How to Unplug Tesla Charger?

Image Credit: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Simply put, unplugging the Tesla Charger is a 4-step process that is pretty much the same for all Tesla Models:

1. Unlock the car
2. Release the latch
3. Pull the connector from the charge port 
4. Let the charge port door close automatically

How to unplug the Tesla charger at home?

When your Tesla is charging, the charging port light is blinking green, and when it is complete, it becomes a solid green. 

While it is recommended to unplug only after the full-charge is complete, if you want to unplug before, you can. However, before pulling the plug, press stop charging on your touchscreen or your Tesla app and ensure that the car is no longer charging. 

To unplug, follow the below process:

1. Unlock the Car: When you plug the charger in, the charge cable latch locks. This is a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized unplugging. Therefore, you must unlock your Tesla before you can unplug the charger. You can do this using the app or your key card. 

2. Release the latch: Once the car is unlocked, you can release the latch in any one of the following ways:

• Press and hold the button on the connector handle 
• From the Car Status Overview on the touchscreen or the mobile app 
• By pressing and holding the rear trunk button on the key fob
• By pressing the button to the left of the charge port (Only works with equipped Model S and X with a motorized charge port)

When the charge port latch is unlocked, the charge port light turns blue or white. 

Note: If all these standard methods fail, you can follow the emergency procedure mentioned at the end of this article, however, follow it cautiously otherwise contact your nearest service center.

3. Pull the connector from the charge port 

4. Let the charge port door close automatically: If the door doesn’t close automatically, do not try to close it manually. This can cause damage and should be avoided in all circumstances. Instead, follow any of the below alternative methods:

• On the touchscreen > Go to Car Status Overview > Touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt) 
• On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port.
• Use Voice Commands

How to unplug your Tesla after charging at a public station?

If in case you are charging at a public station using a charging adapter, follow the below steps:

• Once both the adapter and handle are unplugged, you can press the handle button again to release your adapter from it.
• If only the handle comes out and the adapter remains stuck in the car, don’t try to pull it out forcefully. First reconnect the handle to the adapter, then unlock the charge port from the touch screen as explained above. It should release both the adapter and the handle

4. Let the charge port door close automatically or through any of the methods explained above. 

What to do when the above method fails?

*****This method is only for emergencies. You need to be very cautious with this as it can cause an electric shock and/or serious injury if not followed properly. Or else, contact your nearest service center.*****

Most times, the above methods work. They are standard practices. However, if these fail then you can follow the below method as an absolute ‘last resort’.

• Verify this by checking on the Touchscreen
• If need be, press ‘Stop Charging’
• Also, ensure none of the orange high-voltage conductors are exposed

2. Open the rear trunk
3. Pull the charge port's release cable downwards.

The above image is for Model X, the release cable might look slightly different in your car, but will be located at the same spot.

• This should unlatch the charge cable
• While pulling the release cable, don’t simultaneously try to remove the charge cable. Remove it only after you have pulled the release cable. Not following this can cause electric shock and serious injury.

Disclaimer:

1. This method is only for emergencies
2. Do not make it a regular practice
3. Frequently using it can damage the release cable and the entire charging system
4. Not following it correctly can cause serious injury
5. If you're even slightly unsure contact your nearest service center