Tesla allows its customers to remotely control their vehicles using a key card, key fob or cell phone. But what's the cheapest way to replace a Tesla key?
The cheapest way to replace a Tesla key is to download the Tesla App and use it to link your card to your phone. After that, you will no longer need the electronic key because your phone will become your key. You can then use the Tesla app on your phone to unlock and drive your car without a key.
While connecting your car to your phone is the cheapest way to replace a Tesla key, this method should only be applied if you have lost your second key. Typically, Tesla gives its customers two key cards, meaning you can use the second key if the first is lost or damaged.
Replacing a Tesla key card is not very expensive like replacing a Tesla key fob. For example, replacing a Tesla Model 3 key card will cost you about $5 to $6. On the other hand, replacing a Tesla key using a key fob is slightly more expensive. For example, a replacement key for a Tesla Model S will cost you about $174.
So if you lose a key and you don't have the Tesla app on your phone connected to your car, you'll need to replace it with either a key card or a key fob. Of these two options, the cheaper choice will be the key card since the key fob is more expensive.
All in all, connecting your car to the Tesla app on your smartphone is the best option. This helps you to access remote controlled functions in your car. Simply download the free Tesla app to your Android or iOS device and connect it to your car.
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How much does a Tesla replacement key cost?
On average, the Tesla store sells keys for $25. However, Tesla Model 3 keys are the cheapest as they cost around $5. After purchasing a new Tesla key card, you will tell your car to forget the lost key card and program the car to accept the new card.
Is it possible to program one key card on different gadgets?
Yes, it is possible. While Tesla only offers two key cards, up to a dozen phones can be programmed with these cards. So if you lose your key card, you can still use your phone to unlock and drive your Tesla while you wait for your new key card to be delivered to you.
How many Tesla key cards can you have?
According to Tesla Support, you can only have up to 19 key cards. Therefore, this means that you can program the two key cards that Tesla supplies with up to 19 different mobile devices. Thus, you will have 2 Tesla physical key cards and 17 mobile devices that have been programmed with the key cards.
How do I get a new key for my Tesla?
You will have to click on the locks tab on your touchscreen. Then, follow the onscreen prompts to add a new key. After pairing with a device, the list of keys will show the new keychain, and you can go ahead and customize the name of the keychains or unpair them.
How do I link my Tesla key card to my smartphone?
If you want to link your Tesla key card to your smartphone so that you can lock or unlock your car or start it, here is the procedure:
- Click on the car icon in the lower left of your touchscreen
- Then, click on locks on the left MENU
- Press the PLUS button to the right of the key text
- Press “add phone key
- Next, open the Tesla App on your smartphone
- Press the Phone key to set your smartphone as a key
- Then, go to the car and keep your Tesla key card handy
- Choose to start on your phone and wait for it to search for your car
- Put the key card into the center console
- Finally, you will see the word 'SUCCESS,' after that, press Done at the bottom to finish connecting your car to the phone. Your phone is now a key.
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FAQ
How much does a Tesla replacement key cost?
A Tesla replacement key costs about $25, while a Tesla replacement key fob costs about $174. However, the price may vary depending on the model and variant of Tesla. For example, replacing a key card or key fob on the Tesla Model 3 is much cheaper than replacing the same key on the Tesla Model S.
Also, replacing a key card takes longer than replacing a key fob. Also, a key fob will usually be mailed to you from Tesla within a few days of requesting it.
Can you drive without a Tesla key?
Yes, it is possible. However, you must have your car connected to a Tesla app to start it without a key. This can be done by programming the key card into your smartphone and using it when you don't have the key or if you have lost it.
Can I trace a lost Tesla key card?
No, it's not possible. However, a Tesla key card can still be found or detected if it is nearby. This is because Tesla key cards use near field communication (NFC) which allows the card to be detected by the contact. So if you suspect you've lost your Tesla key card in your home or office, you can detect it by moving things around.
The Tesla key card cannot be tracked because it does not have GPS or Bluetooth that can track it. So if you lose your key card, you should just program the key to forget the old key card and program with the new card.
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Summary
In general, the cheapest way to replace a Tesla key card is to program the key card with your phone so that you don't have to replace the key card when it is lost or damaged. However, if you want a physical key, replacing your Tesla key with a key card is much cheaper than replacing it with a key fob.
