Tesla App Start Button: Mastering Handy Tricks

Did you know that over 2 million Tesla vehicles have been sold worldwide as of 2022? That’s a lot of Tesla owners using the start button on the app! The Tesla App lets you control everything from the heated seats to the summon feature. But what does the start button in the Tesla app do?

The start button in the Tesla app allows you to start your car remotely. You can use the start button without your access card or key. You can use the start button to enable your family members and friends to enter the car. It’s also useful if your friend wants to borrow your Tesla for one ride.

This article will go over the Tesla start button, its use, the different methods of starting a Tesla, and more. I’ll also give you a brief comparison of the various apps available for your new Tesla.

What the Start Button does

The Start Button on the Tesla App has several functions that you can access through the app. These include:

  • Starting the car: You can use the Start Button to start your Tesla vehicle remotely through the app. This is useful if you forget to turn off your car, or if you want to start your car remotely to warm it up in cold weather.
  • Stopping the car: You can use the Start Button to stop your Tesla vehicle remotely through the app. This is useful if you need to stop your car for any reason, such as if you are running low on fuel or if you need to turn off the car to make a quick stop.
  • Changing the drive mode: You can use the Start Button to change the drive mode of your Tesla vehicle through the app. This is useful if you want to switch between different driving modes, such as Sport mode or Eco mode.
  • Setting the climate control: You can use the Start Button to set the climate control of your Tesla vehicle through the app. This is useful if you want to adjust the temperature or ventilation settings of your car.
  • Activating Sentry Mode: You can use the Start Button to activate Sentry Mode on your Tesla vehicle through the app. Sentry Mode is a security feature that monitors your car and alerts you if it detects any movement or tampering.
Tesla-App-Start-Button
The Tesla app is packed with cool features, one of which is the start button. It lets you turn the vehicle on remotely, no matter where you are.

What to use the Tesla start button for

The Tesla start button can be used to turn the car on remotely. It allows you to use your phone as a key.

Also, you can use the start button to start the engine from wherever you are. If someone wants to drive your car, you can use the button to give the person temporary access.

The coolest thing about the Tesla start button is that it works wherever you are. 

Imagine you were on holiday in Europe, but an airport employee wants to move your car because it’s in someone’s way. You could start the car from thousands of miles away.

Of course, you’ll mostly be using the start button to engage your engine when you don’t have the key with you.

Tap the Start Button again to start your car.

How to access the Start Button on the Tesla App:

There are several ways to access the Start Button on the Tesla App. Here are the steps for each method:

MethodStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5
Key fobPress button on key fob to unlockOpen Tesla Mobile AppTap Start ButtonEnter credentialsTap Start Button again
Key cardTap key card on door handle to unlockOpen Tesla Mobile AppTap Start ButtonEnter credentialsTap Start Button again
Phone keyUnlock using phone keyOpen Tesla Mobile AppTap Start ButtonEnter credentialsTap Start Button again
Tesla Mobile AppOpen Tesla Mobile AppTap Start ButtonEnter credentialsTap Start Button again

Start Your Tesla With Your Phone

You can start your Tesla with your phone. If you have previously set up your account on the Tesla app, you don’t need to have the key with you.

Simply open the Tesla app, go to Controls, and press the Start button. After authentication (on older app versions), the car will stay on for 2 minutes.

It’s fascinating to see how far we have gotten with technology. You can start your Tesla with your phone even if you’re on a different continent.

All you need is access to the Internet and the feature just works. If you showed this to people 20 years ago, they’d probably think you’re a magician.

How To Start Tesla From App

If your Tesla app is still on version 3 or older, you need to type in a password or use your fingerprint to authenticate the Start request.

Since that was inconvenient and mostly unnecessary, Tesla removed the authentication request in the 4.0 app. It makes starting the car remotely more convenient.

When you press the start button, a 2-minute timer starts counting down. If you don’t drive off after 2 minutes have passed, the car will turn off.

How to start your Tesla remotely

You can start your Tesla remotely through the Tesla app.

Open the app, go to Controls, and tap on the Start button. This will start the engine remotely for two minutes.

If nobody starts driving the car within the time window, it’ll turn off. You can turn it on again using the same method.

It’s a cool feature because you can let someone drive your car without giving them a key or anything. However, remote starting your Tesla isn’t really necessary.

That’s because Teslas are always on. The engines don’t need to warm up in winter as gasoline engines do. You just get in and drive.

Tesla creating an app for their car is one of the coolest innovations of the twenty-first century. It shows how far I’ve gone from steam cars and horse carriages.

Other car manufacturers like BMW and Audi have caught up with Tesla over the past couple of years. Their apps let you start the engine remotely too. But we all know who gave birth to the idea.

Advantages of using the Start Button on the Tesla App

There are several advantages to using the Start Button on the Tesla App:

  • Convenience: The Start Button on the Tesla App is extremely convenient, as it allows you to start and stop your car remotely through the app. This can save you time and hassle, as you don’t have to physically be near your car to start it or turn it off.
  • Safety: The Start Button on the Tesla App can improve safety, as it allows you to remotely turn off your car if you forget to do so in person. This can help prevent accidents or injuries caused by a car that has been left running.
  • Security: The Start Button on the Tesla App can enhance security, as it allows you to remotely turn off your car if it is stolen. This can help prevent theft and protect your valuable investment.

Tips for using the Start Button on the Tesla App:

Here are some tips for using the Start Button on the Tesla App:

  • Keep your Tesla Mobile App up to date: It is important to keep your Tesla Mobile App up to date to ensure that you have access to the latest features and improvements. To update the app, go to the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices) and check for updates.
  • Ensure a reliable connection: The Start Button on the Tesla App requires a reliable internet connection to function properly. Make sure that you have a strong connection to the internet when using the app.
  • Set up additional access methods: You can set up multiple access methods for the Start Button on the Tesla App, such as the key fob, key card, phone key, or Tesla Mobile App. This can provide additional convenience and security.

What You Should Know / Relevant Tidbits

How can I troubleshoot issues while using the start button on the app?

If you encounter issues with the start button on the app, try troubleshooting by checking your internet connection and making sure you have the latest version of the app.

How do I update my Tesla with my phone?

To update the software on your Tesla vehicle, open the Tesla app and go to the “Software” tab. Follow the prompts to download and install any new updates.

Erwin Meyer
Erwin Meyer

A renowned Tesla enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur, enlightens global audiences through his compelling EV narratives. Discover more about his electric journey on his About Me page. Venture to read Erwin's incredible story that's reshaping the future of motoring. Want to spark a conversation with Erwin? Visit his Contact page, and let’s electrify the world together.