How to Use the Tesla App to Control Your Car

The Tesla app lets you lock, unlock, check your charge level, pre-heat the cabin, and locate your car — all from your phone. Here is how to get started.

At a Glance

Download the Tesla App and Log In

~21s

Search "Tesla" in the App Store or Google Play and install the official Tesla app. Open the app and sign in using your Tesla account email and password — this is the same account you used when you ordered or registered your car. If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen.

Link the App to Your Vehicle

~32s

After logging in, the app should automatically detect your Tesla if the vehicle is registered to your account. You will see your car's name and a photo on the main screen. If you have multiple Teslas, tap the car icon at the top to switch between them. Make sure your car is powered on (not in "sleep" mode) for commands to go through quickly.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: It can take 15 to 30 seconds for commands to reach your car if it is in sleep mode. This is normal — the car has to "wake up" before responding.

Check Your Charge Level and Start Charging

~23s

The main screen of the app shows your battery percentage and estimated miles of range. Tap the lightning bolt icon or the "Charging" section to see detailed charging information — including how many miles are added per hour at your current charging speed. If your car is plugged in at home and not actively charging, you can tap "Start charging" to begin a session right away.

Pre-Condition the Cabin Temperature

~21s

Tap "Climate" on the main app screen to see your current cabin temperature and settings. To warm or cool the car before you get in, tap "Turn on" to start the climate system remotely. Set your desired temperature using the plus and minus buttons. The car will use battery power to reach that temperature while still plugged in, which saves range for your drive.

Lock, Unlock, and Locate Your Car

~26s

Tap the lock icon on the main screen to lock or unlock your car remotely. This is useful if you are not sure whether you locked it, or if you need someone else to get into the car without a key. To find your car in a parking lot, tap "Find my car" — the app will show you its location on a map and you can honk the horn or flash the lights to spot it quickly.

Schedule or Install a Software Update

~24s

When a software update is available, you will see a notification in the app or a banner on the main vehicle screen. Tap the notification to read the update notes, which describe what is new or improved. You can schedule the update to install at a specific time — such as 2 AM when you are asleep — by selecting "Schedule update." The car needs to be plugged in to install updates.

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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 often 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.

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