Guides · Charge port
Open your Tesla charge port: every way, explained
All the ways to open a Tesla charge port door, from the charge cable button to the touchscreen, voice and your phone, plus how to close it without damage.
Last verified 23 September 2026 · Handlefree 0.11
Short answer
Tesla’s manual lists several ways: press the button on a Tesla charge cable, tap the charge port icon on the touchscreen, press the bottom of the door when the car is unlocked and your phone key is nearby, or use voice commands. Handlefree adds Open and Close Charge Port actions for your iPhone.
Tesla’s built-in ways
- With the car in Park, press and release the button on a Tesla charge cable.
- On the touchscreen, tap the charge port icon, or go to Controls → Charging → Open Charge Port.
- Press the bottom of the charge port door when the car is unlocked and an authenticated phone is nearby.
- Hold the rear trunk button on a key fob for one to two seconds.
- Use a voice command in the car.
These steps come from the Model Y manual; check your own model’s manual for differences.
From your iPhone with Handlefree
- Beside the car, run Open Charge Port in Handlefree’s Controls tab and confirm the cover opened.
- Add the action to a Shortcut, the Action Button or Siri: “Open Charge Port”.
- Use Close Charge Port to close the cover again.
These actions only move the cover. They do not start or stop charging and do not release a charging cable.
Close it the right way
Tesla warns never to push the charge port door closed by hand, because that can damage it. It closes automatically after you remove the connector, or you can close it from the touchscreen, by voice or with Handlefree’s Close Charge Port action.
Questions
Can Handlefree unlock the charging cable?
No. Handlefree opens and closes the charge port cover only. Use the car’s own controls to release the cable.
Why won’t the door open when I press it?
Pressing the door works when the car is unlocked and an authenticated phone key is nearby. Unlock the car first or use one of the other methods.
Sources
Tesla features change with software updates; check the linked source for your car. Handlefree is independent and not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Use vehicle controls only beside your parked car with the area clear.