These instructions apply to the Tesla Model Y (2020-2024).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If a charging cable won’t unlock from your Tesla Model Y (2020–2024) — a frozen port, or a flat 12 V battery — there is a manual release cable inside the rear trunk that frees the connector.
First try the simple options: press Stop Charging on the touchscreen or the Tesla app, or press and hold the button on the charge connector. Only use the manual release below if those fail.
How to manually release the charging cable on a Model Y
- Make sure the car is not actively charging before you start.
- Open the rear trunk and pull back the left-hand side trim/carpet to reach the charge-port area.
- Find the manual release cable behind the trim (near the charge port).
- Pull the release cable first — then remove the charge cable from the port.
Important: always pull the release cable before trying to pull the charge cable out — don’t do both at once, and never while the car is charging. If the port is iced up, warming the car first usually releases the latch without the manual cable.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t the charger unplug from my Model Y?
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 Y charge-port manual release?
Behind the left-hand side trim inside the rear trunk, close to the charge port — a cable you pull to free the connector.
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.