Interior Storage and Electronics

Center Console

In addition to housing an RFID transmitter that reads key fobs and key cards (see Key Card), the center console includes cup holders, two storage compartments, and a wireless phone charger.

To open the main storage compartment, pull its cover upward. Open the front storage compartment by sliding its cover forward.

Image with arrows showing how to open the center console storage compartments.

Second Row Console

Your Model 3 has a rear console integrated in the center of the second row seat back. Pull the console down to access the rear cup holders, or use it as an armrest.

Image with an arrow showing to pull the rear console down.

Glovebox

To open the glovebox, touch on the bottom corner of the touchscreen. The glovebox automatically opens and its light turns on.

Image with an arrow showing the glove box opening.

To close the glovebox, push it upward until it clicks into its closed position.

For additional glovebox security, touch to set a 4-digit PIN (see Glovebox PIN).

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Note

If you leave the glovebox open, its light eventually turns off.

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Note

The glovebox locks whenever closed and you lock Model 3 using the mobile app, key card, you leave Model 3 carrying your phone key (if Walk-Away Door Lock is turned on), or if Valet mode is active (see Valet Mode). It does not lock when Model 3 is locked by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen.

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Warning

When driving, keep the glovebox closed to prevent injury to a passenger if a collision or sudden stop occurs.

USB Ports

Model 3 has two USB ports located in the front compartment of the center console. These ports can be used to:

  • Connect and charge USB devices.
  • Play audio files stored on a phone or USB device (see Playing Media from Devices).
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Note

For saving Sentry Mode and Dashcam video footage, use the USB port located in the glove box. Doing so increases security and minimizes power consumption.

Both ports are USB-C compatible.

Open the front compartment of the center console. The front USB ports are located on the rear wall of the compartment.

Zoombox showing the location of the USB ports in the center console.

A USB port is also located at the rear of the glovebox. This USB-A port is equipped with a pre-formatted flash drive, ready to save videos when using features such as Sentry Mode and Dashcam. Although not its primary purpose, this port can also communicate with the vehicle and can be used to charge a USB-connected device.

Image showing the location of the USB port in the glovebox.

Two additional USB ports are located in the rear of the center console (on vehicles manufactured since approximately June 2020, these ports are USB-C). These ports charge USB-connected devices but do not communicate with the vehicle.

Zoombox showing the location of the USB ports on the rear of the center console.
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Note

Power is available whenever the vehicle is considered "awake". The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when using features such as Summon, or when features such as Preconditioning, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use, during HV charging, when the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.

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Note

Use USB 3.0 compliant cables to connect a device to a USB port. Using non-compliant cables can result in slower charging, potential connection problems or degraded performance.

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Note

Do not connect multiple devices using a USB hub. This can prevent connected devices from charging or from being recognized by Media Player, Sentry Mode, Dashcam, etc.

Wireless Phone Charger

A wireless phone charger is integrated into the front console to provide up to 15W of power to charge a Qi-enabled phone. Simply place your phone on the charger. Your device may feel warm while charging, but this is a normal effect of inductive charging.

When placed on the wireless charger, your phone charges whenever the vehicle is powered on (the touchscreen is on and you are in the vehicle). Your phone will not charge after exiting the vehicle unless a feature (such as Sentry mode) is enabled and therefore providing power to the USB ports (see Sentry Mode). Model 3 will also not charge a phone if the vehicle's Battery is discharged.

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Note

The wireless phone charger may not work if your phone case is too large or is made of metal. Try removing the phone from its case before placing in the charger.

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CAUTION

The phone must be in direct contact with the wireless charger. Do not place objects between the phone and the charger (for example, credit cards, key cards, coins, keys, metal objects, etc.).

Low Voltage Power Socket

Your Model 3 has a power socket located in the center console's rear compartment.

Zoombox showing the location of the power socket within the center console.

The power socket is suitable for accessories requiring up to 12A continuous draw (16A peak).

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Note

Power is available whenever the vehicle is considered "awake". The vehicle may be awake for many reasons. For example, when using features such as Summon, or when features such as Preconditioning, Cabin Overheat Protection, Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, Camp Mode, Sentry Mode, etc. are enabled. The vehicle is also awake whenever the low voltage battery is being charged or is in use, during HV charging, when the vehicle is communicating with the mobile app, etc. Leaving an accessory plugged in does not deplete the low voltage battery.

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Warning

The power socket and an accessory's connector can become hot.

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Warning

To prevent excessive interference with the vehicle's electronics, Tesla recommends that you do not plug any non-Tesla accessories, including power inverters, into the low voltage power socket. However, if you do use a non-Tesla accessory and notice any malfunctions or unexpected behavior, such as indicator lights, alert messages, or excessive heat from the accessory, unplug the accessory from the low voltage power socket immediately.

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CAUTION

Do not attempt to jump start Model 3 using the low voltage power socket. Doing so can result in damage.

Coat Hangers

Your Model 3 has a coat hanger on each side of the vehicle in the second row. Push the coat hanger to release it. Push it again to retract it.

Coat hanger above rear window with arrow pointing outwards

Cabin Camera

Your Model 3 may be equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.

Zoombox with a camera lens, pointing to its location above the rear view mirror

The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide you with audible alerts, to remind you to keep your eyes on the road when Autopilot is engaged. By default, images and video from the camera do not leave the vehicle itself and are not transmitted to anyone, including Tesla, unless you enable data sharing.

If you enable data sharing and a serious safety risk or safety event occurs (such as a collision), Model 3 shares images and short video clips with Tesla to help us further develop future safety features and continuously improve the intelligence of features that rely on the cabin camera. To protect your privacy, the cabin camera images you share with Tesla are not linked to your account or VIN.

To adjust your data sharing preferences touch . You can change your data sharing settings at any time.

Example of camera view when Allow Cabin Camera Analytics is enabled
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Note

Keep the camera lens clean and free of obstructions. Remove any buildup of dirt or dust by occasionally wiping the camera lens with a clean cloth.

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CAUTION

Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the camera lens.