Ah, the allure of a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (FSD)! It's a common question, and thankfully, there are clear ways to determine if your Tesla, or one you're considering, possesses this advanced capability. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Touchscreen
The easiest and most direct way to check for FSD is right within the car itself. Are you ready to explore your Tesla's brain?
Sub-step 1.1: Navigating to the Software Menu
Tap the "Car" icon: On your Tesla's large central touchscreen, you'll see a car icon, usually in the bottom left corner. Tap on this to open the main settings and control panel.
Locate "Software": On the left-hand side of the screen, you'll find a list of options. Look for the "Software" section. It might be near the bottom. Tap it.
Sub-step 1.2: Identifying FSD on the Software Screen
Once you're on the "Software" screen, this is where the magic happens. Look for specific wording:
If your Tesla has FSD, you should see "Full Self-Driving Capability."
If it's a lifetime purchase, it will typically say "Included Package."
If it's a monthly subscription, it will indicate "Included Package" and show when it auto-renews (e.g., "auto renews June 5th 2025").
Important Note: Don't get confused by text that says "Autopilot Computer: Full Self-Driving Computer." This only means your car has the necessary hardware to support FSD, not that the software package is activated or purchased.
Step 2: Utilizing the Tesla Mobile App
Your Tesla mobile app is another convenient way to verify FSD status, especially if you're not currently in the vehicle.
Sub-step 2.1: Accessing Vehicle Information
Open the Tesla app: Log in with your Tesla account credentials.
Select your vehicle: If you have multiple Teslas, ensure you've selected the correct one.
Navigate to "Specs & Warranty": Scroll down to the bottom of the main vehicle screen in the app. You should see a button or section labeled "Specs & Warranty." Tap on it.
Sub-step 2.2: Confirming FSD in the App
Within the "Specs" section, similar to the in-car display, you'll see a list of features.
Look for "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" or "Full Self-Driving Capability."
If it's listed here as an included feature and not a subscription, it's likely a lifetime purchase.
Step 3: Understanding FSD Features and Hardware
Knowing what FSD includes can also help you recognize its presence through the vehicle's behavior and available settings.
Sub-step 3.1: Key FSD (Supervised) Features
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) goes beyond basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. Key features include:
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Your Tesla will identify and respond to traffic lights and stop signs, bringing the vehicle to a stop if necessary.
Autosteer on City Streets: This allows your car to navigate within cities, making turns and handling intersections (with supervision).
Navigate on Autopilot: Enables the car to maneuver on the highway from on-ramp to off-ramp, including lane changes and interchange navigation. (Also available with Enhanced Autopilot).
Auto Lane Change: Automatically changes lanes when the turn signal is engaged. (Also available with Enhanced Autopilot).
Autopark: Parks your vehicle for you in parallel or perpendicular spaces. (Also available with Enhanced Autopilot).
Summon & Smart Summon: Moves your Tesla into and out of tight spaces, or can drive it to you from a parking spot. (Also available with Enhanced Autopilot).
Sub-step 3.2: FSD Hardware (HW) Versions
For FSD to function, your Tesla needs the appropriate hardware. Tesla has evolved its Autopilot hardware over the years:
Hardware 1 (HW1): Older vehicles, not compatible with full FSD.
Hardware 2/2.5 (HW2/2.5): Some initial FSD capabilities, but often requires an upgrade to HW3 for full functionality.
Hardware 3 (HW3): Introduced in April 2019, this is Tesla's custom "FSD Chip" and is capable of running FSD (Supervised).
Hardware 4 (HW4): Began shipping in January 2023, featuring higher resolution cameras and improved processing power. Vehicles with HW4 are considered more future-proof for advanced FSD capabilities.
You can check your hardware version in your car by going to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Look for "Autopilot Computer" to see the HW version.
Step 4: The Subscription Model and Eligibility
If a Tesla doesn't have FSD as a lifetime purchase, it might be eligible for a monthly subscription.
Sub-step 4.1: Checking Subscription Eligibility
Via the Tesla app: Go to "Upgrades" > "Software Upgrades." If your vehicle is eligible, you'll see an option to subscribe to FSD (Supervised).
Via the touchscreen: Go to "Controls" > "Upgrades."
Keep in mind that to subscribe to FSD (Supervised), your vehicle generally needs to have FSD computer 3.0 or above (HW3 or higher). Hardware upgrades are typically not included with a subscription and may need to be scheduled separately if your vehicle has older hardware.
Step 5: Experiencing FSD in Action (If Available)
The ultimate test, of course, is to experience it. If FSD is present and activated, you'll notice significant differences in driving.
Sub-step 5.1: Engaging FSD
For vehicles with a stalk (older models), pull the drive stalk down once.
For stockless vehicles (newer models), press the right scroll wheel once or tap the "Start FSD" button on the touchscreen.
When FSD is engaged, the steering wheel icon on your screen will turn blue, and a blue line representing your driving path will appear. You'll also see a richer visualization of the road, traffic lights, stop signs, and other vehicles.
Remember: Even with FSD, driver supervision is always required. You must remain attentive and be ready to take over at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla FSD
How to Check My Tesla's Hardware Version?
You can check your Tesla's hardware version by tapping the "Car" icon on your touchscreen, then navigating to "Software" and then "Additional Vehicle Information." Look for "Autopilot Computer."
How to Activate Full Self-Driving in My Tesla?
To activate FSD, pull the drive stalk down once (for stalked models) or press the right scroll wheel once/tap "Start FSD" on the touchscreen (for stockless models), assuming the feature is enabled in your vehicle's software settings.
How to Differentiate Between Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and FSD?
Autopilot: Standard, includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP): Includes Autopilot features plus Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD): Includes all EAP features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control and Autosteer on City Streets.
How to Subscribe to Tesla FSD?
If your vehicle is eligible (has HW3+), you can subscribe to FSD (Supervised) through the Tesla app by going to "Upgrades" > "Software Upgrades," or directly from your vehicle's touchscreen via "Controls" > "Upgrades."
How to Cancel a Tesla FSD Subscription?
You can cancel your FSD subscription via the Tesla app by going to "Upgrades" > "Manage Upgrades," finding "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," and tapping "Cancel."
How to Upgrade My Tesla's FSD Hardware?
Hardware upgrades to the FSD computer (e.g., from HW2.5 to HW3) may be offered by Tesla, sometimes for a fee. You can inquire about scheduling an installation appointment through the Tesla app under "Schedule Service."
How to Tell if a Used Tesla Has FSD Permanently?
Check the "Software" screen in the car or the "Specs & Warranty" section in the Tesla app. If it says "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included Package," it's likely a permanent purchase. If it lists an auto-renewal date, it's a subscription.
How to Use Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control?
This feature is part of FSD (Supervised). Once FSD is engaged, your Tesla will recognize traffic lights and stop signs and will slow down or stop accordingly, requiring your confirmation to proceed.
How to Use Autosteer on City Streets?
This advanced FSD (Supervised) feature allows your Tesla to navigate city roads, make turns, and handle intersections. It requires active driver supervision and a blue steering wheel icon will appear when active.
How to Troubleshoot FSD Issues?
If you encounter issues with FSD, ensure your cameras are clean and calibrated, your maps are updated, and your vehicle has the latest software. If problems persist, contacting Tesla service is recommended.
For a visual guide on checking if your Tesla has FSD, you might find this video helpful:
