🔐 PIN to Drive – Protect Your Tesla with a 4-Digit Code
Tesla’s “PIN to Drive” feature adds an extra layer of protection to your car, helping guard against modern keyless theft techniques like relay attacks. It works just like a smartphone or bank card PIN — and it could stop thieves in their tracks.
🚨 What Is a Relay Attack?
Tesla vehicles use Passive Entry by default — your car unlocks automatically as you approach with the key or phone. It’s convenient, but also vulnerable to relay attacks.
Here’s how it works:
- A thief near your home uses a radio device to detect and relay the signal from your key fob inside your house.
- A second device near your car repeats the signal, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby.
- The car unlocks and can be driven away — often in seconds.
Even worse, the built-in Tesla tracker can sometimes be disabled quickly by experienced thieves.
✅ How Does PIN to Drive Help?
PIN to Drive stops the car from being driven unless a four-digit PIN is entered after unlocking.
Even if someone manages to open and start your Tesla, they can’t drive it away without the correct PIN.
It’s a simple, powerful deterrent — and you should absolutely turn it on.
🛠️ How to Activate PIN to Drive
- Tap the car icon on your touchscreen
- Go to Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive
- Enter a four-digit code of your choice
- Confirm the code
That’s it! Every time you enter the car, you’ll now be prompted for the PIN before you can drive.
❓ Forgot Your PIN?
If you forget your PIN or want to disable the feature:
- Go to the same PIN to Drive setting in the touchscreen
- Tap the “Forgot PIN?” link
- Enter your Tesla account login details
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reset or disable the PIN
🧠 Final Tip
For added security, you can also:
- Disable Passive Entry (Controls > Locks > Passive Entry)
- Store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch at home
