Is your Tesla currently updating and you need to hit the road now? It's a common dilemma for Tesla owners, as these over-the-air updates, while incredibly beneficial for adding new features and improving performance, can sometimes pop up at the most inconvenient times. While Tesla doesn't provide an official "cancel update" button once the installation phase begins, there are several strategies you can employ to get your car moving again or prevent future interruptions.
Understanding Tesla Updates: Download vs. Installation
Before diving into the steps, it's crucial to understand the two main phases of a Tesla software update:
Download Phase: During this phase, the new software files are downloaded to your vehicle. Your car can still be driven during this time, though a weak Wi-Fi connection might interrupt the download. You'll typically see a green (or yellow if not connected to Wi-Fi) download icon on your touchscreen.
Installation Phase: This is the critical phase where the downloaded software is actually installed. During this time, you cannot drive your Tesla. The car will be inoperable until the installation is complete, which can take several hours for larger updates. A clock icon typically appears, indicating the update is ready for installation.
Step 1: Assess the Situation – Is it Downloading or Installing?
The very first thing you need to do is check your Tesla's touchscreen. Is it showing a download icon (green or yellow arrow) or a clock icon? Your ability to drive immediately depends entirely on which phase the update is in.
If you see a download icon: Great news! Your car is still drivable. The download might pause or slow down if you drive out of Wi-Fi range, but it won't prevent you from getting to your destination.
If you see a clock icon (or the screen is completely black, indicating installation): This means the installation has begun or is ready to begin, and your car is currently undrivable. This is where the workaround strategies come into play.
Step 2: Strategies to Stop a Tesla Update (or Drive Anyway)
Sub-heading: Scenario A: Update is Downloading (You can still drive!)
If your Tesla is simply downloading an update, you don't necessarily need to stop it to drive.
Just Drive!
Action: Simply put your Tesla into drive and go.
Outcome: The download may pause or be interrupted if you lose your Wi-Fi connection. It will resume when a strong connection is re-established. This is often the simplest solution if you need to leave immediately.
Disconnect from Wi-Fi
Action: On your Tesla's touchscreen, navigate to
Controls > Wi-Fiand either forget the network or turn Wi-Fi off.Outcome: This will immediately stop the download, as the car needs a stable Wi-Fi connection for the download phase. Remember to reconnect later to complete the update.
Sub-heading: Scenario B: Update is Installing (Your car is immobile!)
This is the tricky part, as there's no "cancel" button. However, some user-reported workarounds may temporarily interrupt a download before the installation fully locks out the car, or you might be able to prevent the installation from starting if it's scheduled.
Initiate Driving (If it's in the very early stage of installation)
Action: As soon as you see the clock icon appear or realize an installation is about to start, try putting the car into drive.
Outcome: Tesla software updates are designed to occur while in park mode. If you initiate driving before the installation fully locks down the system, it may cancel or postpone the installation, allowing you to drive. This is not guaranteed if the installation is already deeply underway.
Perform a Soft Reboot
Action: Hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 10-15 seconds until the touchscreen goes black. Release the wheels when the Tesla logo reappears.
Outcome: This performs a soft reboot of the infotainment system. While it won't cancel an ongoing installation, it can sometimes interrupt a download that's stuck or prevent a scheduled installation from starting if the timing is right.
Reschedule the Update (If it hasn't started installing yet)
Action: If you see the yellow clock icon, tap on it. You should be presented with an option to
Install NoworSet For This Time. ChooseSet For This Timeand select a later time when you know you won't need the car.Outcome: This is the official way to delay an update that's ready for installation but hasn't begun. You cannot reschedule once the installation has started.
Sub-heading: Preventing Future Automatic Updates (Use with Caution!)
While getting your car moving is the immediate goal, you might want to prevent unexpected updates in the future.
Disable Wi-Fi Connectivity
Action: Go to
Controls > Wi-Fiand either forget your home Wi-Fi network or keep Wi-Fi permanently off.Outcome: Your Tesla won't be able to download updates automatically if it doesn't have an internet connection. This will prevent over-the-air updates. However, this also means you won't receive any new features, bug fixes, or critical security updates, which are vital for your car's functionality and safety. Tesla highly advises against this for extended periods.
Adjust Software Update Preference
Action: Navigate to
Controls > Software > Software Update Preference. You can choose betweenADVANCEDorSTANDARD.ADVANCEDgenerally means you'll get updates as soon as they're available for your vehicle configuration and region.STANDARDmight slightly delay updates, potentially allowing for more stable releases or giving you a bit more time to react.
Outcome: This won't stop updates entirely but can influence when you receive them. It's not a direct "off" switch for updates.
Step 3: Patience and Best Practices
Ultimately, the best approach is to manage your updates proactively.
Charge and Connect to Wi-Fi Overnight: Tesla recommends leaving your car plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi whenever possible. This allows updates to download and install during off-peak hours, typically overnight, minimizing disruption.
Check for Notifications: Tesla sends notifications to your car's touchscreen and your mobile app when an update is available or ready to install. Pay attention to these!
Read Release Notes: Before allowing an update, check the release notes to see what new features or changes are included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if my Tesla is downloading or installing an update?
Check your Tesla's touchscreen. A green or yellow arrow indicates downloading (drivable), while a clock icon or a blank screen typically means installation (not drivable).
How to stop a Tesla update that is downloading?
You can simply start driving your car, and the download will pause. Alternatively, you can disconnect your car from Wi-Fi via Controls > Wi-Fi.
How to cancel a Tesla update that has already started installing?
There is no official "cancel" button once the installation phase begins. The car will be undrivable until the update completes. Some users report that immediately putting the car in drive before it fully locks down can sometimes cancel it.
How to prevent future Tesla software updates?
The most effective way is to keep your Tesla disconnected from Wi-Fi. However, this is not recommended as it prevents crucial bug fixes and new features. You can also adjust your update preference to "Standard" to potentially delay updates.
How to reschedule a Tesla update?
If the update is downloaded and ready to install (showing the clock icon), tap on the clock icon and choose "Set For This Time" to select a more convenient installation time.
How to force a Tesla update?
You cannot directly force a Tesla update. Updates are rolled out by Tesla. However, ensuring your car is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal and parked can help it receive updates quicker once they are pushed to your vehicle. You can also try a soft reboot to prompt a check for updates.
How to check for available Tesla updates?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Software. Your car will check for updates and display "Update available" if one is ready.
How to know if a Tesla update is stuck?
If your update seems to be taking an unusually long time, or the progress bar hasn't moved for hours, it might be stuck. Try performing a soft reboot (holding both scroll wheels) or contacting Tesla Service.
How to get mandatory Tesla updates?
Mandatory updates, especially security-related ones, will generally push through regardless of your Wi-Fi settings eventually. It's always best to allow these to complete for your safety and the car's integrity.
How to update my Tesla via mobile hotspot?
You can connect your Tesla to your phone's mobile hotspot via Wi-Fi settings (Controls > Wi-Fi). Ensure you have a strong cellular signal for a reliable download.
This video provides a helpful guide on how to handle Tesla software updates, including pausing or stopping them if needed:
