Model 3 / Everyday controls

Tesla Model 3: how to enable headlights after exit

2 min readReviewed 25 October 2026

2024+Tesla software 2026.32North America

CHECK YOUR CARTesla Model 3 2024+; North America online owner's manual, software 2026.32, checked 25 October 2026.

The manual describes about one minute. Locking from the Tesla app switches the headlights off immediately.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Use Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit to leave exterior lighting on briefly after parking in low light.

Step by step

1Open light settingsPark, then choose Controls > Lights.
2Enable the featureSwitch Headlights After Exit on.
3Check after parkingIn low light, park and exit; the lights remain on briefly before switching off.

Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this tab.

What changes if I switch it off?+

Headlights turn off when you engage Park and open a door.

SOURCES & SCOPE

Written from the official references below, reviewed on 25 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a claim of hands-on vehicle testing.

Ready for the next small job?Explore all guides