
(and automatically) send calendar data from your  
phone to Model Y.  
If a calendar event includes an address, a navigation  
arrow displays to indicate that you can touch the  
address to navigate to the event's location. When an  
event on your calendar takes place within the next hour  
and has a uniquely specified address, the touchscreen  
notifies you if there is a better route due to traffic, even  
when you’re not actively using navigation.  
If an event has a uniquely specified address and takes  
place within two hours of you entering your vehicle and  
preparing to drive, Model Y automatically routes you to  
the event's address (see Automatic Navigation on page  
155).  
Touch an event's information icon to display all notes  
associated with the event. If the notes include one or  
more phone numbers, the information icon shows a  
phone icon and the calendar displays the first phone  
number found. Touch to initiate a phone call. You can  
also initiate a phone call by touching any number in an  
event's notes popup screen (this is especially useful for  
conference calls). If notes include a web link, you can  
touch the link to open it in the Web browser.  
Using the Touchscreen  
135  
 
Voice Commands  
Use voice commands to easily control settings and  
preferences without using the touchscreen. You can ask  
Model Y to do just about anything, such as adjusting  
climate controls and media preferences. Available  
commands include most features that are managed by  
the touchscreen except driving-related commands, for  
example shifting drive modes.  
• "Make it warmer"  
• "Turn on/off the driver's seat heater"  
• "Cool down the passenger"  
• "Direct airflow to my face"  
• "Sync climate"  
• "Increase/decrease the fan speed"  
• "Turn on/off rear defroster"  
• "Set the temperature/fan..."  
• "Turn on recirculate"  
Voice commands are designed to understand natural  
requests. You can use voice commands to:  
• Adjust climate preferences.  
• Tweak the windshield wiper speed and frequency.  
• Control various aspects of your vehicle.  
• Navigate to a location.  
Windshield Wipers  
• Call a contact.  
Update the windshield wiper speed and frequency  
based on changing road and weather conditions:  
• Interact with apps and settings.  
• "Speed up the wipers"  
To initiate a voice command, press and release the right  
scroll wheel button on the steering wheel. When you  
hear a chime, make your request and the vehicle  
responds.  
• "Increase/decrease windshield wiper speed by..."  
• "Turn on/off the wipers"  
Vehicle Controls  
You can also modify various controls in your vehicle  
using voice commands:  
NOTE: Your vehicle must be in Park to enable some  
voice commands (such as Sentry Mode, Dog Mode, etc.).  
• "Sentry Mode on/off"  
• "Keep my car safe"  
• "Lock/unlock the doors"  
• "Turn on Dog Mode"  
• "Fold/unfold the mirrors"  
• "Open/close charge port"  
• "Start/stop charging"  
• "Open service settings"  
• "Open the glovebox"  
Examples of Voice Commands  
Navigation  
Here is a list of example voice commands. This is not an  
exhaustive list. Tesla is constantly working to improve  
voice commands.  
To search for, or navigate to, a location, say:  
NOTE: To choose the language you want to use for voice  
commands, touch Controls > Display > Voice  
Recognition Language. Voice commands are not  
available in all languages.  
• "Where is [location]?"  
• "Drive to [location]"  
• "Navigate to [location]"  
• "Show nearby Superchargers"  
Climate Controls  
• "I'm feeling hungry/lucky" (see Maps and Navigation  
on page 153).  
Adjust your climate preferences using voice commands:  
• "Make it cooler"  
• "Stop navigation"  
• "Mute voice guidance"  
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Voice Commands  
If you have defined a navigation address for your home  
or work locations, you can use a voice command to  
navigate there by saying "Navigate home" or "Take me  
to work".  
Contacts  
To call or text a contact on your Bluetooth-connected  
page 133), say:  
• "Call [contact name/phone number]"  
• "Text [contact name/phone number]"  
Media  
To listen to and adjust your media preferences, say:  
• "Listen to [song name]"  
• "Lower/raise the volume"  
• "Skip to next"  
• "Pause/play song"  
• "Change the source to [media source]"  
To improve voice command recognition accuracy,  
provide multiple cues in your command, such as artist  
and song.  
Apps and Settings  
Easily navigate through your apps and settings using  
voice commands:  
• "Open [Toybox/browser/theater/phone]"  
• "Search for..."  
• "The screen is too bright"  
• "Show me the Owner's Manual"  
Some apps and settings are only accessible while in  
Park.  
You can also file a bug report by saying "Report" ,  
"Feedback", or "Bug report".  
For a complete list of voice commands, go to https://  
NOTE: Tesla is continuously improving the ability of  
Model Y to recognize voice commands. To support these  
ongoing quality improvements, Tesla captures short  
voice recordings anonymously. To protect your privacy,  
these short recordings are not associated with your  
personal information or with your vehicle's identification  
number. Tesla assures that it is not possible to search  
any system for a recording associated with a specific  
customer or vehicle.  
Using the Touchscreen  
137  
Safety & Security Settings  
When enabled, in addition to entering the 4-digit driving  
About the Security System  
PIN to drive, you must also use it to enter Valet mode for  
the first time and create the 4-digit valet PIN to enter  
and exit Valet mode. In Valet mode, Model Y can be  
driven without the need for the valet to enter a driving  
PIN. The PIN to Drive setting is disabled whenever Valet  
mode is active.  
If Model Y does not detect an authenticated phone, key  
fob, or key card and a locked door or trunk is opened, an  
alarm sounds. The headlights and turn signals also flash.  
To deactivate the alarm, press any button on the mobile  
app or tap your key card or key fob against the card  
reader located approximately one third the way up of  
the driver's side door pillar.  
If you forget your driving PIN, touch the link to enter  
your Tesla login credentials on the PIN to Drive popup,  
then follow the on-screen prompts.  
