Model 3 / Keys & locking

Tesla Model 3: how to enable walk-away door locking

2 min readReviewed 25 October 2026

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

An open closure, a key inside or disabled phone Bluetooth can prevent automatic locking.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Turn on Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock, then leave with the paired phone key.

Step by step

1Enable the settingOpen Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock.
2Check exceptionsReview Exclude Home and make sure no key remains inside.
3Verify lockingClose all doors and trunks, leave through the driver door and check the lock confirmation.

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

Does a key card trigger it?+

No, use a supported phone key or paired fob.

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