Tesla’s charging cables include a button on the handle that lets you easily stop charging and unlock the connector—but most third-party chargers don’t. If you’re using a non-Tesla charger, stopping a charge and releasing the cable or adapter typically means opening the Tesla app or using the in-car controls.
Now, Tesla is making that process a bit easier for Model 3 and Model Y owners.
How to Quickly Release Adapter or Charging Cable
As of update 2025.20, Tesla is introducing a shortcut that will stop the charging session and unlock the charging cable or adapter that is locked in place with a pin while the vehicle is charging.
By simply pulling and holding the rear left door handle, located next to the charge port on the Model 3 or Model Y, for three seconds will now cause the vehicle to stop charging.
Since Tesla locks the charging cable or adapter in place while the vehicle is charging or the vehicle is locked, this new feature can only be used if the vehicle is unlocked or if a key, such as your phone, is nearby.
The primary benefit of this method is for those using charging cables that don’t have an unlatch button or for owners using adapters, like the J1772 or CCS to NACS adapters, which may not unlatch if you press the button on the cable.
This is a nice little feature that'll go unnoticed by the vast majority of owners, but it’ll greatly benefit a few individuals who may not need to reach into their pocket or car to unlatch a third-party cable every day.
Availability
This feature is only available on the Model 3 and Model Y. With update 2025.20 it was introduced across Europe, but now more than 6 months later, Tesla is introduced the feature in North America with update 2026.2.3.
Feature in Action
Unlatching Charging Cable in 2025.20 pic.twitter.com/MBxTodOXOz
— Max Bracco (@max_bracco) June 5, 2025
This feature is included in Tesla’s latest software update, 2025.20, which just started rolling out to customers in certain regions. The update isn’t as big as we were hoping for, likely due to Tesla’s engineers being focused on Robotaxi-specific features.