To manually enable or disable the alarm system, touch  
Controls > Safety > Security Alarm. When enabled,  
Model Y activates its alarm one minute after you exit, the  
doors lock, and a recognized key is no longer detected.  
NOTE: In the unlikely event that your touchscreen is  
unresponsive, you may be unable to enter the PIN. In this  
case, first try to restart the touchscreen (see Restarting  
the Touchscreen on page 7). If the touchscreen is still  
unresponsive, you can still bypass PIN to Drive by  
turning on Keyless Driving in the Tesla mobile app.  
A battery-backed siren (if equipped) sounds in  
situations where a locked door or trunk is opened and  
Model Y does not detect a key nearby. If you also want  
this siren to sound in situations where the vehicle  
detects motion inside the cabin, enable Tilt/Intrusion  
Glovebox PIN  
For additional security, you can protect the contents in  
your glovebox with a 4-digit PIN. To enable this setting,  
touch Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and follow the  
on-screen prompts. When enabled, you are prompted to  
enter the PIN to open the glovebox. To disable this  
setting, select the toggle to disable and then enter the  
PIN.  
NOTE: If Model Y is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use  
disable Sentry Mode before you can disable the Security  
alarm or the Tilt/Intrusion alarm.  
Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped)  
If you forget your glovebox PIN, reset it by entering your  
Tesla login credentials, then follow the on-screen  
prompts.  
Depending on configuration, market region, and date of  
manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with this  
feature.  
NOTE: Using a Glovebox PIN allows the glovebox to be  
opened even when Model Y is in Valet mode.  
The Security Alarm must be on to enable Tilt/Intrusion.  
Tilt/Intrusion sounds the alarm in your vehicle if Model Y  
detects motion inside the cabin, or is moved or tilted  
(for example, with a tow truck or jack). To enable, touch  
Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.  
Speed Limit Mode  
Speed Limit Mode allows you to limit acceleration and  
limit the maximum driving speed to a chosen value  
between 50 and 120 mph (80 and 193 km/h). The first  
time you use this feature, you must create a 4-digit PIN  
that you must use to enable and disable Speed Limit  
Mode. When enabled and the driving speed approaches  
within approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) of the maximum  
speed, a chime sounds, the touchscreen displays a  
message, and Model Y sends a notification to the mobile  
app. You can also touch Security > Speed Limit Mode to  
enable from the Tesla mobile app. To enable Speed Limit  
Mode:  
The intrusion sensor automatically disables in situations  
where the climate control system is operating when you  
leave your vehicle. To override, you can manually turn  
the Tilt/Intrusion Sensor on again after choosing Keep  
Climate On, Dog, or Camp Mode.  
The tilt/intrusion sensor automatically re-enables at the  
start of every drive cycle.  
NOTE: If you plan to leave something that moves inside  
your locked vehicle, remember to turn off Tilt/Intrusion.  
If this setting is on, any motion detected inside Model Y  
activates the intrusion alarm.  
1. Ensure Model Y is in Park.  
2. Touch Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode on the  
touchscreen.  
PIN to Drive  
3. Select the maximum driving speed.  
To increase security, you can prevent Model Y from  
being driven until a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification  
Number) is entered. To enable this setting, touch  
Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the on-  
screen prompts to create a driving PIN.  
4. Drag the slider to the On position.  
5. Enter the 4-digit PIN that you want to use to enable  
and disable Speed Limit Mode.  
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Safety & Security Settings  
NOTE: If you forget the PIN, you can disable Speed  
Limit Mode by entering login credentials for your  
Tesla account.  
NOTE: While Speed Limit Mode is enabled, the  
acceleration setting (Controls > Pedals & Steering >  
Acceleration) automatically sets to Chill.  
WARNING: Driving downhill can increase driving  
speed and cause Model Y to exceed your chosen  
maximum speed.  
WARNING: Speed Limit Mode is not a replacement  
for good judgment, driver training, and the need to  
closely monitor speed limits and driving  
conditions. Accidents occur at any speed.  
Using the Touchscreen  
139  
Dashcam  
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle  
configuration, options purchased, and software version,  
your vehicle may not be equipped with Dashcam or the  
features may not operate exactly as described. It is your  
sole responsibility to consult and comply with all local  
regulations and property restrictions regarding the use  
of cameras.  
Auto: Dashcam automatically saves a recording to  
the USB drive when Model Y detects a safety-  
critical event, such as a collision or airbag  
deployment. When Auto is selected, detection can  
vary and is subject to your vehicle's power, sleep,  
and Autopilot state.  
NOTE: Several factors determine whether  
Dashcam automatically saves a recording of a  
safety-critical event (for example, amount of force,  
whether or not airbags deployed, etc.). Do not rely  
on Dashcam to automatically record video of all  
safety-critical events.  
Dashcam records video footage of your vehicle's  
surroundings when Model Y is powered on (see Starting  
and Powering Off on page 55) and driving. Use Dashcam  
to record driving incidents or other notable events, like  
you would for an external Dashcam on other vehicles.  
Manual: You must manually touch the Dashcam  
icon to save a recording of the most recent 10  
minutes of footage.  
The Dashcam icon is located in the app launcher. You  
can add the Dashcam app to the bottom bar for easy  
access (see Customizing My Apps on page 8). When  
your vehicle is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon  
brings up the Viewer.  
On Honk: When you press the horn, Dashcam  
saves a recording of the most recent 10 minutes of  
footage. This can be enabled along with Auto or  
Manual.  
4. Once Dashcam is enabled, you are free to drive. The  
Dashcam icon indicates when footage is saved. You  
can also view the status of Dashcam with the icon in  
Controls:  
To protect your privacy, video recordings are saved  
locally to a formatted USB flash drive's onboard  
memory. Recordings are not sent to Tesla. Your vehicle  
does not record videos when Dashcam is Off.  
