Tesla owners have occasionally encountered an issue where their vehicle repeatedly asks for the key card, even when it should not be necessary.
In this article, we will explore the various reasons why Tesla keeps asking for a key card and provide solutions to this frustrating problem.
The first thing to try if Tesla is requiring key card when it shouldn’t-
- Press the brake pedal and wait a few seconds. It should let you drive.
If that didn’t solve. Try this-
- Delete all the phone keys from the car. Go to Controls > Locks and use the trash icon next to the phone key name to delete it.
- Add the phone keys back again after a few minutes.
Why Does Tesla Keeps Asking for Key Card?
There can be several reasons why your Tesla repeatedly requests the key card despite it being nearby. Let’s delve into each potential cause and its respective solution.
Permissions Denied for Tesla App
One common reason for the recurring key card prompts is the lack of necessary permissions for the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
The Tesla app relies on Bluetooth communication and GPS to unlock and start your vehicle when your phone is in close proximity. If the app doesn’t have the required permissions, the app and Key Card may not function correctly.
To resolve this issue, ensure that the Tesla app has the necessary permissions enabled on your smartphone. Go to your device settings, locate the Tesla app, and grant it access to Bluetooth and location services.
- iPhone users, go to Settings > Apps > Tesla
Enable Location, Bluetooth, Cellular Data, and Background App Refresh. - Android users, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Tesla > App Permissions
Allow all the permissions the app asks for. Usually the same as the iPhone.
Tesla App Couldn’t Function in Background
Another possible reason is that the Tesla app may not be running in the background or might have been forcibly closed by the operating system. If the app is not active in the background, your Tesla may not detect your phone’s proximity properly.
Check if the Tesla app is running in the background on your smartphone. You can do this by ensuring that it’s not forcibly closed and that any battery optimization settings are not preventing it from running in the background.
If you have Battery Saver enabled, disable it and check if the problem persists.
Software Bug
Software bugs and glitches can sometimes cause unexpected issues with your Tesla’s keyless entry system. These bugs can prevent the car from recognizing your key card or smartphone correctly.
In cases of software-related problems, Tesla typically releases software updates to address known issues. Ensure that your Tesla’s software is up-to-date by checking for updates in the vehicle’s settings and applying any available updates.
Also, ensure that the Tesla app on your phone is also up to date.
If there is indeed a software bug that causes this issue, you might need to use Key Card until Tesla issues a patch in the next update. Before that, you should try this-
- Uninstall the Tesla App from the phone.
- Delete any residual data left behind by the app using a cleaner app.
- Reboot the phone.
- Install the Tesla App again and log in to your Tesla account.
While this solution seems like a simple one, this is by far the most effective remedy of this situation.
Tesla Account Logged Out of Phone
If you have recently logged out of your Tesla account on the mobile app or changed your password, this can disrupt the keyless entry system.
Also, sometimes the app automatically logs you out if it recognizes any unusual activity, or you connect to an ill-reputed public WiFi or any ill-reputed IP address.
Log back into your Tesla account on the mobile app using your updated credentials. This should re-establish the connection between the app and your vehicle.
Wrap Up
Experiencing your Tesla repeatedly asking for a key card can be a frustrating hiccup in an otherwise smooth ownership experience.
However, by carefully addressing the possible reasons behind this issue and implementing the suggested solutions, you can restore the seamless functionality of Tesla’s keyless entry system.
Remember that technology can occasionally encounter glitches, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get back to enjoying the convenience and innovation that Tesla vehicles bring to the automotive world.
If, despite your efforts, the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from Tesla customer support or visit a Tesla service center for further expert guidance and resolution.