Drive Safe: How to Update Your Tesla Software to Get the Latest Features

Electric vehicles replace gas-powered engines with batteries, and remote software engineers replace mechanics to add features and fix problems with wireless updates. If your EV is a Tesla, not updating your car’s software can cause warranty and safety issues, but there are multiple ways to make sure you have the latest software installed.

While the software in most of Tesla’s fleet remains relatively in sync, there are differences in models and configurations, and differences in computing power between older and newer models. New hardware may be added along the way to enable additional functionality. Remember the External Boombox Speakers of 2019(opens in new window)which was later disabled(opens in new window) Concerns about possible distraction of pedestrians intended to keep them safe?

Most recently, the 2022 Holiday Update added Steam games to Tesla’s infotainment center. But how do you know if your EV is ready to run Cyberpunk 2077? Here’s how to customize how software updates are delivered for .

How to check your Tesla software version

(Credit: Tesla)

To find out which software version Tesla uses, open the main screen of the Tesla app and view a photo of your vehicle. Scroll to the bottom and find your model name. Below this, in small type, you’ll see the total mileage, VIN number, and software version.

If you’re interested in deciphering the software version string, it’s not the Tesla app(opens in new window) It does a great job of tracking that information. Please note that not all cars get the latest software at the same time. Full deployment takes time.

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

You can also check your Tesla software version from inside your car. Start by choosing Control Click the icon in the lower left corner of the screen, then software tab. Here you can see the current software version for your car. It also clearly informs you if your vehicle is up to date with the latest software and if any updates are required.

How to update your Tesla software

(Credit: Tesla)

When a new software update is released, it will appear in the Tesla app and in your car.Connect your vehicle to Wi-Fi(opens in new window) This is the best way to download updates as soon as possible. Once the vehicle has downloaded the software, it will ask you to install it.

Within the Tesla app, a notification will appear below your vehicle image to alert you to new software updates. Tap it to start the update process. It usually takes about 25 minutes to complete the software update. Do not drive while the update is installed, as it may limit or disable vehicle functions, including some safety systems, says Tesla.

If you don’t have time to update during the day, you can schedule it for a specific time. Tap the yellow clock icon, set at this timeClick to choose when to install updates.

Software update alerts can be ignored, but will continue to appear until the update is installed or scheduled.As Tesla points out on their website(opens in new window)“Damage caused by not installing software updates is not covered by the vehicle warranty.”

How to Find Tesla Software Release Notes

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

Curious about the features and bug fixes included in our software update? When you run the update, information about what has been added will appear on your screen, but if you need to check back later, call up the release notes. I can.Open Control > Software Tap the blue text that says Release notesThis will give you all the information about the car’s latest improvements and past updates.

Will I get immediate software updates?

(Credit: Tyler Hayes)

Tesla typically releases new software every four weeks. If you want to get software updates sooner than that, Control > Software > Software Update SettingsBy default your car is set to Standard, but if you want to get the update immediately Altitude Option to receive updates over the air as soon as the model is ready to be configured. In my experience it happens about two weeks before the standard deployment cycle. (Note that this does not sign you up for Tesla’s early access program for beta testing new features such as FSD.)