How to Use Dashcam  
The icon changes to show the status of Dashcam:  
RECORDING: Dashcam is recording. To  
save video footage, touch the icon. To  
pause recording, press and hold the  
icon.  
1. Format a USB flash drive. Dashcam requires a  
properly formatted USB drive inserted in your  
vehicle's USB port (Tesla recommends using the  
glovebox USB port, if equipped) to store and retrieve  
footage. Vehicles manufactured beginning  
approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-  
formatted USB flash drive in the glove box. There are  
two ways to format the flash drive:  
PAUSED: Dashcam is paused. To resume  
recording, touch the icon. To avoid  
losing video footage, pause Dashcam  
before removing the flash drive.  
Insert the flash drive into the USB port and  
navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.  
Your vehicle automatically formats the flash drive  
for you.  
SAVED: Footage is saved. You can also  
save Dashcam clips by touching the  
Dashcam icon in the app launcher while  
Driving.  
Format the flash drive on a computer. See USB  
144 for more information.  
2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB  
5. Once your desired footage is saved, view the clips on  
the touchscreen or a computer:  
port.  
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after  
approximately November 1, 2021, the center console  
USB ports may only support charging devices. Use  
the USB port inside the glove box for all other  
functions.  
Touchscreen: Ensure your vehicle is in Park and  
touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher.  
Videos are organized by timestamp. See Viewing  
information.  
Computer: Insert the USB flash drive into a  
computer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder.  
Videos are organized by timestamp. See Viewing  
information.  
3. Enable Dashcam by touching Controls > Safety >  
Dashcam. Dashcam allows you to choose how and  
when footage is saved. You can choose between:  
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MODEL Y Owner's Manual  
Dashcam  
6. To turn Dashcam off, navigate to Controls > Safety >  
Dashcam > Off. If set to Auto, On Honk, or Manual,  
Dashcam will automatically enable every time you  
drive your vehicle.  
Using the Touchscreen  
141  
Sentry Mode  
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle  
configuration, options purchased, and software version,  
your vehicle may not be equipped with Sentry Mode or  
the features may not operate exactly as described. It is  
your sole responsibility to consult and comply with all  
local regulations and property restrictions regarding the  
use of cameras.  
Insert the USB drive into the USB port and  
navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.  
Your vehicle automatically formats the USB drive  
for you.  
Format the USB drive on a computer. See USB  
144 for more information.  
When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors (if  
equipped) remain powered on and ready to record  
suspicious activity around your vehicle when Model Y is  
locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an  
intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it  
detects possible threats nearby.  
2. Insert the USB drive into the vehicle's USB port.  
3. With your vehicle in Park, enable Dashcam by  
navigating to Controls > Safety > Dashcam.  
4. Touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > On. Once  
enabled, the Sentry Mode icon in the Controls tab  
turns red.  
If a threat is detected, Sentry Mode pulses the  
headlights, sounds the alarm, and displays a message on  
the touchscreen indicating that the cameras may be  
recording to inform individuals outside of the vehicle.  
You will receive an alert on your phone through the  
mobile app and footage of the event is saved to USB  
drive (if installed).  
NOTE: Rear camera recordings are available only on  
vehicles manufactured after approximately February  
2018.  
Sentry Mode is disabled by default. You can use voice  
commands or the Tesla mobile app to easily enable or  
disable Sentry Mode. To enable Sentry Mode using voice  
commands, say "Keep Tesla safe," "Keep my car safe,"  
"Sentry on," or "Enable Sentry" (see Voice Commands  
When enabled, Sentry Mode is idle, ready to sound  
the alarm and save a recording of the security event  
144 for information on viewing footage.  
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after  
5. To silence the security alarm and audio system when  
the alarm is triggered, navigate to Controls > Safety >  
Disable Sentry Sounds. When enabled, Sentry Mode  
still sends a notification through the mobile app and  
saves the last 10 minutes footage.  
approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB  
ports may only support charging devices. Use the USB  
port inside the glove box for all other functions.  
Sentry Mode requires your Battery to be at least 20%  
charged. If the Battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode  
turns off and the mobile app sends you a notification.  
Power consumption may increase when Sentry Mode is  
active.  
6. To manually enable/disable Sentry Mode until the  
next drive, touch the Sentry Mode icon in Controls.  
Sentry Mode is Off when the icon is no longer red.  
NOTE: Software updates cannot be installed when  
Sentry Mode is turned on.  
CAUTION: Do not rely on Sentry Mode to protect  
Model Y from all possible security threats. Sentry  
Mode uses many factors to determine whether to  
activate the security alarm-- all impacts may not  
be detected and the alarm may not activate in all  
situations. While it may help deter some threats,  
no security system can prevent all attacks.  
Turn Sentry Mode Off in Controls > Safety > Sentry  
Mode to disable for more than one drive cycle.  
How to Use Sentry Mode (App  
Only)  
How to Use Sentry Mode (Camera +  
App)  
When Sentry mode is enabled and a security event is  
detected but without a USB drive plugged into a USB  
port, your vehicle alerts you through the mobile app,  
without any camera recordings.  
1. Sentry Mode requires a properly formatted USB drive  
inserted in your vehicle's USB port (Tesla  
recommends using the glovebox USB port, if  
equipped) to store and retrieve footage. Vehicles  
manufactured from approximately 2020 are  
equipped with a pre-formatted USB drive in the glove  
box. There are two ways to format the USB drive:  
Sentry Mode Settings  
Exclude specific locations  
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MODEL Y Owner's Manual  
   
Sentry Mode  
View Live Camera is limited to approximately one  
hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative  
usage per day.  
In Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode, you can  
determine if you want Sentry Mode to not enable in  
certain locations (see Home, Work, and Favorite  
Destinations on page 155 for more information):  
If Model Y is equipped with a pedestrian warning  
speaker (see Pedestrian Warning System on page  
78), you can press and hold the microphone button  
on the mobile app to transmit your voice through this  
speaker.  
