7 Reasons Why Tesla App Not Updating? (Quick Solution)

If you have ever experienced the frustrating issue of your Tesla app not working and updating your car’s status, location, or charge level, you are not alone.

In this article, we will explore the possible causes of why the Tesla app not updating and provide solutions to address them effectively.

If the Tesla app is not updating, try clearing the app cache and data as a potential solution. Go to your phone’s settings, find the Tesla app, and select “Clear Cache.”

Why Tesla App Not Updating & How to Fix It RIGHT NOW?

There are some simple steps you can take to fix the problem and get back to enjoying your Tesla products. Here are some of the most common solutions for the Tesla app not updating issue:

1. Uninstall and reinstall the app

This will delete any corrupted or outdated files that may cause problems with the app’s functionality.

To uninstall the app on iOS devices, tap and hold on to the Tesla app icon until it starts to wiggle. Then, tap on the X icon at the top left corner of the icon and confirm by tapping on Delete.

To uninstall the app on Android devices, tap and hold on to the Tesla app icon until a menu appears on the screen. Then, tap on Uninstall and confirm by tapping on OK.

After uninstalling the app, go to the App Store or Google Play Store on your phone and search for the Tesla app.

Then, tap on Install and wait for it to download. Then, open the app again and sign in with your Tesla account email address and password.

2. Clear App cache and data

Sometimes clearing the cache and data of the app can help with performance issues. 

To do this, go to your device’s settings menu, find the Tesla app, tap Storage, and then tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.

3. Check your internet connection

The first thing you should do is make sure that your phone has a stable and reliable internet connection. You can try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or use another device to test the connection.

If the internet is slow or unstable, the app may not load or function properly.

4. Restart your phone

Another simple but effective solution for the Tesla app not working is to restart your phone.

This will reboot your phone’s system and clear any temporary issues that may affect the app’s performance.

To restart your phone on iOS devices, press and hold the Power button (usually on the right side of the phone) until you see a slider appear on the screen. Then, drag the slider to turn off your phone.

Wait for a few seconds and then press and hold the Power button again until you see the logo appear on the screen.

To restart your phone on Android devices, press and hold the Power button (usually on the right side of the phone) until you see a menu appear on the screen.

Then, tap on Restart or Power off and restart. Wait for a few seconds and then press and hold the Power button again until you see the Android logo appear on the screen.

5. Sign in and out of the app

Another possible solution for the Tesla app not working is to sign out of your Tesla account from the app and sign in again. This will refresh your account data and sync it with your device.

To sign out of your Tesla account from the app, tap on Settings (the gear icon) at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, tap on Sign Out and confirm by tapping on Yes.

To sign in again, open the app and enter your Tesla account email address and password. Then, tap on Sign In and wait for the app to load.

6. Change the password for your Tesla account

Sometimes, the problem may be related to your Tesla account password. If you have forgotten your password or it has been compromised, you may not be able to access the app or your products.

To change the password for your Tesla account, go to the Tesla website and click on Sign In at the top right corner of the page. Then, click on Forgot Password and enter your Tesla account email address.

Then, click on Send Reset Link and check your email for a link to reset your password. Follow the instructions in the email to create a new password.

Then, sign in to the app with your new password and see if it works.

7. Reload the app

Another simple trick to fix the Tesla app not working is to reload the app. This will refresh the app’s data and connection with your products.

To reload the app, tap on Settings (the gear icon) at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, tap on Reload and wait for the app to load again.

8. Force close the app

Sometimes, the app may get stuck or freeze due to some temporary glitches or errors.

In this case, you can try force-closing the app and reopening it. This will clear the app’s cache and memory and refresh its data.

To force close the app on iOS devices, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.

Then, swipe left or right to find the Tesla app and swipe up on it to close it.

To force close the app on Android devices, tap on the Recent Apps button (usually a square icon) at the bottom of the screen.

Then, swipe left or right to find the Tesla app and swipe up on it to close it.

9. Contact Tesla support

If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact Tesla support for further assistance. You can call, email, or chat with Tesla support agents from the app or the website and explain your problem.

To contact Tesla support from the app, tap on Settings (the gear icon) at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, tap on Support and choose your preferred method of contact.

To contact Tesla support from the website, go to https://www.tesla.com/support and choose your product category. Then, scroll down and click on Contact Us, and choose your preferred method of contact.

Tesla App Not Updating Issue: Something More to TRY!!

