How to Use the Tesla App to Control Your Car

The Tesla app is a companion app for your Tesla vehicle. It connects to your car over a cellular connection and lets you monitor and control many of your car's features from anywhere using your smartphone. You do not need to be near the car — the app works as long as both your phone and your Tesla have a data connection.

Some of the most useful things you can do with the Tesla app include: checking your current battery charge level, starting or stopping a charging session, seeing how many miles of range you have, locking or unlocking the car remotely, and setting the cabin temperature before you get in — so your car is warm in winter or cool in summer without you having to sit in an uncomfortable car while it adjusts.

The app also works as a digital key for your phone. If you have your phone in your pocket and Bluetooth is on, many Tesla models will automatically unlock as you approach and lock as you walk away — no key fob required.

In addition to day-to-day controls, the Tesla app shows you software update notifications. Tesla frequently releases over-the-air software updates that add features or improve performance. You can see when an update is available and schedule it to install overnight so your car is up to date when you wake up.

The Tesla app is free and available for iPhone and Android. You need a Tesla account, which is set up when you take delivery of the car. Your phone must be linked to your specific vehicle using the app.