New Tesla, or helping a parent with one? Four things to set up in the Tesla app, shown on PJ's own app screens from October 11, 2026. Menu names can shift between app versions, but these are where they live today. PJ, a local in Solana Beach and a Tesla driver, can set them up with you in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff and Encinitas.
1. Phone Key: your phone is the key
In the app, open Security & Drivers and turn on Phone Key. The app describes it as "Automatically unlock and start when mobile device is near." Read Phone Key Best Practices on the same screen, and use Add Key Card to pair a backup card for when the phone is dead or left at home.
2. Charge limit: the app says 80% for daily driving
Open Charging and drag the slider to set the charge limit. The app's own Charge Tip reads "80% recommended for daily driving." Go higher before a long trip. The same screen shows the charging amps, which you can lower if a home circuit needs it.
3. Schedule charging for the cheap hours
Tap Schedule Charging, then create a schedule: Start Charging at, End Charging by, pick the days, and turn on Repeat Weekly.
Match it to your SDG&E plan. On EV-TOU-5, SDG&E's super off-peak hours are weekdays midnight to 6am or 10am to 2pm, and weekends midnight to 2pm. A schedule that starts at 10pm pays the off-peak price for its first two hours. Which plan fits your house: EV-TOU-5 vs the other SDG&E plans.
4. Sharing the car with family
- Add Driver gives a spouse, a grown kid or a parent their own app access, so you're not handing over your phone.
- Speed Limit Mode limits top speed. Parental Controls turns on a set of safety features, including speed limit mode and chill acceleration.
- PIN to Drive requires a PIN before the car will drive. Valet Mode limits access when someone else parks it.
A home charger needs a licensed electrician
Wiring a home charger is electrical work: in California that's a CSLB-licensed electrician (C-10). How to check one: licensed electricians near Solana Beach. Charging away from home: EV charging in North County, and what to do nearby while the car charges in Cardiff or Solana Beach.
Want it done with you? PJ sets up Phone Key, the key card, the charge limit, the schedule and the family drivers, and leaves a one-page cheat sheet. Family Assist, $30 an hour. He never keeps your Tesla account password.
More: set up an iPhone for a parent · getting around as you age · tech help at home.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
How do I set up Phone Key on a Tesla?
In the Tesla app, open Security & Drivers and turn on Phone Key, which the app describes as automatically unlocking and starting when your phone is near. Pair a key card with Add Key Card as a backup.
What charge limit should I set on my Tesla?
The Tesla app's own Charge Tip says 80% is recommended for daily driving. Raise it before a long trip.
When should I schedule Tesla charging in San Diego?
Match the schedule to your SDG&E plan. On EV-TOU-5, super off-peak is weekdays midnight to 6am or 10am to 2pm, and weekends midnight to 2pm, per SDG&E.
Can I limit the speed for another driver in a Tesla?
Yes. The app's Security & Drivers screen has Speed Limit Mode, Parental Controls, PIN to Drive and Add Driver.
Who can set up a Tesla app for a parent in Solana Beach or Encinitas?
PJ, a local in Solana Beach and a Tesla driver. Family Assist, $30 an hour. A home charger itself needs a CSLB-licensed electrician.
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