Tesla's Hands-Free Trunk & UWB Technology: A Seamless Experience

May 20,2025

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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:

  1. Pinpoint Accuracy: Detects your phone’s exact position within 3 feet of the car.
  2. Security: Resistant to relay attacks (common with traditional key fobs).
  3. Speed: Opens the trunk in seconds once you stand still.

How to Enable It:

  1. Update your Tesla to software 2024.14 or later.
  2. Enable “Hands-Free Trunk” in Vehicle Settings > Autopilot.
  3. Ensure your phone’s Tesla app has “Nearby Interactions” enabled.

3. 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:

  1. Older Tesla models (pre-2021) and non-Highland/Juniper variants lack UWB hardware.
  2. Android users must update to Tesla app v4.41.0 and enable UWB in settings.

How to Activate Hands-Free Trunk on Android

For Android users, follow these steps:

  1. Update your Tesla app to version 4.41.0 or later.
  2. Enable UWB:
    • Open the Tesla app > Security & Driver > Phone Key > Upgrade.
    • Toggle on Ultra Wideband.
  3. 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.

4. 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?