These instructions apply to the Tesla Model X (2016-2021).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If a charging cable won’t unlock from your Tesla Model X (2016–2021) — a frozen port in winter, or a flat 12 V battery — there is a manual release cable inside the rear trunk that frees the connector.
First try the easy options: press Stop Charging on the touchscreen or the Tesla app, or press and hold the button on the charge connector. If the car has power, unlatch it from the screen. Only use the manual release below if those fail.
How to manually release the charging cable on a Model X
- Make sure the car is not actively charging before you start.
- Open the rear trunk and lift out the load floor.
- Release the left-hand rear trunk carpet/side trim enough to reach behind it.
- Open the NVH padding access flap to expose the charge-port release lever.
- Press the release lever towards the front of the car and hold it while you (or a helper) pull the charge cable out of the port.
- Release the lever, close the flap and refit the trim and load floor.
If the port is iced up, warming the car (or the port) first usually releases the latch without needing the manual cable. Never force the connector while the car is charging.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t the charger unplug from my Model X?
Usually a frozen port or a flat 12 V battery, so the latch won’t open electrically. Try Stop Charging on the screen/app first; if that fails, use the manual release cable in the rear trunk.
Where is the Model X charge-port release?
Behind the left-hand side trim in the rear trunk, under an NVH flap — a lever you press toward the front of the car.
If a charging or 12 V warning stays on afterwards, you can look up the fault code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Tesla. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.