You're ready to unlock the full potential of your Tesla's magnificent display! While Tesla vehicles don't natively support Apple AirPlay in the traditional sense for general screen mirroring, there are clever workarounds using third-party apps that allow you to cast your iPhone's screen to your Tesla's browser. This opens up a world of possibilities, from watching videos to using navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps on the large screen.
Let's dive in and get you set up!
Step 1: Prepare Your Tesla and iPhone
The journey to screen mirroring begins with ensuring both your Tesla and iPhone are ready for the connection. This is crucial for a smooth experience.
1.1 Check Your Tesla's Hardware and Software
MCU2/3 Hardware Required: Most screen mirroring apps require your Tesla to have MCU2 or MCU3 hardware. This generally includes:
Model 3 and Model Y (all years)
Model S and Model X (March 2018 or later) If you have an older Tesla with MCU1, some apps might work with limitations, but it's less guaranteed.
Latest Software Updates: Always ensure your Tesla's infotainment system is running the latest software version. Tesla regularly pushes over-the-air (OTA) updates that can improve browser performance and compatibility.
To check for updates: Navigate to
Controls>Softwareon your Tesla's touchscreen.It's recommended to set your software update preference to "ADVANCED" to receive updates as soon as they become available.
Parking Safety First! For most screen mirroring solutions, your Tesla must be in Park (0 mph/0 kph). This is a safety measure implemented by Tesla to prevent driver distraction.
1.2 Prepare Your iPhone
iOS Version: Ensure your iPhone is running a recent iOS version (e.g., iOS 14.1 or later for some apps). Keep your device updated for optimal performance and compatibility.
Personal Hotspot: This is the key ingredient for most screen mirroring apps. You'll be connecting your Tesla to your iPhone's Personal Hotspot.
Go to
Settings>Personal Hotspoton your iPhone and turn it on.Note down your Wi-Fi password.
For better performance, especially with video, enable the 5GHz Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot on newer iPhones (iPhone 12 series and above). Make sure "Maximize Compatibility" is off as it reverts to 2.4GHz.
Low Power Mode Off: Ensure your iPhone is not in Low Power Mode, as this can restrict background processes and Wi-Fi performance, potentially affecting the mirroring.
Screen Unlocked: Due to iOS Screen Broadcast API limitations, you'll generally need to keep your iPhone's screen unlocked and the mirroring app active for the casting to continue. If your phone locks, you might need to restart the broadcast.
Step 2: Choosing and Installing a Third-Party Screen Mirroring App
Since native AirPlay isn't a feature, you'll need to rely on a third-party application. There are several options available on the App Store that are designed specifically for mirroring to Tesla's browser.
2.1 Popular Screen Mirroring Apps for Tesla
Some widely used apps include:
AirTesla: Allows screen mirroring and data transmission over a local network, meaning no cellular data is used for the mirror itself. It connects via Personal Hotspot.
TesDisplay: Designed to cast videos or mirror your phone screen to your Tesla. It supports various video apps and even navigation apps like Waze. It also uses your personal hotspot.
TslaMirror: Offers both H.264 (video with audio) and MJPEG (screen only) mirroring modes. It's recommended to use 5GHz Personal Hotspot for optimal performance.
Car Cast: Advertises easy, one-time setup, no technical jargon, and can use Tesla Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi (along with phone data) for faster repeat usage. It offers a free plan with limited streaming time.
2.2 Installation and Initial Setup
Download the App: Head to the Apple App Store on your iPhone and search for one of the aforementioned apps (e.g., "AirTesla," "TesDisplay," "TslaMirror," or "Car Cast"). Download and install your chosen application.
App Permissions: When you first open the app, it will likely request permissions for screen recording and access to your local network. Grant these permissions for the app to function correctly. Some apps might also require VPN Service permission to bypass Tesla's network limitations; ensure you understand and are comfortable with this.
Step 3: Connecting Tesla to Your iPhone's Hotspot
This is the bridge that allows your iPhone to communicate with your Tesla's browser.
Enable Personal Hotspot on iPhone: If you haven't already, go to
Settings>Personal Hotspoton your iPhone and toggle it on.Connect Tesla to iPhone's Hotspot:
In your Tesla, go to
Controls>Wi-Fi.Find your iPhone's Personal Hotspot network in the list of available networks and select it.
Enter the password for your Personal Hotspot when prompted.
Once connected, ensure that the option
Remain connected in Driveis checked in your Tesla's Wi-Fi settings (if available and you intend to use it while parked but potentially starting to drive later, though screen mirroring typically stops while driving for safety).
Step 4: Initiating the Screen Mirroring
With your iPhone's hotspot active and your Tesla connected to it, you're ready to start mirroring.
Launch the Mirroring App on iPhone: Open the screen mirroring app you downloaded.
Start Screen Broadcasting: Look for a "Start," "Start Broadcast," or similar button within the app. Tap it.
You might see a system prompt asking you to confirm screen broadcasting. Select your chosen mirroring app (e.g., "AirTesla," "TesDisplay") and tap "Start Broadcast."
A red bar or dot at the top of your iPhone screen will indicate that screen broadcasting is active.