Exclude Home: Sentry Mode does not  
automatically enable at the location set as Home  
in your Favorites list.  
Exclude Work: Sentry Mode does not  
automatically enable at the location set as Work in  
your Favorites list.  
You can also enable Dog Mode at the same time and  
switch the live camera view to see through the  
interior camera on the mobile app. See Keep Climate  
information. This feature is not supported in vehicles  
with Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls >  
Service > Autopilot computer to find out which  
computer your vehicle has.  
Exclude Favorites: Sentry Mode does not  
automatically enable at any location in your  
Favorites list.  
NOTE: To recognize a location listed as Home,  
Work, or a Favorite, Model Y must be parked  
within approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of  
the saved location.  
NOTE: If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same  
time, Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to  
protect your pet.  
To set up your Home or Work location, touch  
Navigate > Set Home/Set Work. To set up a Favorite,  
touch the star when viewing an address on the map.  
Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off using the  
touchscreen or the mobile app overrides your Home,  
Work, or Favorite exclusion preferences until the next  
time you drive.  
NOTE: Video quality can vary depending on network  
connectivity. No audio is captured.  
NOTE: The live camera feed is fully encrypted and  
cannot be accessed by Tesla.  
information on viewing Sentry Mode footage.  
Set Camera-Based Detection  
NOTE: When the internal storage reaches full capacity,  
new recordings from Alert and Alarm events overwrite  
the older recordings.  
When Camera-Based Detection is enabled, Sentry  
Mode uses the vehicle’s external cameras in addition  
to vehicle sensors to detect a security event while  
parked. If disabled, your vehicle only saves clips to  
the USB drive if a physical threat is detected. To  
adjust, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode >  
Camera-Based Detection.  
View Live Camera  
NOTE: View Live Camera requires premium  
connectivity and version 4.2.1 (or newer) of the Tesla  
mobile app installed on a phone that has been paired  
as a key to Model Y.  
When Sentry Mode is enabled, use the mobile app to  
remotely view the area surrounding Model Y as seen  
through the exterior cameras. To enable, touch  
Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera  
via Mobile App on the touchscreen to see what  
Sentry Mode records in real-time. Ensure there are no  
occupants in the vehicle and all doors are locked.  
Then, on the mobile app, navigate to Safety > Sentry  
Mode > View Live Camera.  
When View Live Camera is actively in use, Model Y  
periodically flashes its exterior lights and displays a  
message on the touchscreen to notify others that the  
area surrounding the vehicle is being viewed through  
the cameras.  
Using the Touchscreen  
143  
USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos  
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after  
approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB  
ports may only support charging devices. Tesla  
recommends using the USB port inside the glove box for  
all other functions.  
4. Once recognized, ensure icons for Dashcam and  
Sentry Mode are available when you touch Controls.  
Your vehicle is now ready to record videos.  
NOTE: You may need to first enable Sentry Mode (if  
equipped) by touching Controls > Sentry.  
NOTE: The ability to format, and view video footage on,  
USB drives may not be available on your vehicle  
depending on date of manufacture and vehicle  
configuration.  
Viewing Video Recordings  
If footage is saved, you can view the clips on the  
touchscreen or a computer.  
Some features on your Model Y requires the use of a  
USB drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode) that  
meet these requirements:  
When the USB drive runs out of storage space, video  
footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the USB  
drive from getting full, regularly move saved videos to  
another device and delete them from the USB drive.  
• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a USB drive  
with as much available storage as possible. Video  
footage can occupy a large amount of space.  
• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that  
sustained write speed differs from peak write speed.  
Viewing on the Touchscreen  
• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 drive, it must  
also support USB 2.0.  
You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen  
when Model Y is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon  
located in the app launcher or the Dashcam icon on the  
Controls screen. Touch the menu icon in the top corner  
of the screen. The tabs display a list of all video clips,  
organized by location and timestamp. Pause, rewind,  
fast forward, and delete clips as needed.  
• Properly formatted (described below).  
NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase  
recommended USB drives on http://www.tesla.com.  
Automatically Formatting a USB  
Drive  
Navigate to Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips  
to delete all Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage.  
NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the  
Viewer.  
Insert the USB drive into a front USB port and touch  
Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. This  
automatically formats the USB drive as exFAT and  
creates a folder for TeslaCam. The USB drive is now  
ready to record and save video footage.  
Viewing on a Computer  
Insert the USB drive into a computer and navigate to the  
TeslaCam (if equipped) folder.  
Format USB Drive is available only when a USB drive  
(with one or fewer partitions) is inserted into a front USB  
port. Choosing Format USB Drive erases any existing  
content on the USB drive—before using this feature,  
move any content you want to keep to a different  
device.  
The TeslaCam folder contains sub-folders:  
Saved Clips: Contains all recordings that are saved  
using Dashcam.  
Sentry Clips: Contains camera recordings from all  
Sentry Mode security events. If storage space on the  
USB drive becomes limited, the oldest Sentry Clips  
are deleted to provide space for new ones. Once  
deleted, you cannot retrieve them.  
Manually Formatting a USB Drive  
If Model Y is unable to format the USB drive, format it  
using a computer:  
1. Format the USB drive as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for  
Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).  
2. Create a base-level folder titled TeslaCam. You can  
use one USB drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode, , and  
audio files, but you must create separate partitions  
for each folder on an exFAT USB drive.  
3. Once formatted, insert the USB drive into a front (or  
glovebox, if equipped) USB port. Do not use a rear  
USB port because they are only for charging devices.  
It may take a few seconds for the vehicle to recognize  
the USB drive.  
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Smart Garage Connectivity  
WARNING: Do not use the HomeLink Universal  
Transceiver with a device that does not have safety  
stop and reverse features. Using a device without  
these safety features increases the risk of injury or  
death.  
