In today’s fast-paced world, having control over your vehicle at your fingertips can make all the difference. The Tesla App is designed to give you just that—convenient access to your Tesla’s features, right from your smartphone. Whether you’re looking to start your car remotely, check the battery level, or even open the sunroof, the Tesla App has you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up the Tesla App and unlock its full potential.
How to Set up The Tesla APP
System Requirements and Compatibility for Tesla APP
OS Support:
Android: the Tesla App supports Android 5.0 and above, some older devices may require 32-bit installation files.
iOS: Tesla App supports iOS, but the specific version requirement is not explicitly mentioned.
Function support:
Remote control: including locking/unlocking the vehicle, preheating/pre-cooling the vehicle, starting/stopping the vehicle, locating the vehicle and so on.
Navigation and Route Planning: Provides intelligent navigation function, planning the best route for users based on real-time traffic conditions.
Charging Management: Display charging progress, find charging station, monitor charging status.
Media Control: Support playing music, adjusting volume, etc.
Vehicle status monitoring: real-time view of vehicle status, mileage monitoring, booking service, etc.
Software update: Push the latest features and security patches through the App.
Compatibility issues:
Device compatibility: the Tesla car system is based on the self-developed Linux system, although it supports some third-party apps, the overall ecosystem is not as rich as Android.
Network Requirements: Make sure your phone and vehicle are connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network when using the app.
Hardware limitations: Certain features (e.g., live video streaming in Sentry mode) may be limited by hardware version.
Installation and Updates:
Installation: users can install via the Google Play Store or by directly downloading the installation file.
Update frequency: Tesla regularly updates the App via OTA (Over-the-Air) to enhance functionality and security.
Other notes:
Account binding: you need to sign in to your Tesla account before using the app and make sure the vehicle has been delivered and mobile access is enabled.
Cache clearing: If you encounter problems, try clearing the App cache or reinstalling it.
Official download channels for Tesla APP
- Tesla official website: Users can create an account and download Tesla APP by visiting Tesla's official website (https://www.tesla.cn/register).
- App Store: Search for “Tesla” in the app store of your cell phone (e.g. Apple App Store or Google Play) to find and download the official Tesla APP.
- Tesla on-board system: Download the Tesla APP through the app store (e.g. App Store) on the center screen of your car.
Tesla APP Account Registration/Login Process
Register for an account:
- Register through the official website: Visit the Tesla website (https://auth.tesla.cn/register) and click on “Create an Account”.
- Enter your name, e-mail address and password, and click “Create Account” to complete the registration.
- After successful registration, you can use your cell phone number to log in.
Log in to your account:
- Open the Tesla App and click the Login button.
Enter the e-mail address and password you used during registration. - If you forget your password, you can reset it by clicking “Forgot Password” and following the instructions.
Bind multiple cell phone numbers:
- Registered users can add more than one cell phone number for login.
- After logging in, click your avatar in the upper right corner, select “Account”, then click “Add a cell phone number for login”, enter your account password and add the cell phone number you need to bind.
Notes:
- New users can use their cell phone number instead of email address when registering.
- Ensure that the Bluetooth on your cell phone is turned on and connected to your Tesla vehicle in order to use the cell phone key function.
How to Tie a Tesla Vehicle to an App
- Download and install the Tesla app: Download and install the Tesla app on your phone. iOS users can download it from the App Store, Android users can download it from Google Play or the official Tesla website.
- Register or sign in to your Tesla account: For first time use, you will need to register a new account or sign in to an existing Tesla account.
- Ensure your vehicle is connected to the internet and power: Make sure your Tesla car is connected to the internet and powered on before binding it to your vehicle.
- Add a vehicle:
- Open the Tesla app, click on the avatar icon in the upper left corner and select “Devices”.
- Click on “Add New Vehicle” and enter the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or other necessary information.
- If this is your first time using the app, you may need to scan the vehicle's GPS code or enter the information manually.
5. Pairing Process:
- Ensure that your phone's Bluetooth feature is turned on and in a discoverable state.
- The Tesla app will prompt you for the pairing operation, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing.
