When Teslas Hands Free Trunk Doesn’t Work

Let's do a proper test of Teslas new Hands Free Trunk.
My original video on the 2024.14.3 update was not just my first impression, but also my first attempt at making a video like this. I realised afterwards that I made several mistakes and I wanted to post this follow-up test to correct a few misunderstandings. I kept it pretty short so make sure to watch till the end to see an actual real-world scenario where the hands free trunk won't work.
0:00 Intro
0:19 Control Scenario
0:29 Distance to trigger
0:38 Objects above
0:51 Camera covered
0:58 Crate test
1:05 While filming or using other bluetooth devices
1:12 While taking a call
1:26 Phone in jacket pocket
1:35 Conclusion

[@andrewapple12tech]

Great simple video. Here's a quick summary of how this works! Hands free trunk uses 5g mm wave similar to how you locate air tags. The car can see where you phone is in 3d space probably as precise as an inch. The engineers probably set an activation zone about pocket height which could be why it didn't work while you were on the phone or while it was in your shirt pocket. It's also worth noting unless Tesla offers a retrofit, this is only possible on 2024 M3 and 2021+ S/X

[@Kelvin273.15]

Thanks! Great summary!

[@sepplschpeedruns281]

Very interesting and straight to the point. Very nice!

[@Kelvin273.15]

Thanks! I didn't want to drag it on too much so I'm glad you enjoyed this format.

[@jeremi84]

This is interesting so it’s a proximity thing, Tesla should mention it in the updated manual (if there is one), otherwise people would get mad when they’re talking on the phone while hands are occupied with groceries or what not.

[@Kelvin273.15]

The release notes only say to stand behind the trunk with a Phone Key unobstructed. While the actual manual of the car seems to have been updated to specify that you need the phone in your front pocket. I only stumbled on this when I was looking for a picture of the hands free trunk to add to the thumbnail!

[@M3NTALMAGIC]

So ridiculous they can’t make a blue tooth version for every Tesla

[@MysticElephant]

Is this only for the new M3 or all models without USS?

[@Kelvin273.15]

From what I can see from other comments - it appears to be only on the refreshed M3 for now.

[@davide2268]

Apple watch?

[@strzaskanyalf2928]

thats shitty design, i always carry my phone in my chest pocket.