Supported Modes  
myQ  
HomeLink supports three different transmit modes,  
(If equipped) Model Y can intelligently connect to your  
myQ smart garage, which allows you to remotely  
monitor and control your garage door through the  
vehicle's touchscreen. This is convenient if you forget to  
close your garage door, want to allow friends and family  
inside, or need the garage to open or close  
which is how your vehicle and the RF device  
communicate. Selecting a transmit mode is determined  
by your RF device's compatibility:  
Standard Mode: Use Standard Mode if your RF device  
is equipped with a remote control that must be used  
to operate the device (for example, a remote-  
controlled garage door). This mode is the most  
commonly used transmit mode for HomeLink  
devices.  
automatically when your vehicle is detected nearby.  
Follow these steps to set up myQ on your vehicle:  
1. Your garage door must be myQ compatible. Use the  
myQ Compatibility tool (https://www.myq.com/app/  
myq-compatibility) to determine this.  
D-Mode or UR-Mode: Use D-Mode or UR-Mode if the  
RF device does not have a remote control, and the  
receiver has a "Learn" button (may also be called  
"Program" or "Smart"). D-Mode and UR-Mode  
function similarly in that Model Y communicates  
directly with the device's receiver as opposed to the  
remote control.  
2. Ensure your garage is Wi-Fi compatible. myQ uses  
Wi-Fi to communicate with your smart phone and  
vehicle. Some garages will have a Wi-Fi or myQ  
symbol on the hub. Your garage must have a strong  
Wi-Fi signal to control and monitor your garage  
through your vehicle.  
NOTE: D-Mode is used primarily in North America  
whereas UR-Mode is popular in Europe, the Middle  
East, and Asia. To determine the mode your device is  
compatible with, contact HomeLink  
NOTE: If your garage is not compatible, you may be  
able to purchase an external myQ hub to use this  
functionality.  
3. Download the myQ app from your smart phone's app  
store. Use the app to set up your account information  
and pair the garage to your phone. myQ requires a  
paid subscription for use, which you can purchase in  
the app.  
Each of your devices can be set to a different mode. For  
example, your garage door can be set to Standard  
Mode, your front gate can be set to D-Mode, etc. To  
change a transmit mode, touch the HomeLink icon at  
the top of the Controls screen and select the device you  
want to change. Then, select Program and choose the  
desired mode for your device. Confirm by touching Set  
Mode and follow the onscreen instructions.  
4. Check that your vehicle is running the latest available  
software version and has Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity.  
5. Touch the garage icon at the top of the touchscreen  
or navigate to Controls > Locks > myQ Connected  
Garage > Link Account and follow the instructions to  
pair the garage with Model Y. Once paired,  
monitoring and controlling the garage becomes  
available on the touchscreen, where you can  
customize myQ further.  
For older vehicles, changing the mode for one device  
changes the mode for all devices, so be careful when  
changing transmit modes. Devices not compatible with  
your selected mode may not work. Touch the HomeLink  
icon at the top of the touchscreen, then touch Change  
Transmit Mode.  
For more information, questions, or troubleshooting  
assistance, visit www.myQ.com/Tesla.  
NOTE: Check the product information for your  
HomeLink device to determine which mode is  
compatible with your device.  
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver  
Programming HomeLink  
If your vehicle is equipped with the HomeLink® Universal  
Transceiver, you can operate up to three Radio  
Frequency (RF) devices, including garage doors, gates,  
lights, and security systems.  
To program HomeLink®:  
1. Park Model Y so that the front bumper is in front of  
the device you want to program.  
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture, market  
region, and options selected at time of purchase, some  
vehicles are not equipped with a HomeLink Universal  
Transceiver.  
Using the Touchscreen  
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Smart Garage Connectivity  
CAUTION: Your device might open or close  
during programming. Therefore, before  
programming, make sure that the device is clear  
of any people or objects.  
Select the Auto-open when arriving checkbox if  
you want the device to open as you approach.  
Touch the arrows to specify the distance you want  
Model Y to be from the device before it opens.  
2. Check that the device's remote control has a healthy  
battery. Tesla recommends replacing the battery in  
the device's remote control before Programming  
HomeLink.  
Select the Auto-close when leaving checkbox if  
you want the device to close as you drive away.  
Select the Auto-fold mirrors checkbox if you want  
mirrors to fold when you arrive at the HomeLink  
location. This is useful for narrow garages.  
3. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls  
screen.  
Select the Chime for Auto-open and Auto-close  
checkbox if you want Model Y to sound a chime  
when a signal has been sent to open or close the  
device.  
4. Touch Create HomeLink.  
5. On the HomeLink screen, enter a name for the device,  
then touch Enter or Add New HomeLink.  
6. Choose the mode you wish to use (Standard, D-  
As you approach (or drive away from) a device that is  
set to operate automatically, the HomeLink status icon  
displays a count-down message to let you know when  
the device automatically opens or closes. In situations  
where you don't want the device to automatically open  
or close, touch Skip Auto-Open or Skip Auto-Close at  
any time during the count-down message.  
Mode, or UR-Mode), then touch Set Mode.  
7. Touch Start and follow the onscreen instructions.  
NOTE: If you see a screen called “Train the receiver”  
while programming the device, remember that this is  
a time-sensitive step. After pressing the Learn/  
Program/Smart button on the device's remote  
control, you have only approximately 30 seconds to  
return to your vehicle and press Continue, and then  
press the trained HomeLink device name twice.  
Consider having an assistant to ensure you can  
complete this step within 30 seconds.  
NOTE: Do not rely on HomeLink to ensure the device  
fully closes.  
Resetting the Location of the  
HomeLink Device  
8. Once your device is programmed, touch Save to  
complete the programming.  
