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

May 20,2025

Share:

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:

  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

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?

TPARTS Under Seat Vent Cover for Tesla Model 3/Y

$15.00
$15.00

TPARTS Under Seat Vent Cover with snap-on mounting and precise size design, perfectly fits the original car. Effectively prevents objects from falling in, and keeps the car clean.

  • 【Precise Fit】TPARTS Underseat air vent cover precisely fits for Model Y juniper 2025-2026
  • 【Effective Air Vent Protection】Effectively prevents unwanted dust, leaves, and debris from falling into the air conditioning vents. Brings you a cleaner and healthier interior space. Does not impact air-out
  • 【Innovative Plaid Design】 The futuristic plaid space-time tunnel design seamlessly integrates aesthetics with advanced protection and filtration
  • 【Durable & Stable】: The air vent cover is made from high-quality ABS plastic, durable and built to last
  • 【Snap-on Mounting】: Quick & easy to install, no adhesive required. Only one step snap-on installation
Model
Quantity