If you are experiencing difficulties with the Tesla app not updating, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Activate Location Services

Enable location services on your phone and launch the Tesla app. Adjust your location settings by accessing your device’s settings menu and locating the location or privacy option.

Ensure that the Tesla app has the necessary permissions to access your location and that the location mode is set to high accuracy.

2. Update Tesla Software

Check for any available software updates for your Tesla vehicle.

To check for vehicle updates, access the ‘Software’ tab either on your vehicle’s touchscreen or through the Tesla app. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Connecting your vehicle to Wi-Fi might be necessary to receive the latest software updates.

How to use a phone as a key for a Tesla vehicle if the app is not working? 

If you are unable to use your phone as a key for your Tesla vehicle because the app not working, you can try the following alternatives:

1 Use a physical key card or fob that came with your vehicle.

2. Use Google Home Assistant to control your vehicle if you have connected it to your Tesla account.

3. Remove the app, restart your phone, reinstall the app, and re-authorize your phone key.

4. Uninstall the app and manually install a previous stable APK version on your Android phone

What Happens If You Miss an Update?

This situation can arise because Tesla gradually rolls out updates to different regions and models, meaning it may take weeks or even months for an update to reach all users.

To determine whether there is a new update for your Tesla vehicle or device, you can navigate to the Software section and select “Check for Updates” in the Tesla app.

Alternatively, you can visit teslascope.com/updates or teslafi.com/firmware.php to stay informed about the latest updates and their release dates.

If a new update exists but you haven’t received it yet, you can attempt a few troubleshooting steps.

Firstly, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or relocating your vehicle to an alternative location. This may prompt the update to download more swiftly.

Understanding Different Types of Tesla Updates

Tesla updates can be categorized into two main types: over-the-air updates and SOTA/FOTA updates.

Over-the-Air Updates

Over-the-air updates refer to software updates that are wirelessly delivered to your Tesla vehicle or device via Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity.

These updates encompass a range of improvements, including new features, bug fixes, performance enhancements, security updates, and more.

Typically, over-the-air updates are optional and require your consent before installation.

The Tesla app will send you a notification when an update becomes available, allowing you to schedule the installation for a convenient time.

SOTA/FOTA Updates

SOTA/FOTA updates, on the other hand, pertain to software updates that are wirelessly delivered to specific components of your Tesla vehicle using Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity.

These components may include the battery management system (BMS), powertrain control module (PCM), thermal management system (TMS), infotainment system (MCU), autopilot system (AP), full self-driving computer (FSD), and more.

Unlike over-the-air updates, SOTA/FOTA updates are usually mandatory and do not necessitate your consent prior to installation.

They are designed to enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of your vehicle. When a SOTA/FOTA update is in progress, you will receive a notification from the Tesla app.

You can continue driving your vehicle as usual during the update unless otherwise instructed.

Updating Your Tesla: Step-by-Step Guide

To update your Tesla vehicle or device, follow these steps:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network or use your mobile phone as a hotspot.
2. In the Tesla app, navigate to the Software section and select “Check for Updates.”
3. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install.”
4. Wait for the update to download and install, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the update’s size and type.
5. Once the update is complete, you will receive a notification from the Tesla app. Additionally, you can check the software version in the Software > Software Version section of the Tesla app.

Standard vs. Advanced Update Preferences

Tesla offers two update preferences for users to choose from: standard and advanced. You can modify your preference by accessing Controls > Software > Software Update Preference in your vehicle.

Standard Preference: This option exclusively downloads and installs updates that have undergone extensive testing and have been widely released. Updates will be less frequent but provide greater stability and reliability.

Advanced Preference: By selecting this preference, updates will be downloaded and installed as soon as they become available, even if they haven’t undergone widespread release or extensive testing.

This results in more frequent updates but may carry a higher risk of encountering bugs or issues.

You can switch between the preferences at any time; however, it will not impact the current update you have received or are awaiting.

 

Final Thoughts

While it can be frustrating when the Tesla app fails to update, resolving the issue is often a matter of undertaking some straightforward troubleshooting steps.

Ensure that you have a stable and fast internet connection, restart your device, reboot the screen, or reach out to Tesla support if necessary.

Tesla updates are designed to enrich your experience and enjoyment of your Tesla vehicle and energy products. By keeping your app up to date, you gain access to the latest features and enhancements Tesla has to offer.