Software Updates

Loading New Software

Tesla updates your vehicle's software wirelessly, constantly providing new features. Tesla recommends you install software updates at the earliest opportunity on your vehicle. To ensure the fastest and most reliable delivery of software updates, leave Wi-Fi turned on and connected whenever possible. In most cases, your vehicle must be connected to Wi-Fi to download the software update (see Wi-Fi).

Downloading vs. Installing New Software

There are two steps to receiving a new update: downloading the software (which requires Wi-Fi), and installing it. For your convenience, you can start downloads and installations using the Tesla mobile app.

Download

When a software update is available for download, the download occurs automatically, showing a green arrow at the top of the touchscreen. If the vehicle is not connected to Wi-Fi, a yellow download icon appears. Although you can drive while the software update is being downloaded, doing so can interrupt the download if your vehicle loses the Wi-Fi connection. When the software update is fully downloaded and ready to install, a clock icon displays at the top of the touchscreen.

Note

To ensure the fastest and most reliable download of software updates, leave the Wi-Fi turned on and connected whenever possible (see Wi-Fi).

Install

You CANNOT drive while software is being installed. If plugged in, your vehicle will stop charging until the installation is complete. To start the installation, touch the yellow clock icon at the top of the touchscreen. Touch Install Now to begin the installation immediately or touch Set For This Time to choose a different start time. At any time before the update installs, you can touch this clock icon to reschedule. If you are driving Model S at the scheduled update time, the update is canceled and must be rescheduled. You can also view, download, and install software updates by navigating to Controls > Software. If available, connect to Wi-FI to download the update.

Software updates are not performed when certain features are active, such as Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode and Smart Preconditioning.

Note

Software updates will not install if Keep, Dog, or Camp mode are enabled (see Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp).

Note

On an as-needed basis, Tesla also sends software updates using a cellular connection.

Note

Some software updates take approximately 30 minutes to complete (some may take longer). Model S must be in Park while the software is being updated.

Warning

Do not attempt to use the vehicle while the software is being installed. Vehicle functions, including some safety systems and opening or closing the doors or windows, may be limited or disabled when installation is in progress and you could damage the vehicle.

Software Update Preferences

Tesla determines how, when, and where to send updates to vehicles based on various factors unique to each release. In Controls > Software, you can choose how quickly you want to receive updates that are ready for your vehicle. Be an early adopter by selecting Advanced (which will have additional releases), or wait until others have installed (which will result in fewer releases) by selecting Standard. Choosing Advanced does not enroll your vehicle in Tesla's early access program.

Tesla does not update your software upon request for those wanting to receive the latest features and improvements. Selecting Advanced and consistently connecting to Wi-Fi (see Wi-Fi) is the best way to quickly receive the latest software updates.

If the touchscreen displays a message indicating that a software update was not successfully completed, wait for the next software update to deploy to your vehicle.

Note

The software update screen persists until you install the update. Install a software update as soon as possible. Any harm resulting from failure to install a software update is not covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Failure or refusal to install updates can cause some vehicle features to become inaccessible or digital media devices may become incompatible.

Note

Tesla may update or reinstall your vehicle's software as part of the normal diagnostic, repair, and maintenance process within Tesla Service.

Note

Reverting to a previous software version is not possible.

Charging

If Model S is charging when the software update begins, charging stops. Charging resumes automatically when the software update is complete.

Viewing Release Notes

When a software update is complete, read the release notes displayed on the touchscreen to learn about changes or new features. To display release notes about the current version of your vehicle's software at any time, touch Controls > Software > Release Notes.

Tesla strongly recommends reading all release notes. They may contain important safety information or operating instructions for your Model S.