Your Tesla Model 3 should keep you safe wherever you go. But when your car won’t lock, it can feel like a bit of security has been taken away from you. This issue can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry.

The Tesla Model 3 has an auto-lock feature designed to automatically lock the doors when you walk away from the vehicle. If this feature isn’t working properly, your Model 3 won’t lock. The most common cause of a Tesla Model 3 that won’t lock is that the doors aren’t shut properly. Even if they look closed, if there is still a gap between the door and the frame, it won’t lock.

Fortunately, you can solve most of these problems without too much hassle. This article will show you the most common reasons why your Tesla Model 3 won’t lock and how to solve them. After reading this guide, you should be able to eliminate any issue that’s causing your car to stay unlocked.

Common Causes of Tesla Locking Issues 

Tesla locking issues usually occur because of user error or a specific issue with the vehicle’s software. User error is more likely if you have recently changed any settings on the car or upgraded its software. Here are five common causes of Tesla locking issues so you can better understand the source of the problem. 

Doors Not Shut Properly

One of the most common reasons your Tesla Model 3 won’t lock is that one or more doors aren’t closed properly. This could be due to a faulty latch or an issue with the door itself. The trunk of your Tesla also needs to be closed properly for it to lock.

Many users have indicated that their Tesla won’t lock even though all the doors and trunk are shut. This is a common issue with the Model 3, so if you are experiencing this issue, it is likely a software issue, not a mechanical one.

Check Your Exclude Settings

Your Tesla Model 3 has settings that allow you to exclude certain locations from the auto-lock feature. One location that is excluded by default is your home.

If these settings have been enabled, your car will not lock even if all doors are shut properly. If you have any locations excluded from auto-lock, make sure you are not in one of those locations when trying to lock your Tesla.

The App Is Not Connected

Another possible cause of locking issues is a lack of connection between your car and its companion app. If there is no connection between the two, then your car won’t be able to detect whether or not it needs to be locked automatically.

Software Or Hardware Issues

It’s also possible that there is a bug in either the software or hardware of your Tesla, preventing it from locking properly. Teslas are known for their innovative technology, but sometimes this can cause problems with how certain features, such as charging, work.

Issues can often arise when a software update is released and can cause issues such as the Tesla not locking properly.

Your Tesla Model 3 Detects A Key

Finally, another likely cause of locking issues could be a key detected by the car’s sensors while trying to lock it remotely. This could happen if you inadvertently left a key inside the car when attempting to lock it remotely. Double-check that no keys are inside before attempting again.  

Solutions for Locking Issues 

Now that you know the most common causes of Tesla Model 3 locking issues let’s look at possible solutions.

Open And Close All Doors And Trunk

The first thing you should do is open and close all doors, including the trunk. Make sure they are properly shut and latched for the car to lock.

Many Tesla owners have reported that the car will lock after doing this, even if it wouldn’t previously. A door may be closed enough not to trigger an open door light but not enough to engage the latch.

Check Your Exclude Settings

If you have any locations excluded from auto-lock, double-check that you are not in one of those locations. If you are, then the car won’t be able to lock itself automatically.

Most Tesla owners’ main issue is their vehicle not auto-locking at home. This is a simple fix; check your settings to ensure the exclude auto-lock at home is not checked.

Check Software And Hardware

If the above steps do not work, there is likely a bug in either the software or hardware of the car. In this case, you should contact Tesla customer service and explain the issue.

They will be able to provide further advice on how to fix the issue or, if necessary, book you in for an appointment at a Tesla service center. Often they can provide a fix remotely, using the latest software update.

Double-Check For Keys

Finally, double-check that no keys are inside the car before attempting to lock it remotely. If a key is present, the sensors in your Tesla will think the car is still occupied and will not lock.

There are three key types for the Model 3: a keyfob, a phone key, and a key card. Any of these can prevent the car from locking if left inside inadvertently.

FAQ

Can I Lock A Tesla Model 3 Manually?

Yes, you can manually lock a Tesla Model 3 by pressing and holding the “lock” button on the keyfob or phone app. This will cause the car to lock even if it is not in an excluded auto-lock area or if there is a key inside. You can also lock the vehicle from the inside by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen.

How Do You Lock A Tesla Door Without The App?

If you do not have access to the app, you can manually lock your Tesla Model 3 using a key fob or card key. The card key should be held close to the door handle and held there for a few seconds until it locks. The key fob can be used by pressing and holding the lock button.

Can A Tesla Model 3 Lock Itself?

A Tesla Model 3 can lock itself if the auto-lock feature is enabled. This will allow the car to lock automatically when it is in an area that is not excluded from auto-lock and there are no keys inside.

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