If you experience situations in which you sometimes  
drive up to your HomeLink device and it doesn't open,  
or the touchscreen does not display a notification as you  
approach a programmed device, you may need to reset  
the device's location. To do so, park as close as possible  
to the HomeLink device (garage door, gate, etc.) and  
display the HomeLink settings page by touching the  
HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls screen. Touch  
the name of the device you want to reset, then touch  
Reset Location.  
9. Ensure HomeLink works as expected. In some cases,  
you may need to repeat the programming process  
multiple times before succeeding.  
Once programmed, you can operate the device by  
touching its corresponding HomeLink icon on the  
touchscreen. HomeLink remembers the location of your  
programmed devices. When you approach a known  
location, the HomeLink control on the touchscreen  
automatically appears. When you drive away, it  
disappears.  
Deleting a Device  
NOTE: The HomeLink icon displays at the top of the  
touchscreen when Model Y detects a programmed  
HomeLink device within range, and the touchscreen is  
not already displaying the HomeLink screen or popup,  
To delete a HomeLink device, touch the HomeLink icon  
at the top of the Controls screen, then touch HomeLink  
Settings. Touch the name of the device you want to  
delete, then touch Delete.  
NOTE: For additional assistance or compatibility  
questions, contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call  
NOTE: You can also perform a factory reset to erase  
your HomeLink settings, along with all other personal  
data (saved addresses, music favorites, imported  
contacts, etc.). See Erasing Personal Data on page 9.  
Auto Opening and Closing  
NOTE: For security reasons, delete your HomeLink  
devices if you sell your Model Y.  
To operate a HomeLink device without using the  
touchscreen, you can automate the device to open as  
you approach, and close as you drive away:  
1. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls  
screen, touch HomeLink Settings, then choose the  
device you want to automate.  
2. Adjust the device's HomeLink settings as needed:  
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Smart Garage Connectivity  
For additional assistance or compatibility questions,  
contact HomeLink (www.homelink.com or call  
Troubleshooting HomeLink  
Standard Mode  
In Standard Mode, Model Y records the RF signal from  
your HomeLink device's remote control. The  
touchscreen instructs you to stand in front of the  
vehicle, point the device's remote control at the front  
bumper, and press and hold the button until the  
headlights flash. When the headlights flash, Model Y has  
learned the remote control and you can touch Continue  
on the touchscreen. If the headlights do not flash:  
• Check the batteries in the remote control. It is a good  
idea to replace the batteries before you start  
programming.  
• Ensure you are standing in front of Model Y with the  
device's remote control positioned within two inches  
(five cm) of the Tesla emblem.  
• Press and hold the button on your device's remote  
control until the headlights flash. In some cases you  
must hold the button on the remote control for up to  
three minutes.  
NOTE: Some HomeLink remote controls require  
multiple short presses (approximately one second  
each press) instead of one long duration press. If you  
are unsuccessful after multiple attempts of using long  
presses, try repeated presses of one second each.  
D-Mode and UR-Mode  
In D Mode and UR-Mode, the device’s receiver learns  
Model Y. The touchscreen instructs you to press the  
"Learn" button (may also be called "Program" or  
"Smart") on the device's receiver. If this does not work,  
refer to the following guidelines:  
• Park Model Y with its bumper as close as possible to  
the garage door, gate, etc. that you are trying to  
program.  
• Make sure you are pressing the receiver's Learn/  
Program/Smart button. For instructions on how to  
put the receiver into learning mode, refer to the  
product details provided with your RF device that  
you are trying to program.  
• If you see a screen called "Train the receiver" while  
programming the device, remember that this is a  
time-sensitive step. After pressing the Learn/  
Program/Smart button on the device's remote  
control or receiver, you only have approximately 30  
seconds to return to your vehicle, press Continue,  
then press the trained HomeLink device name twice.  
Consider having someone assist you with this step.  
• Most devices stay in learning mode for only three to  
five minutes. Immediately after pressing the device's  
Learn/Program/Smart button, follow the instructions  
displayed on the vehicle's touchscreen.  
Using the Touchscreen  
147  
Connecting to Wi-Fi  
Wi-Fi is available as a data connection method and is  
often faster than cellular data networks. Connecting to  
Wi-Fi is especially useful in areas with limited or no  
cellular connectivity. To ensure fast, reliable delivery of  
software and map updates, Tesla recommends leaving  
Model Y connected to a Wi-Fi network whenever  
possible (for example, when parked overnight).  
To connect to a Wi-Fi network:  
1. Touch Controls > Wi-Fi icon at the top of the  
Controls screen. Model Y begins to scan and display  
detected Wi-Fi networks that are within range.  
When connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi icon displays at  
the top of the touchscreen.  
NOTE: If a known Wi-Fi network does not appear in  
the list, move Model Y closer to the access point or  
consider using a range extender.  
NOTE: When connecting to a 5GHz network (if  
available), check which channels are supported in  
your region.  
5GHz Network Channels Supported  
36-48  
52-64  
100-140  
149-165  
2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, enter the  
password (if necessary), then touch Confirm.  
3. Model Y connects to the Wi-Fi network. Whenever  
the network is within range, Model Y connects to it  
automatically.  
You can also connect to a hidden network that isn't  
shown on the list of scanned networks. Just touch Wi-Fi  
Settings, enter the name of the network in the resulting  
dialog box, select the security setting, then touch Add  
Network.  
NOTE: If more than one previously connected network is  
within range, Model Y connects to the one most recently  
used.  
NOTE: At Tesla Service Centers, Model Y automatically  
connects to the Tesla Service Wi-Fi network.  
Hotspots and Connectivity  
You can also use a mobile hotspot or your phone's  
Internet connection via Wi-Fi tethering (subject to fees  
and restrictions of your mobile carrier) to access the  
internet. To remain connected to Wi-Fi when shifting  
into Drive or Reverse, choose the connection from the  
Wi-Fi settings screen, then touch Remain connected in  
Drive.  
