No matter the Tesla model you own, shutting it down is straightforward! The Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model Y all automatically power down when you park and exit the vehicle, but you can manually turn off your Tesla if necessary. This Mytour article provides comprehensive guidance on powering down a Tesla, including how to reboot it if the screen freezes or malfunctions.
Important Information
- To power off any Tesla model, simply put the car in Park and exit.
- If you stay inside the car with it in Park, it will automatically power off within 15-30 minutes, depending on the model.
- Teslas can also be powered off using the touchscreen or key fob.
- When power cycling your Tesla, wait at least two minutes before turning it back on.
Steps to Follow
Deactivate Tesla Model Y

Engage Park mode. Locate the drive stalk adjacent to your steering wheel and shift into Park by engaging the button located at the end of the drive stalk.

Exit the vehicle with your phone and key fob. Whenever you depart from your Tesla Model Y with your authorized mobile device and Tesla key card, the vehicle will automatically power down.
- If your car remains in Park for 15 minutes, it will initiate shutdown, even if occupants are still inside.
- If you exit the vehicle without shifting into Park, it will automatically transition into Park. Should you wish to put your Tesla into Neutral before exiting, you must activate Transport Mode beforehand.

Utilize the touchscreen to initiate shutdown from within. To remain in the driver's seat of your Model Y and initiate shutdown, ensure the vehicle is stationary. Then, follow these steps on your touchscreen: Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off
- Alternatively, press and hold the button on the back of your key fob for three seconds to power off your Tesla.
- Your Tesla Model Y will power back on upon your next touchscreen interaction or depression of the brake pedal.
Deactivate Tesla Model 3

Engage Park mode. Locate the drive stalk situated just to the right of your steering wheel and engage Park by pressing the button located at the end of the drive stalk.

Exit the vehicle with your phone and key fob. Whenever you exit your Tesla Model 3 with your authenticated mobile phone and Tesla key card, the vehicle will automatically power down.
- If your car remains in Park for 30 minutes, it will automatically power off, even if you are still inside.
- If you exit the vehicle without putting it into Park, it will automatically shift into Park. If you wish to place your Tesla into Neutral with the intention of exiting the vehicle, you will need to activate Transport Mode beforehand.

Utilize the touchscreen to power it off from inside. To remain in the driver's seat of your Model 3 and power it off, first ensure the car is stationary. Then press the following buttons on your touchscreen: Controls > Safety > Power Off
- You may also press and hold the button on the back of your key fob for three seconds to power off your Tesla.
- Your Tesla Model 3 will power back on when you next tap the touchscreen or press the brake pedal.
Deactivate Tesla Model X

Engage Park mode. Depress the brake pedal and tap the power button on your steering wheel to enter Park mode.

Exit the vehicle with your phone and key fob. Whenever you depart from your Tesla Model X with your authenticated mobile phone and Tesla key card, the vehicle will automatically power down.
- If your car remains in Park for 15 minutes, it will automatically power off, even if you are still inside.
- If you exit the vehicle without shifting it into Park, it will automatically transition into Park. If you wish to place your Tesla into Neutral with the intention of exiting the vehicle, you will need to activate Tow Mode beforehand.

Utilize the touchscreen to power it off from inside. To remain in the driver's seat of your Model X and power it off, first ensure the car is stationary. Then press the following buttons on your touchscreen: Controls > E-Brake & Power Off > Power Off
- You may also press and hold the button on the back of your key fob for three seconds to power off your Tesla.
- Your Tesla Model X will power back on when you next tap the touchscreen or press the brake pedal.
Deactivate Tesla Model S

Engage Park mode. Locate the drive stalk positioned just to the right of your steering wheel and engage Park by pressing the button located at the end of the drive stalk.

Exit the vehicle with your phone and key fob. Whenever you depart from your Tesla Model S with your authenticated mobile phone and Tesla key card, the vehicle will automatically power down.
- If your car remains in Park for 30 minutes, it will automatically power off, even if you are still inside.
- If you exit the vehicle without shifting it into Park, it will automatically transition into Park. If you wish to place your Tesla into Neutral with the intention of exiting the vehicle, you will need to activate Transport Mode beforehand.

Utilize the touchscreen to initiate shutdown from inside. To remain in the driver's seat of your Model S and shut down the vehicle, first ensure the car is stationary. Then, press the following buttons on your touchscreen: Controls > Safety > Power Off
- You may also press and hold the button on the back of your key fob for three seconds to shut down your Tesla.
- Your Tesla Model S will restart when you next interact with the touchscreen or press the brake pedal.
Restart a Tesla

Turn off your Tesla. Restarting a Tesla follows the same procedure across all models. Begin by powering off your vehicle using the steps outlined above.
- Only restart your Tesla if it exhibits unusual behavior or displays an unfamiliar alert. If the touchscreen is unresponsive, you can restart it without restarting the entire vehicle.

Wait for two minutes. With the car powered off, remain in the driver's seat without interacting with the vehicle in any manner. Keep all doors closed, and refrain from touching the touchscreen or brake pedal.

Press the brake pedal or open a door. After the two-minute period, you can awaken the car by opening a car door or pressing the brake pedal.
- If restarting the vehicle did not resolve your issue, consider reaching out to Tesla support.