Where is the door lock on a Tesla?
4 Answers
Tesla's door locks are hidden. Automatic door handles: After the owner unlocks the car with the key, the door handle will automatically extend, allowing the owner to pull it to open the door. While driving, the door handle will automatically retract. Three ways to open the door: First, through the mobile app. Once the app is bound to the vehicle, the car will automatically unlock and start when the owner approaches with the phone. Second, using an NFC key card, simply swipe it near the B-pillar area to lock or unlock the car. Third, a traditional remote key can also be used for locking and unlocking.
I've been driving a Tesla Model Y for almost two years now, and there's quite an art to opening the doors. For the exterior, press inward on the recessed groove in the middle of the front door handles until you hear a click, then pull to open. The rear handles are more discreet—you'll need to press the small protrusion at the front to pop out the handle before pulling. Inside the car, simply press the electronic button with the triangular symbol along the window sill to open the door, which is much more convenient than traditional pull handles. I remember one heavy rain when the phone proximity auto-unlock worked like a charm—didn't even need to take out the key. But do note: in case of a complete power failure, there's a mechanical release cable hidden at the base of the door pillar; just pry open the cover with a coin and pull for emergency access—a very thoughtful design.
Just picked up my Tesla last week and spent some time figuring out how to open the doors. First, it's important to understand there are two methods: electronic and mechanical. The most convenient way is using your phone's Bluetooth to unlock – the car senses your approach automatically. Alternatively, you can tap the physical key card against the B-pillar to unlock. Inside, door operation is fully electronic; there's a prominent square button above the driver's door panel – press it, and the door pops open slightly. The mechanical release is hidden under a panel on the side of the center console; in emergencies, you can pry it open to pull a cable for unlocking. Once, when I forgot my phone, using the emergency unlock feature on the touchscreen worked reliably, but I'd recommend prioritizing the physical button for safety. The trunk release is also accessible through the touchscreen interface.
As a long-time Tesla owner, unlocking the doors depends on the situation. The most commonly used method is Bluetooth phone unlocking, which automatically senses your proximity to the car. Inside the car, press the electronic button at the base of the window with the small red triangle to open the door. Don't panic if the car loses power—there are mechanical pull rings under all doors; just pry open the plastic cover with the key to manually open the door. The trunk can be opened via the central control screen or remotely through the mobile app. A reminder to new owners: always carry the card key with you in case your phone runs out of battery—you can still unlock the car by tapping it on the B-pillar. I make it a habit to teach all unlocking methods to family members who frequently use the car—safety is no small matter.
