Guides · Siri and Apple Shortcuts
Tesla Siri and Shortcuts: a practical guide for 2026
Control Tesla doors, trunk, frunk and charge port with Siri and Apple Shortcuts. The exact Handlefree phrases, the Tesla app route and fixes when a shortcut fails.
Last verified 23 September 2026 · Handlefree 0.11
Short answer
Handlefree adds its actions to Apple Shortcuts automatically. Say “Unlatch driver door with Handlefree” or “Open my trunk with Handlefree”, or add any action to a shortcut, the Action Button or a widget. Tesla’s own app also offers Siri Shortcuts. Handlefree’s actions work over Bluetooth, without a Tesla login.
Handlefree actions you can use
Unlatch Driver Door, Unlatch Front Passenger Door, Unlatch Rear Driver-Side Door, Unlatch Rear Passenger-Side Door, Open Frunk, Open Trunk, Close Trunk, Open Charge Port, Close Charge Port, Unlock Vehicle and Lock Vehicle. Door, cargo and charge-port actions are enabled after you test them once beside the car.
Siri phrases that work
- “Unlatch driver door with Handlefree”
- “Open my driver door with Handlefree”
- “Unlatch Front Passenger Door with Handlefree”
- “Open my frunk with Handlefree” · “Open my trunk with Handlefree” · “Close my trunk with Handlefree”
- “Unlock my car with Handlefree” · “Lock my car with Handlefree”
Saying the app name tells Siri exactly which app to use, which avoids Siri asking whether you meant another car app or CarPlay.
Build your own shortcut
- Open Handlefree’s Shortcuts tab and choose an action. You can add a ready-made shortcut from there.
- Or open Apple’s Shortcuts app, create a shortcut and search for “Handlefree”.
- Put it on the Home Screen, in a widget or on the Action Button.
The Tesla app route
Tesla’s app added Siri Shortcuts in August 2023 for commands such as locking and unlocking. The exact list depends on the Tesla app version. If you already use Tesla’s shortcuts, you can keep them and add Handlefree only for what they do not cover, such as a specific passenger door.
When a shortcut fails
- Unlock the iPhone: Handlefree’s vehicle shortcuts do not run on a locked phone.
- Turn on Bluetooth and stay near the car.
- Turn off Holiday Mode in Handlefree.
- If the action is not listed, test and confirm it in the app first.
- After reinstalling, add the shortcut again from Handlefree’s Shortcuts tab.
Questions
Do I need the Tesla app for these shortcuts?
No. Handlefree pairs its own key with your key card and sends commands itself. You can keep the Tesla app for its other features.
Can a shortcut run automatically when I arrive?
Handlefree sends one request each time you run it and never retries on its own. Its vehicle actions need an unlocked iPhone, so they are designed for a deliberate press rather than an unattended automation.
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.