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What is a Virtual Key?

A Virtual Key is a digital access method required by Tesla for third-party applications to issue commands to Tesla vehicles and the preferred method for accessing data. Please see this section for more information.

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Adding the Virtual Key

Smartcar handles this step on your behalf in the Connect flow. You can get started with the default Smartcar Virtual Key with no configurations required. If you’re on an Enterprise plan, please reach out to your Account Manager or Solutions Architect for information on setting up a custom Virtual Key with your own brand name.

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Where can I find my Virtual Key?

Although Smartcar handles this step on your behalf, the Virtual Key URL for your application is sent back along with the authorization code after a user completes the Connect flow. You can redirect users to this URL if they need to add the Virtual Key again.

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Vehicle Owners adding a Virtual Key

Smartcar Connect will present Tesla vehicle owners a prompt to install the Tesla Virtual Key after granting access and prior to redirecting them back to your application.

Prompting the user to add a Virtual Key

The Virtual Key is a URL in the form:
After prompting your users to open the link, depending on their device, they will be redirected to the Tesla app or prompted to scan a QR code.
Adding a Virtual Key will need to be done after a user has granted your application access to their Tesla account in the Connect flow.Please see our FAQs for details on adding a virtual key for accounts with multiple vehicles and different account types.
On mobile devices, they will be redirected to the Tesla app and prompted to add the Virtual Key

Opening the link on a mobile device with the Tesla app installed

Virtual Key status can be checked at any time from the Tesla infotainment screen under Settings, Locks.

Check Virtual Key status from your Tesla

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Do all vehicles need a virtual key?

2020 and earlier Model S and X do not require a virtual key installation. However, to enable streaming data access (faster, more frequent updates), owners can enable streaming by toggling a setting within the vehicle.

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Enabling Streaming for 2020 and Earlier Model S/X

For 2020 or earlier Model S or X that supports streaming (requires a software update), users can enable streaming without installing a Virtual Key:
  1. During the Smartcar Connect flow, drivers will be prompted about enabling streaming for their vehicle
  2. Drivers can choose to receive email instructions on how to enable the streaming toggle in their vehicle
  3. Access the streaming settings from the Tesla infotainment screen
  4. Toggle the streaming setting on to enable faster data updates
Once streaming is enabled via the vehicle toggle, data will be refreshed more frequently without requiring Virtual Key installation for these modals. If streaming toggle is not enabled, data for these older models is refreshed every 5 minutes while the vehicle is awake.

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What if a streaming capable vehicle does not have a virtual key installed?

If a vehicle is streaming capable via virtual key and does not yet have a virtual key installed, requests to the vehicle will be limited to 1 request every 8 hours for data. These requests will not wake the vehicle.