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 start an update
(see
Connecting to Wi-Fi on page 156
Software updates are not performed when the following
features are active:
• Smart Preconditioning
• Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode
• Sentry Mode
NOTE:
On an as-needed basis, Tesla also sends software
updates using a cellular connection.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to use the vehicle while
the software is being updated. Vehicle functions,
including some safety systems, may be limited or
disabled when a software update is in progress
and you could damage the vehicle.
When a software update is available, a yellow clock icon
appears at the top of the
Controls
screen. There are
three ways you can install software updates:
• Touch the yellow clock icon to display the scheduling
screen, which prompts you to select a time to install
the update (
Set For This Time
) or install it now
(
Install Now
). Once scheduled, the yellow clock icon
changes to a white clock icon until the update begins.
At any time before the update begins, you can touch
this clock icon to reschedule the update.
• Touch
Controls
>
Software
to determine if an update
is available for your vehicle. If available, touch
Software Update Available
to navigate to the
scheduling screen, as mentioned above.
• Start updates using the Tesla mobile app.
NOTE:
Some software updates can take up to three
hours to complete. Model S must be in Park while the
software is being updated. To ensure the fastest and
most reliable delivery of software updates, leave the Wi-
Fi turned on and connected whenever possible (see
Connecting to Wi-Fi on page 156
).
The yellow clock icon becomes a green download icon
when a software update is downloading. If a yellow
download icon displays, a software update is available
but your vehicle is not connected to Wi-Fi. Connect your
vehicle to Wi-Fi to start the download.
Software Update Preferences
Tesla determines how, when, and where to send updates
to vehicles based on various factors unique to each
release. You can choose how quickly and often you
receive software updates. To change your preference,
touch
Controls
>
Software
>
Software Update
Preferences
and choose either of these options:
•
Standard
: Receive software updates using the normal
rollout timeframe for your region and vehicle
configuration. When a software release is made
available it has generally been running on other
customer vehicles for a period of time.
•
Advanced
: Receive the latest software updates for
your region and vehicle configuration at the earliest
opportunity they are available. Keep in mind that
although you receive updates at the earliest
opportunity, you may not be in the first group of
Tesla owners to receive the update. Choosing
Advanced does not enroll your vehicle in Tesla's early
access program.
NOTE:
Tesla does not update software upon request for
those wanting to receive the latest features and
improvements. Selecting
Advanced
and consistently
connecting to Wi-Fi (see
) is the best way to receive the latest software
updates.
NOTE:
The software update screen persists until you
install the update. You must install a software update as
soon it becomes available. 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,
digital media devices to become incompatible.
NOTE:
Tesla may update or reinstall your vehicle's
software as part of the normal diagnostic, repair, and
maintenance process within Service.
NOTE:
Reverting to a previous software version is not
possible.
If the touchscreen displays a message indicating that a
software update was not successfully completed,
contact Tesla.
Charging
If Model S is charging when the software update begins,
charging stops. Charging resumes automatically when
the software update is complete. If you are driving
Model S at the scheduled update time, the update is
canceled and must be rescheduled.
Software Updates
157
Using the Touchscreen