Questions, answered
Can't find yours? Email support@coilkey.com and we'll answer it, and add it here.
Getting started
What do I need?
A Garmin fēnix 8, a Tesla with Phone Key, your Tesla key card, and the Garmin Connect app on your phone for one step of setup.
How long does setup take?
About five minutes, most of it sitting in the car. Here is every step.
Does it replace my phone key or key card?
No. Coil adds the watch as one more key. Your phone key and key cards carry on working as before.
Can I use it with more than one car?
One car at a time. To move the watch to another car, choose Set up again in Coil's menu.
Every day
How close do I need to be?
Within about 10 metres. The closer you are, the quicker it connects, and the watch tells you when the car is out of reach.
How quick is it?
Usually under ten seconds from pressing the button, most of it spent connecting to the car. Once the watch is connected, the next commands are quicker.
Does the car unlock as I walk up?
Not yet: you press Unlock. To save a step, switch on Unlock when opened in Coil's menu, and opening Coil unlocks the car straight away. Walk-up unlock is on our list.
Can I drive with just my watch?
Not yet. Coil gets you in and works the car's controls, but to drive, the car wants a key it trusts inside: your key card tapped on the console, or your phone. Starting a drive from the watch is on our list.
Does it work with no phone signal?
Yes. Beside the car, Coil uses Bluetooth only. It needs no phone, no internet and no signal, so it works in car parks, garages and at the trailhead.
Does it work when the car is asleep?
Yes. Locking, unlocking and the frunk go to the car's security computer, which never sleeps. Climate and charging wake the rest of the car first, which takes a few seconds more.
Will it drain my watch?
Coil only uses Bluetooth while it is open. Close it and it stops; the glance shows what the car last reported without connecting.
Safety and privacy
Is it safe?
Coil uses the same system as Tesla's Phone Key. The watch makes its own key and the secret half never leaves it. The car only accepts that key after you tap your key card and press Confirm, and it checks every command Coil sends.
Tesla publishes this protocol for apps like Coil to use.
What if I lose my watch?
Remove its key from the car: open Controls, then Locks, find the watch's key and delete it, confirming with your key card. Without the watch, there is nothing else to undo.
What does Coil know about me?
Nothing that leaves your watch. The Bluetooth key has no internet access and no account. Our privacy policy has the detail.
Is Coil made by Tesla or Garmin?
No. Coil is an independent app. It works with Tesla's cars and Garmin's watches, and isn't made, sponsored or endorsed by either.
Watches and cars
Which watches does it work on?
The Garmin fēnix 8: 43 mm and 47 mm AMOLED, the fēnix 8 Pro 47 mm, and the fēnix 8 Solar in 47 mm and 51 mm. More are on the way; tell us which one you wear.
Which cars does it work with?
Teslas with Phone Key: Model 3 and Model Y, Model S and Model X from 2021, and Cybertruck. Coil is built and tested on a Model 3; if yours behaves differently, please tell us.
Buying
How much is it?
£14.99, once, for the Bluetooth key. Coil Away, for your car from anywhere, will be an optional monthly plan. See pricing.
Something's wrong with my purchase
Purchases go through Garmin's Connect IQ Store. Email support@coilkey.com and we'll put it right with you.