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Virtual Key Pairing and Installation Issues

The Teslemetry virtual key is a public key that enables secure communication between your Tesla vehicle and Teslemetry. It is required for Fleet Telemetry (real-time streaming data) and command signing (sending commands to newer vehicles).

How to Install the Virtual Key

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the Tesla app on your smartphone
Select the specific vehicle you want to pair (the vehicle must be displayed on screen)
Open this link on your smartphone: https://tesla.com/_ak/teslemetry.com
Follow the instructions in the Tesla app

Important: If the Tesla app does not open immediately when you click the link, the process has not worked. You must have the Tesla app open with your vehicle selected before clicking the link.

Alternative Method

If another user with vehicle access needs to install the key, they can use: https://teslemetry.com/key

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does virtual key pairing keep timing out?

Answer: Virtual key pairing timeouts typically occur when the Tesla app is not properly prepared for the process. To resolve this:

Ensure the Tesla app is open and displaying the specific vehicle before trying to install the virtual key
Use the direct link https://tesla.com/_ak/teslemetry.com on your smartphone
If the Tesla website opens instead of the app, go back to the Tesla app, confirm your vehicle is showing, then try the link again
For Driver permission accounts, have your physical keycard ready for the additional verification step

Why does my virtual key show as unpaired even though the Tesla app said it was successful?

Answer: This is a common issue caused by delays in Tesla's backend systems. The virtual key pairing status can take up to an hour to be reflected on the Fleet API. Here is what to do:

Wait at least one hour after successful pairing
Visit https://teslemetry.com/login to refresh your status
Wake your vehicle up (open the Tesla app or physically unlock it) to help sync the status

I get "unable to grant Third Party Access" when trying to add the virtual key

Answer: This error is a Tesla-side issue that Teslemetry cannot directly resolve. Try these steps:

Use a different mobile device - Some users have reported success switching to another phone or tablet
Reinstall the Tesla app - Uninstall and reinstall the official Tesla app
Check for multiple Tesla apps - If you have more than one app called "Tesla" on your phone, remove the extras
Try a different browser - Some browsers like Samsung Internet may not properly open apps from web links; Chrome on Android is known to work reliably
Have another user install it - If someone else has Owner or Driver access to the vehicle, they can install the key via https://teslemetry.com/key

If the issue persists, contact Teslemetry support with a screenshot of the error.

Do I need the virtual key for older Tesla vehicles?

Answer: No. Pre-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles with MCU 1 do not require the virtual key. These vehicles use polling instead of Fleet Telemetry.

I have Driver access, not Owner access. Can I still install the virtual key?

Answer: Yes, but there is an additional step. Accounts with Driver permission must:

Be physically present in the vehicle
Have a physical keycard available
Follow the same installation link process
Tap the keycard when prompted by the Tesla app

Troubleshooting Guide

If Virtual Key Shows Paired in Tesla App but Unpaired in Teslemetry

Wait for sync - Tesla's backend can take up to an hour to update
Force refresh - Go to https://teslemetry.com/console and click the "Quick Fix" button
Wake the vehicle - Open the Tesla app and interact with the vehicle
Remove and re-add the key - Go into your vehicle's touchscreen, navigate to Settings and search for "key", find and remove the "Teslemetry.com" key, then go through the installation process again

Updated on: 01/02/2026

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