You can use your Bluetooth-capable phone hands-free in Model S provided your phone is within operating range. Although Bluetooth typically supports wireless communication over distances of up to approximately 30 feet (nine meters), performance can vary based on the phone you are using.
Before using your phone with Model S, you must pair it. Pairing sets up Model S to work with your Bluetooth- capable phone (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone).
NOTE: Authenticating your phone to use as a key (see Keys) does not also allow you to use the phone hands-free, play media from it, etc. You must also pair it as described below.
You can pair up to ten Bluetooth phones. Unless you've specified a specific phone as a Priority Device or if the phone specified as Priority Device is not within range, Model S always connects to the last phone that was used (provided it is within range). To connect to a different phone, see Bluetooth Compatibility.
NOTE: On many phones, Bluetooth turns off if the phone's battery is low.
NOTE: In addition to phones, you can pair other Bluetooth-enabled devices with Model S. For example, you can pair an iPod Touch, an iPad, an Android tablet, etc. from which you can play music.
Pairing a Bluetooth Phone
Pairing allows you to use your Bluetooth-capable phone hands-free to make and receive phone calls, access your contact list, recent calls, etc. It also allows you to play media files from your phone. Once a phone is paired, Model S can connect to it whenever the phone is within range.
To pair a phone, follow these steps while sitting inside Model S:
1. Ensure both the touchscreen and the phone are powered on.
2. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and ensure it is discoverable.
NOTE: On some phones, this may require you to go to Bluetooth Settings for the remainder of the procedure.
3. Touch the Bluetooth icon located at the top of the Controls screen.
4. On the touchscreen, touch Add New Device > Start Search. A list of all available Bluetooth devices within operating distance displays on the Bluetooth settings screen.
5. Choose the phone with which you want to pair. Within a few seconds, the Bluetooth settings screen displays a randomly generated number. Your phone also display a number.
6. Check that the number displayed on your phone matches the number on the Bluetooth's settings screen. Then, on your phone, confirm that you want to pair.
7. If prompted on your phone, specify whether you want to allow Model S to access your personal information, such as calendar, contacts and media files.
When paired, Model S automatically connects to the phone, and the Bluetooth settings screen displays the Bluetooth symbol next to the phone's name to indicate that the connection is active.
You can display the Bluetooth settings screen at any time and change the settings associated with a connected device. For example, you can designate a connected phone as the Priority Device. This is useful in situations where you have connected more than one phone, and both phones are frequently used in Model S at the same time. Model S automatically attempts to connect to the priority device before others. If a priority device is not specified, or is not within range, Model S connects to the most recently used phone (if applicable).