Tesla owners can now enjoy a convenient new feature that allows them to open the trunk of their car hands-free, even if they are carrying something large, like a massive teddy bear. A recent video from Tesla demonstrates this by showing a woman carrying an enormous teddy bear to her car. As she approaches, the trunk senses her presence and opens automatically. This hands-free mechanism isn’t just for oversized stuffed animals; it works just as well for shopping bags, large boxes, or multiple suitcases.
The hands-free trunk feature arrives with Tesla’s latest software update (version 2024.14) and is available on the new Model S/X (from 2021 onwards) and upgraded Model 3 vehicles. There is some uncertainty about whether it will be available for the Model Y, though some owners have managed to replicate the feature using third-party apps. For this feature to work, you need an iPhone 11 or later and Tesla app version 4.31.0 or later. Android users will get this feature in an upcoming update.
To enable the hands-free trunk feature, open the Tesla app and navigate to Vehicle settings > Locks, then turn on Hands-Free Trunk. Also, ensure that your phone settings permit Nearby Interactions for the Tesla app. The feature only works when the vehicle key is close to the car, which helps prevent accidental or unauthorized opening. It won’t automatically open every time you walk by your car. You need to stand for a moment at the rear until you hear three beeps, signaling that the trunk is about to open. If you move away during the beeping, the process will cancel, and the trunk will stay closed.
Many car makers already offer vehicles with hands-free trunk opening, usually requiring a brief wave of the foot under the car to trigger a sensor. Tesla’s system eliminates the need for this and instead uses ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors to detect the owner’s location more accurately.