Tesla keys — what you should know
Tesla does not use conventional keys. Access is by phone key over Bluetooth, an NFC key card, or an optional key fob, and all of these are paired through the vehicle's touchscreen by the owner rather than programmed by external equipment. There is genuinely nothing for a locksmith to do here: replacement key cards come from Tesla and pairing takes a couple of minutes on the screen using an existing key. If you have lost every key, Tesla service is the route. We would rather tell you that than take a booking.
The key system on a Tesla
| Keyway | No mechanical keyway — there is no key cylinder to cut |
|---|---|
| Immobiliser | No conventional immobiliser. Access is a phone key over Bluetooth, an NFC card, or an optional fob, all paired by the owner on the touchscreen |
| Models covered | Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and the rest of the range |
A model not listed is not a problem — give us the year and we will confirm before dispatching.
Tesla keys — questions
Can you make a Tesla key if I have lost all of them?
There is no key to make. Tesla access is a phone key, an NFC card or an optional fob, all paired by the owner on the vehicle touchscreen — no locksmith equipment is involved. With every key gone, Tesla service is the only route, and we would rather tell you that than take the booking.
What kind of key does a Tesla use?
No mechanical keyway — there is no key cylinder to cut. No conventional immobiliser. Access is a phone key over Bluetooth, an NFC card, or an optional fob, all paired by the owner on the touchscreen. This matters because cutting alone is never enough on a modern vehicle — a key cut without programming works the lock and turns the ignition, and the engine cranks and does not start. Give us the year and model and we will tell you exactly which key your car takes before coming out.
How much is a Tesla key, and how long does it take?
Replacement key cards come from Tesla and pair in about two minutes on the touchscreen using an existing key. There is nothing here for us to charge you for.