Tesla Valet Mode – What It Is and How It Works

Tesla Valet Mode Currently Enabled

As a Tesla car owner, there will be moments when you have to hand over your car keys to someone else. For instance, if you’re checking in at a hotel, you might give a valet the keys to your car so they can safely park it for you. Or, perhaps you have a teenager who’s learning to drive and requires your car to practice their skills. 

Whichever the case, handing over your car keys to someone else can trigger a sense of anxiety in you, regardless of how much you trust them. Fortunately, Tesla cars come with a special protection feature known as valet mode, which can insure you against any unwanted surprises when your vehicle is in other hands. 

Read on to discover how valet mode works and how to activate it. 

What Is Tesla Valet Mode?

Tesla Valet Mode

Tesla Valet Mode is a driving mode that triggers a number of restrictions on the vehicle’s functionality. In doing so, this security feature places limitations on what a driver can do and what parts of the car they have access to. 

In terms of driveability, Valet Mode limits the maximum speed of a Tesla to 70 mph, reduces the acceleration, and disables autopilot. These limitations are designed to mitigate accidents. 

Below are other features that are restricted when the Valet Mode is activated:

  • Automatically lock the glove box and front trunk, making them inaccessible to the driver
  • Bluetooth, WiFi, and Homelink are unavailable
  • Hides the other driver’s (car owner) profile 
  • Disables Full Self Drive
  • Disables Voice Commands
  • Smart Summon is disabled
  • Disables the ability to make purchases and upgrades
  • Touchscreen won’t display any keys available to access the Tesla
  • The navigation system won’t show previous locations
  • The calendar will be unavailable once Valet Mode is engaged

Valet mode is available on all Tesla cars including Models 3, S, Y, and X. As such, no matter the model or trim level of your car, you can engage this driving mode and enjoy the safety features it comes with.

It’s also worth noting that engaging Valet Mode will not affect your Tesla’s ability to charge. This comes in handy if you’re visiting a valet location that has on-site Tesla chargers. The valet can plug in your vehicle to charge while it’s parked. 

How To Turn Tesla Valet Mode On and Off

Tesla Valet Mode On/Off

Since you now have a detailed understanding of how Valet Mode works, let’s have a look at how to activate and deactivate this security feature.

Turning Valet Mode On

The process is fairly simple and straightforward. If you’re setting up Valet Mode for the first time, it’s recommended to do so from your car’s touchscreen in order to set up your PIN.

Here are the steps: 

  • With your car parked, go to your display screen and select your “Driver profile”
  • Click on “Valet Mode”
  • Key in your 4-digit PIN

To activate Valet Mode from your Tesla app, simply go to the Security and Drivers tab then choose Valet Mode.

Turning Valet Mode Off

To deactivate Valet Mode from your Tesla’s display screen, follow these steps:

  • Toggle the Valet Mode icon at the top of the “Controls” screen
  • Input your 4-digit PIN

You can also cancel Valet Mode on the Tesla app by clicking the Security and Drivers tab and tapping the Valet Mode icon.  With this method, you don’t need to input your PIN. 

How To Reset The Pin For Valet Mode

Pin For Valet Mode - Tesla

As already mentioned, you need your PIN to enable or disable Valet Mode from your Tesla’s touchscreen. 

For this reason, it’s vital to set a pin that’s easy for you to remember. Here are the steps for changing your PIN for Valet Mode:

  • Click on “Valet Mode” under the “Control” tab on your Tesla’s display screen
  • Once the PIN pad appears, do not enter a 4-digit PIN. Instead, go to the bottom of the screen and click on “Enter your Tesla credentials”.
  • Inputting your Tesla account email and password will allow you to reset your PIN

You can also reset your Valet Mode PIN from the Tesla app. Simply toggle “Security and Drivers”, click “Valet Mode” and select “Clear PIN”. 

How To Customize Speed Limit for Valet Mode

Customize Speed Limit for Valet

Although activating Valet Mode caps the speed limit of your Tesla at 70 mph by default, you can adjust this to your preference using Speed Limit Mode

Once you set a custom speed limit on Speed Limit Mode no one else will be able to change it without your PIN.

To set a new maximum speed limit for your Tesla, simply go to Controls on your touchscreen, click Safety, turn on Speed Limit Mode, and key in your 4-digit PIN. Once you have access to “Speed Limit Mode” set your preferred speed limit and you’re all good. 

It’s worth pointing out that you can only set your initial maximum speed limit for Valet Mode on your Tesla’s touchscreen. However, once you do it the first time, you can make any new adjustments from your Tesla App’s “Security” section. 

Take Away: Should I Turn on the Valet Mode?

Valet Mode is an incredibly useful feature when you need to temporarily hand over your car to a third party. Thanks to its speed limit restrictions and other limitations on your Tesla’s functionality, Valet mode helps protect your car from reckless driving and handling while also safeguarding your personal information. 

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