Tesla 2020.36 Update Includes New Phone Key Disconnected Warning

If your Tesla has 2020.36 installed, a new feature now informs you when your Phone key is disconnected, warning you “Walk-Away lock unavailable”, according to the message.

“Phone key disconnected – lock manually”, reads the alert, shared by a user on Reddit.

The new warning for Tesla owners means they will now know if their smartphone has been disconnected from the car, meaning the phone key won’t work. If you don’t have your key card or key fob with you as a backup, you’ll be locked out of your Tesla (which is why it’s handy to have a family member install the Tesla app as a backup to unlock the car for you!).

Some owners have noted this warning shows even when Bluetooth is on and your phone is connected to their Tesla.

The latest Tesla software update is 2020.36.11, released last week.

Let us know if you’ve seen this Walk-Away lock unavailable alert yet, and if it’s saved your bacon or not, especially when your back up key isn’t with you.