Open Tesla's Built-in Browser:
On your Tesla's large screen, tap the browser icon (often a globe or a web browser symbol).
Now, you'll need to navigate to a specific URL provided by the mirroring app. This URL is usually an IP address (e.g.,
http://6.6.6.6for AirTesla,http://td7.ccorhttp://7.7.7.7:7777for TesDisplay, orhttps://TslaMirror.comfor TslaMirror). Enter this exact URL into the Tesla browser's address bar and press Enter.
4.1 Optimize Your Viewing Experience
Orientation: For a full-screen view on your Tesla, turn your iPhone horizontally (landscape mode). The mirroring app should adjust the display on your Tesla screen.
Zoom/Adjust: Some apps and the Tesla browser itself allow for pinch-to-zoom on the Tesla screen to adjust the mirrored content size.
Resolution and Frame Rate (App Settings): If you experience lag or low quality, check the settings within the mirroring app on your iPhone. Many apps allow you to adjust the resolution and frames per second (FPS). Lowering these settings (e.g., 540p@15fps for MCU2, 720p@30fps for MCU3) can improve performance, especially on older Teslas.
Clear Browser Data: If you encounter issues, try clearing your Tesla's browser data by going to
Controls>Service>Clear Browser Data. This can refresh the browser's cache.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Mirrored Content
Once connected, your iPhone's screen should now be visible on your Tesla's display!
5.1 What You Can Do
Watch Videos: Stream content from apps not natively supported by Tesla Theater (e.g., specific sports apps, local video files). Be aware that some streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video might block screen mirroring due to copyright protection, resulting in a black screen.
Use Alternative Navigation: Display Waze or Google Maps from your iPhone on the larger Tesla screen.
Browse Websites: Access any website your iPhone can browse, but on a much larger display.
Video Calls: Join video calls on your phone and mirror the screen to your Tesla (while parked, of course!).
5.2 Important Considerations
Lag: There might be a slight delay in video transmission, especially if your Wi-Fi signal isn't strong or your iPhone/Tesla hardware is older.
Audio: For video content, audio typically plays through your Tesla's speakers via the same Personal Hotspot connection or by connecting your iPhone to Tesla via Bluetooth. Some apps offer lossless audio with H.264 mode.
No Driving Use (Generally): For safety reasons, most screen mirroring will only work when your Tesla is in Park. While some apps claim to work in "D-mode" (Drive mode), it's highly advised not to use screen mirroring for video consumption or distracting content while driving.
Privacy: Most reputable apps emphasize that data is transmitted over your local network (Personal Hotspot) and not through external servers, enhancing privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to connect iPhone to Tesla for screen mirroring?
To connect your iPhone, you need to enable Personal Hotspot on your iPhone, connect your Tesla to that hotspot via its Wi-Fi settings, and then open a screen mirroring app on your iPhone and the specified URL in your Tesla's browser.
How to get full screen mirroring on Tesla?
To achieve full screen mirroring, ensure your iPhone is in landscape orientation when you start the broadcast. You might also need to zoom or adjust the view within the Tesla browser or the mirroring app's settings.
How to troubleshoot lag during Tesla screen mirroring?
Reduce the resolution and frames per second (FPS) settings within the screen mirroring app on your iPhone. Also, ensure you are using a 5GHz Personal Hotspot if your iPhone supports it, and clear your Tesla's browser data.
How to watch Netflix/Amazon Prime via AirPlay on Tesla?
Many copyrighted content apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will block screen mirroring due to DRM (Digital Rights Management), resulting in a black screen. These services are typically available through Tesla's built-in Theater app if you have Premium Connectivity.
How to use Waze/Google Maps on Tesla screen with my iPhone?
After setting up screen mirroring with a compatible app, simply open Waze or Google Maps on your iPhone, and its display will be mirrored onto your Tesla's screen.
How to ensure audio plays correctly with screen mirroring?
Audio usually transmits through the same Personal Hotspot connection or by having your iPhone connected to your Tesla via Bluetooth. Some mirroring apps offer specific audio modes (e.g., lossless audio with H.264).
How to improve video quality when screen mirroring to Tesla?
Use a 5GHz Personal Hotspot if available, ensure your iPhone and Tesla have good signal strength, and consider adjusting the resolution settings within the mirroring app to a lower but stable quality if needed.
How to stop screen mirroring to Tesla?
Simply close the screen mirroring app on your iPhone or stop the screen broadcast from your iPhone's Control Center. You can also disconnect your Tesla from your iPhone's Personal Hotspot.
How to know if my Tesla has MCU2/3?
Generally, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles have MCU2/3. For Model S and Model X, vehicles manufactured March 2018 or later usually have MCU2/3. You can sometimes check your vehicle's specifications in the "Software" section of your Tesla's touchscreen or through the service menu.
How to update my Tesla's software for better compatibility?
Connect your Tesla to Wi-Fi, then go to Controls > Software on your touchscreen. If an update is available, you'll be notified. You can also set your "Software Update Preference" to "ADVANCED" to receive updates sooner.
You can learn more about easily adding wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to any Tesla model, and even doing it for free, by watching this video:
