1. What is Tesla’s Hands-Free Trunk?
Tesla’s hands-free trunk feature lets you open your car’s trunk or frunk without touching your phone or key. Simply stand near the rear of the vehicle, and it automatically opens after a few chimes. This is ideal when your hands are full with groceries, luggage, or even a giant teddy bear.
The feature relies on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which tracks your phone’s precise location relative to the car. Unlike Bluetooth or NFC, UWB offers centimeter-level accuracy, reducing accidental activations.
2. How Does UWB Power This Feature?
UWB is a low-energy, high-precision wireless technology. Here’s why it’s perfect for Tesla’s hands-free trunk:
Pinpoint Accuracy: Detects your phone’s exact position within 3 feet of the car.
Security: Resistant to relay attacks (common with traditional key fobs).
Speed: Opens the trunk in seconds once you stand still.
3. How to Enable It
Update your Tesla to software 2024.14 or later.
Enable “Hands-Free Trunk” in Vehicle Settings > Autopilot.
Ensure your phone’s Tesla app has “Nearby Interactions” enabled.
4. Supported Tesla Models & Phones
Tesla’s hands-free trunk requires both UWB-compatible vehicles and smartphones. Here’s the latest compatibility breakdown as of March 2025:
Supported Vehicles
Model |
Year |
|---|---|
Model S |
2021+ |
Model X |
2021+ |
Model 3 (Highland) |
2024+ |
Model Y (Juniper) |
2025+ |
Cybertruck |
All |
Supported Phones
iPhone: iPhone 11 or newer (excluding SE models).
-
Android: Flagship devices with UWB, including:
Google Pixel: Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy: S21+, S22 Ultra, S23+, S24+, S24 Ultra, Fold 2 and newer.
Other brands: Xiaomi 13 Ultra, OnePlus 12.
Key Notes:
Older Tesla models (pre-2021) and non-Highland/Juniper variants lack UWB hardware.
Android users must update to Tesla app v4.41.0 and enable UWB in settings.
How to Activate Hands-Free Trunk
Vehicle settings:
In your Tesla, navigate to Settings > Locks > Hands-Free Trunk.
Activate the feature and test by standing behind the vehicle for 2 seconds.
5. Why This Matters for Future Cars
Tesla’s integration of UWB sets a benchmark for automotive convenience and security. Unlike older Bluetooth-based systems, UWB ensures:
Fewer accidental trunk openings.
Compatibility with evolving smartphone tech.
A foundation for future features like hands-free frunk access and gesture controls.
The 2025 expansion of UWB support to Android devices (via Tesla’s software update) bridges a key gap:
Equal access: Android users now enjoy the same seamless experience as iPhone owners.
Security: UWB’s anti-relay technology reduces risks of keyless car theft.
Future-proofing: Flagship Android devices are increasingly adopting UWB, aligning with Tesla’s tech roadmap.
By combining cutting-edge UWB tech with user-centric design, Tesla continues to redefine what’s possible in modern vehicles. Ready to go hands-free?