6. Complete Binding: After successful pairing, the Tesla app displays vehicle status information, such as battery level, charging status, etc. It also allows you to remotely control the vehicle's functions such as locking/unlocking doors and starting/stopping the engine.
Caution:
- There may be slight variations between models and versions, check the app or manual for help if you encounter problems.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and has a Bluetooth connection.
- If using the cell phone key function, make sure that the cell phone is at a distance from the vehicle so that the vehicle can detect the cell phone signal.
Tesla APP first time use configuration steps
Download and Install:
- On your iOS or Android device, go to the App Store or Google Play Store, search for and download the “Tesla” app.
- Alternatively, scan the QR code and download it directly.
Register and login:
- Open the Tesla APP, click the “Register” button, read and agree to the Privacy Policy.
- Enter a valid phone number or email address and click “Next”.
- Enter the verification code and set the login password to complete the registration.
Vehicle Binding:
- After logging in, click the “Vehicle” button and select “Add New Vehicle”.
- Enter the basic information of the vehicle such as license plate number, VIN code and car model, and click “Continue” after confirming that there is no error.
- Enter the Login Confirmation Code on the screen of the vehicle and confirm to complete the binding of the vehicle with the APP.
Network Connection Settings:
- Ensure that your phone and vehicle are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Set the router parameters, including SSID and password.
Function Setting:
- Enter the “Security & Sensors” or “Smart Camera” setting page, and configure relevant functions as needed.
- You can scan the QR code to add and configure the device.
Other settings:
- Set driver information, adjust vehicle orientation parameters, etc. as needed.
- Make sure the Bluetooth and GPS functions are turned on.
Tesla APP Common Setup Problems and Solutions
Login Problems:
- Unable to log in: Make sure the vehicle has been delivered, the cell phone and vehicle network is smooth, enter the correct account and password. If the account password is wrong, check whether the mailbox suffix and password characters are correct. If you can't log in, click “Forgot Password” to reset.
- Home page displays “Disabled cell phone access”: Enable cell phone access in the cell phone touch screen control.
App malfunction:
- App crashes or fails to open: log out and log back in, turn off the phone completely and turn it back on, delete and reinstall the app.
- App continually fails to connect: check if the device network connection is stable, try switching to a different network, restart the router or device.
Server maintenance or upgrade: Wait for the maintenance to finish. - Software failure: Make sure the app is the latest version, clear the app cache and data, if the problem persists, submit a bug report in the APP.
Charging-related features:
- Find a charging station: filter and find a Supercharger, Destination Charging Station or other charging station through the Tesla App's Places feature.
Unlock Ground Lock: Unlock ground locks via the Tesla App. - Timed charging and on-time departures: set departure times, turn on temperature presets, and charge during off-peak hours.
Bluetooth Key Issues:
- Bluetooth key malfunction: make sure your phone's Bluetooth is turned on, Tesla App permissions are turned on, and your phone is communicating properly with the vehicle.
- Re-pairing Bluetooth key: delete and re-pair the cell phone key.
App name change:
- Change App name: Click on the Tesla logo on the center screen to enter the vehicle interface to set up, the change will be synchronized to the mobile app.
Quick Command problem:
- Tesla App not found in Quick Commands: Add an action via the iPhone “Quick Commands” app and select Tesla App.
System server failure:
- App can not control the vehicle: may be caused by system server failure, contact Tesla official customer service or wait for official fix.
Other common problems:
- App spinning: Try to long press the wheel buttons on both sides of the steering wheel and wait for the car to finish restarting, or manually turn off the power and lock the car by clicking “Safety & Security” on the center control screen, and then get into the car to turn on the power again.
- Failed to refresh data in App: check the network connection, make sure the device is connected to data or WiFi.
View Video
Call to Action
Setting up the Tesla App is a straightforward process that opens up a world of convenience and control. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect your smartphone to your Tesla and start using its many features. Whether you’re on the go or simply want to keep an eye on your vehicle, the Tesla App ensures you’re always connected. Download the app today and experience the future of automotive technology at your fingertips.