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Tesla Smart Charging Setup

Updated

Supported models

All Tesla models: Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Cybertruck. The app connects through Tesla's official interface for third-party apps.

Connecting your Tesla

  1. In the app, choose to add a car and pick Tesla.
  2. Log in with your Tesla account on Tesla's own login page. Use the account of the car's owner.
  3. Select all permissions. Smart charging needs the battery level, charging control and location.
  4. Approve the virtual key when the app asks for it. See below.
  5. Set your home location and ready-by time in the app.

In the Tesla app and on tesla.com, the connection shows up as Gridio. Gridio is the company that runs smart charging for the app.

The virtual key

Without the virtual key, the app can read your battery level but cannot start or stop charging. It is the most common reason a Tesla is connected but does not smart charge.

To approve it:

  1. Make sure the Tesla app is up to date (version 4.27.3 or newer).
  2. Stand next to your car with your key card, with the car awake.
  3. Open this link on your phone: tesla.com/_ak/tesla.gridio.energy
  4. Approve the key in the Tesla app.

This also works for leased and company cars. Model S and Model X cars built before 2021 do not need a virtual key.

Location permission

Since May 2025, Tesla asks for location access separately. Without it, the app sees your car as away and does not smart charge.

In the Tesla app, go to Profile, then Security & Privacy, then Third Party Apps, then Gridio. Choose Select All and confirm.

Turn off Tesla's own scheduling

Switch off Scheduled Charging and Off-Peak Charging in your Tesla. They overrule smart charging.

Keep Mobile Access switched on in the car, under Controls, then Safety.

What data is shared

  • Vehicle information: battery level, time to full, charging status.
  • Location: only to check whether the car is at home.
  • Charging control: start and stop commands.

Removing access

On tesla.com, go to Account Settings, then Security, then Third Party Apps. Choose Gridio and remove access. Removing the car in the app does the same for the app's side.

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