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Software Updates  
your vehicle loses the Wi-Fi connection. When the  
software update is fully downloaded and ready to  
install, a yellow clock icon displays at the top of the  
touchscreen.  
Loading New Software  
Tesla updates your vehicle's software wirelessly,  
constantly providing new features. Tesla recommends  
you install software updates at the earliest opportunity  
on your vehicle. To ensure the fastest and most reliable  
delivery of software updates, leave Wi-Fi turned on and  
connected whenever possible. In most cases, your  
vehicle must be connected to Wi-Fi to start an update  
Install phase: During the install phase, you cannot  
drive. If plugged in, your vehicle will stop charging  
until the installation is complete. To start the install  
phase, touch the yellow clock icon at the top of the  
touchscreen. Touch Install Now to begin the  
installation immediately or touch Set For This Time to  
choose a start time for the installation. If you  
schedule the software update to install at a future  
time, the yellow clock icon changes to a white clock  
icon until the installation begins. At any time before  
the update installs, you can touch this clock icon to  
reschedule.  
Software updates are not performed when the following  
features are active:  
• Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode  
• Sentry Mode  
NOTE: Software updates will not install if Keep, Dog, or  
Camp mode are enabled (see Keep Climate On, Dog,  
NOTE: On an as-needed basis, Tesla also sends software  
updates using a cellular connection.  
WARNING: Do not attempt to use the vehicle while  
the software is being updated. Vehicle functions,  
including some safety systems, may be limited or  
disabled when a software update is in progress  
and you could damage the vehicle.  
Software Update Preferences  
Tesla determines how, when, and where to send updates  
to vehicles based on various factors unique to each  
release. You can choose how quickly and often you  
receive software updates. To change your preference,  
touch Controls > Software > Software Update  
When a software update is available, a yellow clock icon  
appears at the top of the Controls screen. There are  
three ways you can install software updates:  
Preferences and choose either of these options:  
Touch the yellow clock icon to display the scheduling  
screen, which prompts you to select a time to install  
the update (Set For This Time) or install it now  
(Install Now). Once scheduled, the yellow clock icon  
changes to a white clock icon until the update begins.  
At any time before the update begins, you can touch  
this clock icon to reschedule the update.  
Standard: Receive software updates using the normal  
rollout timeframe for your region and vehicle  
configuration. When a software release is made  
available it has generally been running on other  
customer vehicles for a period of time.  
Advanced: Receive the latest software updates for  
your region and vehicle configuration at the earliest  
opportunity they are available. Keep in mind that  
although you receive updates at the earliest  
opportunity, you may not be in the first group of  
Tesla owners to receive the update. Choosing  
Advanced does not enroll your vehicle in Tesla's early  
access program.  
Touch Controls > Software to determine if an update  
is available for your vehicle. If available, touch  
Software Update Available to navigate to the  
scheduling screen, as mentioned above.  
• Start updates using the Tesla mobile app.  
NOTE: Some software updates can take up to three  
hours to complete. Model Y must be in Park while the  
software is being updated. To ensure the fastest and  
most reliable delivery of software updates, leave the Wi-  
Fi turned on and connected whenever possible (see  
NOTE: Tesla does not update software upon request for  
those wanting to receive the latest features and  
improvements. Selecting Advanced and consistently  
connecting to Wi-Fi (see Connecting to Wi-Fi on page  
148) is the best way to receive the latest software  
updates.  
There are two phases to a software update:  
NOTE: The software update screen persists until you  
install the update. You must install a software update as  
soon it becomes available. Any harm resulting from  
failure to install a software update is not covered by the  
vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal to install updates  
can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible,  
digital media devices to become incompatible.  
Download phase: During this phase, the new update  
is sent wirelessly to the vehicle. If a software update  
is available but cannot be downloaded because the  
vehicle is not connected to Wi-Fi, the top of the  
touchscreen displays a yellow download icon. The  
next time the vehicle connects to Wi-Fi, the  
download occurs automatically. When the download  
is in progress, the download icon turns green.  
Although you can drive while the software update is  
downloaded, doing so can interrupt the download if  
NOTE: Tesla may update or reinstall your vehicle's  
software as part of the normal diagnostic, repair, and  
maintenance process within Service.  
Using the Touchscreen  
149  
Software Updates  
NOTE: Reverting to a previous software version is not  
possible.  
If the touchscreen displays a message indicating that a  
software update was not successfully completed,  
contact Tesla.  
Charging  
If Model Y is charging when the software update begins,  
charging stops. Charging resumes automatically when  
the software update is complete. If you are driving  
Model Y at the scheduled update time, the update is  
canceled and must be rescheduled.  
Viewing Release Notes  
When a software update is complete, read the release  
notes displayed on the touchscreen to learn about  
changes or new features. To display release notes about  
the current version of your vehicle's software at any  
time, touch Controls > Software > Release Notes.  
Tesla strongly recommends reading all release notes.  
They may contain important safety information or  
operating instructions for your Model Y.  
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MODEL Y Owner's Manual  
Mobile App  
NOTE: Twisting red lines next to the battery icon  
indicate that the Battery is actively heating up  
(including while charging or preparing to charge).  
The Tesla mobile app allows you to communicate with  
Model Y remotely using your iPhone® or Android™  
phone.  
NOTE: The information below may not represent an  
exhaustive list of the functions available on the Tesla  
mobile app. To ensure access to new and improved  
features, download updated versions of the mobile app  
as they become available.  
• Open the front trunk.  
• View your vehicle’s odometer, VIN, and current  
firmware version.  
Media settings appear on the mobile app to pause, play,  
rewind, fast forward, and adjust the volume of the media  
currently playing in the vehicle.  
