Tesla Vehicle Connection Encryption (Virtual Keys)


Tesla is phasing in the requirement for the use of Virtual Keys to communicate with vehicles. We recommend that supported vehicles enroll immediately as unenrolled vehicles may be disconnected at any time.


Connecting your Tesla to TezLab is a multi-step process established by Tesla in order to maximize security.


Once you have signed in and authorized TezLab via your Tesla account, you will need* to enroll a Tesla "Virtual Key" in your vehicle to finalize the connection. Simply put - Tesla's Virtual Keys are part of an encryption method to ensure that TezLab and your vehicle can be certain they are talking to one another and not an unauthorized third party. This is an added security layer to prevent any nefarious third parties from interacting with your vehicle.


As described by Tesla:


The virtual key is an additional layer of security beyond the authorization flow. It ensures the vehicle only communicates with authorized parties. Even with a virtual key on a vehicle, the third-party application will only be able to access the functionality granted during authorization.

The key can be removed anytime on the Locks screen on the vehicle.


If required, you will be prompted in TezLab to enroll the virtual key to complete your vehicle connection.


You can also enroll the virtual key by following these steps:

  • Open your Tesla App, and switch to the vehicle you wish to enroll.
  • On the same device, tap here, or navigate to https://tesla.com/_ak/tezlabapp.com (ensure you are using Safari on iOS, or Chrome on Android).
  • Follow the directions on Tesla's website to complete the enrollment process.
  • When prompted in the Tesla app, tap "Approve" to complete the process.
  • Repeat this process for each additional vehicle you wish to enroll.

Note for Authorized Drivers: To enroll the virtual key using a Tesla account that has Driver access (i.e. the vehicle owner shared the car with you), you will need to complete these steps while physically in the car with your keycard on hand. The vehicle/Tesla app may prompt you to use the key card to verify the enrollment.


Troubleshooting Virtual Keys

Tesla has acknowledged some rare instances where a vehicle will fail to report that a Virtual Key has been successfully enrolled. If this happens, please complete the following steps:

  • Ensure the vehicle is online and has a strong internet connection.
  • Remove the Virtual Key from the vehicle by going to Controls > Locks from the Vehicle's main display.
  • Restart the vehicle by pressing both buttons on the steering wheel until the Tesla logo appears on the screen.
  • Repeat the enrollment process above.
  • If trouble persists, repeat the above steps while your vehicle is on a cellular (non-WiFi) connection.


*Pre-2021 Model S/X vehicles do not fully support this process. Tesla has let us know to expect this feature to roll out to these vehicles in 2025.