Electric cars substitute batteries for gas-powered engines and mechanics for distant software engineers who add features and correct bugs through over-the-air upgrades. There are various ways to make sure your EV has the most recent software, however, if it's a Tesla there are risks to your warranty and safety if the software isn't updated.
Although the majority of the Tesla fleet has very consistent software, there are variations in models and configurations, as well as in processing power between older and newer vehicles. To allow new functionality, new hardware may occasionally be introduced along the route. Think 2019 removed its external boombox speaker (Opens in a new window) 2019. (Opens in a new window) Concerned that it could divert attention from the pedestrians it is intended to guard?
More recently, Tesla's infotainment system gained Steam games as part of the 2022 Christmas update. How do you know whether your electric car is prepared to run Cyberpunk 2077, though? How to determine the software version that your Model 3, Model Y, Model S, or Model X is using and how to alter how software updates are sent to your Tesla.
How to determine your Tesla's software version?
Open the Tesla app's main screen, which will show a picture of the car, to see what software version your Tesla is running. To locate the model’s name, scroll down. In small letters, the total mileage, the chassis number, and the software version are shown below this.
Not a Tesla App (Opens in a new window) does a fantastic job of keeping track of this information if you're interested in understanding the series of numbers in the software version. It should be noted that not all automobiles will receive the most recent software at once; a comprehensive rollout will take some time.
The Tesla software version in your car may also be checked. Start by selecting the software Tab after selecting the controls icon in the lower-left corner of the screen. The most recent version of your car's software may be found here. Whether your car requires an upgrade or is running the most recent software version will also be made clear to you.
How to update your Tesla's software?
The Tesla app and the vehicle itself will both display any new software updates that have been made. It is essential to connect your car to Wi-Fi (it Opens in a new window) to guarantee that updates download as rapidly as possible. You will be requested to install the software when the car has downloaded it.
When new software upgrades are available, a message will show up beneath the image of your car in the Tesla app. To begin the updating process, tap on it. Software upgrades typically take 25 minutes. When updates are deployed, you shouldn't operate your vehicle since various functionality, including some security systems, may be restricted or disabled, according to Tesla.
You can plan an update for a specified time if you don't have time to do it throughout the day. Select Set for this time by tapping the yellow clock symbol, then decide when to apply the update.
Software update warnings may be disregarded, but they'll keep popping up until the update is applied or scheduled. Any damage that results from failing to apply a software update will not be covered by the car warranty, as Tesla states on its website (Opens in a new window).
How to locate the release notes for the Tesla software?
Are you curious about the features and bug fixes that a software update contains? Information on what has been added will show up on-screen if you are upgrading, but you may return to the release notes later if you need to view it again. Tap on the blue lettering that says Release Notes while Control > Software is open. This will provide all the details on both prior and current changes to the automobile.
Earlier software upgrades are possible?
Every four weeks, Tesla regularly releases new software. Go to Control > Software > Software Update Settings to speed up software updates. Your car is set to Standard by default, but if you want to get updates faster, select Progressive Option to get them as soon as they are prepared for your model's setup through over-the-air updates. They arrive, in my experience, around two weeks before the regular deployment schedule.