To Use the Mobile App  
For supported video sources, send videos to Tesla  
Theater by sharing the link through the mobile app.  
Navigate to the movie, show, or video you want to play  
on your phone and touch the share button. Share the  
video with the Tesla app and it appears on the  
touchscreen if Model Y is in Park.  
To set up the Tesla mobile app to communicate with  
your Model Y:  
1. Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.  
2. Log in to the Tesla mobile app by entering your Tesla  
account credentials.  
3. Enable mobile access to your Model Y by touching  
Profile  
Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access.  
4. Turn your phone's Bluetooth setting ON and ensure  
that Bluetooth is turned on within your phone's  
global settings for the Tesla mobile app. For example,  
on your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla  
mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is  
enabled.  
In the Profile tab located at the top corner of your  
phone’s screen (shown as an avatar icon), you can:  
• Switch to a different vehicle associated with your  
Tesla account, if you have access to more than one.  
• Navigate the Tesla Shop.  
• Access the Tesla inbox.  
Your phone and vehicle must both be actively  
connected to cellular service to allow the mobile app to  
communicate with your vehicle. Tesla recommends that  
you always have a functional physical key readily  
available if parking in an area with limited or absent  
cellular service, such as an indoor parking garage.  
• Manage your account information and view your  
order history.  
• View and customize notifications you receive under  
the Settings tab, such as Calendar sync, when your  
security alarm has been triggered, charging updates,  
and new software updates. You can start updates  
from afar and check its progress.  
NOTE: In the event that you require lockout assistance  
from Tesla due to a non-warranty issue, such as having  
limited cellular connectivity and having no secondary  
key available, your expenses are not covered under the  
Roadside Assistance policy.  
Controls  
NOTE: Tesla does not support the use of third party  
applications to contact Model Y.  
The Controls tab allows you to do the following:  
• Open the front or rear trunk.  
• Lock or unlock Model Y from afar.  
• Open or close the charge port.  
Overview  
The Tesla mobile app's home screen allows you to:  
• Flash the lights or honk the horn to find where Model  
Y is parked.  
• See the name of your vehicle (if you have one).  
• View your vehicle’s estimated range.  
• Enable Keyless Driving.  
• See which drive mode the vehicle is in (Park, Reverse,  
Neutral, Drive).  
NOTE: Keyless Driving can be used when you do not  
have your key or to bypass PIN to Drive in cases  
where you forgot your PIN or your touchscreen is  
unresponsive (see PIN to Drive on page 138).  
• Lock or unlock your vehicle.  
• Enable maximum defrost to warm your vehicle in cold  
conditions.  
• Open and close your garage door if your vehicle has  
a programmed HomeLink connection, if available (see  
• Check your vehicle's charging information and open  
or close the charge port.  
• Vent the windows.  
Using the Touchscreen  
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Mobile App  
• Pair your phone to the vehicle (see Phone Key on  
page 10).  
Climate  
You can check the interior temperature and heat or cool  
the cabin before driving (even if it’s in a garage), control  
the seat heaters, and defrost the windshield:  
• Enable or disable Sentry Mode (see How to Use  
• Enable or disable Valet Mode (see Valet Mode on  
page 51).  
• Enable or disable Defrost Car by swiping up the from  
bottom , which helps melt snow, ice, and frost on the  
windshield, windows, and mirrors.  
• Enable or disable Speed Limit Mode and receive  
notifications when the vehicle's driving speed is  
within approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) of your  
selected maximum speed (see Speed Limit Mode on  
• Enable or disable Dog Mode or Camp Mode.  
Cabin Overheat Protection prevents the cabin from  
getting too hot in scorching ambient conditions. You  
can choose whether you want the A/C or just the fan  
to run when the temperature in the cabin exceeds 105  
° F (40 °C), or the selected temperature if available.  
information.  
Upgrades  
View and purchase the latest upgrades available for your  
vehicle, such as full self-driving.  
• Customizing climate controls allows you to  
precondition the cabin by moving the direction of air  
flow from the vents, and turn the seat heaters on or  
off.  
Service  
See Schedule Service on page 177 for information on  
how to schedule service through the mobile app.  
• Vent or close the windows.  
Roadside  
Using the mobile app to precondition Model Y also  
warms the Battery as needed. The mobile app will notify  
you once your vehicle has reached the desired  
preconditioning temperature.  
View roadside resources and request roadside  
assistance (where applicable). For more information on  
Roadside Assistance, see Contacting Tesla Roadside  
Assistance on page 222.  
NOTE: In some vehicles, depending on vehicle  
specifications and date of manufacture, using the mobile  
app to defrost Model Y also thaws ice on the charge  
port latch. This is useful in extremely cold weather or icy  
conditions in which the charge port latch can freeze in  
place, preventing you from removing or inserting the  
charge cable.  
Granting Access to a Second Driver  
Add and remove access permission for an additional  
driver from the Tesla mobile app.  
NOTE: Tesla mobile app version 4.3.1 or higher is  
required. Additional drivers can either use a previously  
registered Tesla Account or use the app to create a new  
Tesla Account.  
Location  
Locate Model Y with directions, or track its movement  
across a map.  
To add an additional driver, in the Tesla mobile app from  
the vehicle home screen, go to Security > Add Driver  
and follow the onscreen instructions.  
Summon  
You can park or retrieve Model Y using Summon (see  
Summon on page 113) or Smart Summon (see Smart  
Summon on page 116).  
NOTE: The additional driver has access to all app  
features except purchasing upgrades.  
To remove access, use the mobile app and go to  
Security > Manage Drivers and follow the onscreen  
instructions.  
Schedule  
Enable scheduled charging or departure, and  
precondition the vehicle. See Scheduled Charging and  
Scheduled Departure on page 174 for more information.  
Security  
The Security tab allows you to do the following:  
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