Are you ready to unlock a secret feature in your Tesla app and gain an extra quick control icon? While the Tesla app typically displays four quick action icons on its main screen, there's a slightly hidden trick to reveal a fifth one, giving you even more immediate access to your most used functions. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Prepare for the Customization Journey!
First things first, let's get ready. Ensure your Tesla app is up to date to the latest version. While this trick has been around for a while, newer app versions can sometimes refine the interaction.
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
Locate Your Quick Controls: On the main screen of the app, you'll see your car's image and just below it, the familiar row of four quick control icons (e.g., Lock, Frunk, Trunk, Climate). Take a moment to identify these.
Step 2: Initiating the Customization Mode ✨
This is where the magic begins. You need to enter the customization mode for these quick controls.
Long-Press an Icon: Tap and hold any one of the four existing quick control icons. Don't lift your finger immediately!
Observe the Change: After a moment, the icons should slightly change, and a menu or selection of other available controls will pop up, allowing you to reorder or replace the existing four. This confirms you're in the right mode.
Step 3: The "Fiddly" Fifth Icon Addition
This is the tricky part where precision is key. The method for adding the fifth icon is less about a clear "add" button and more about a specific drag-and-drop maneuver. It might take a few tries, so be patient!
Sub-Step 3.1: Dragging to the Right Edge (The Most Common Method)
Many users find success by carefully dragging a new icon to the right-hand edge of the existing four.
Select a New Icon: From the pop-up menu of available controls, tap and hold the icon you wish to add as your fifth quick control (e.g., Sentry Mode, Defrost Car, etc.).
Drag It Carefully: Now, slowly drag this selected icon upwards and to the right. The goal is to position it just beyond the fourth icon, near the right edge of the current quick control row.
Look for the "Ghost" Spot: As you drag, you might notice a subtle gray highlight or a slight shift indicating a fifth "ghost" spot appearing. This is your cue!
Release: Once you see this indication, or if you feel you've dragged it far enough to the right, release your finger. If successful, the other four icons will shift slightly to accommodate the new fifth icon.
Sub-Step 3.2: The "Hover and Nudge" Technique (Alternate Method)
Some users have reported success with a slightly different approach, which involves hovering and nudging.
Select and Hover: Tap and hold your desired new icon and drag it over the fourth existing icon.
Slight Right Nudge: Without letting go, gently nudge your finger slightly to the right while still holding the icon over the fourth one. You're trying to coax the app into recognizing a new position.
Release: Release your finger, and with a bit of luck, the fifth icon will slot into place.
Sub-Step 3.3: Two-Finger or Case Removal Tips (If You're Stuck)
If you're having trouble, these tips might help:
Remove Your Phone Case: Sometimes, phone cases can interfere with precise touch input, especially near the edges of the screen. Try removing your case for better control.
Multi-Touch Tactic (Less Common but Reported): Some users have reported a "two-finger" trick: while dragging the new icon with one thumb, use your other thumb to press on the first icon and drag it towards the second. This is said to "trick" the app into making space. This method is less consistently reported, but worth a try if the others fail.
Step 4: Verify Your New 5-Icon Layout
Once you've attempted the drag, immediately check your Tesla app's main screen.
Confirm the Fifth Icon: You should now see five quick control icons displayed prominently below your car's image.
Test Them Out: Tap on each icon to ensure they function as expected.
Step 5: Enjoy Enhanced Convenience!
Congratulations! You've successfully added a fifth quick control icon to your Tesla app. This seemingly small tweak can significantly improve your daily interaction with your vehicle by putting another essential function right at your fingertips. Experiment with which five controls best suit your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to customize quick controls on the Tesla app?
You can customize quick controls by long-pressing any of the existing four icons on the main screen of the Tesla app. This will bring up a customization menu where you can reorder or replace the icons.
How to reorder icons on the Tesla app?
To reorder icons, long-press any quick control icon to enter customization mode, then simply drag and drop the icons into your desired positions within the visible four spots.
How to remove an icon from the Tesla app quick controls?
While in customization mode (long-press an icon), you can usually drag an unwanted icon to an "X" or a designated removal area that appears.
How to add more than four quick control icons on the Tesla app?
The only known way to add a fifth quick control icon is by carefully dragging a new icon to the far right edge of the existing four while in customization mode, as detailed in Step 3.
How to troubleshoot if the fifth icon trick isn't working?
If you're having trouble, try removing your phone case, ensuring your app is updated, and practicing the precise drag-and-drop motion to the right edge. It often takes a few attempts.
How to find the customization menu in the Tesla app?
The customization menu for quick controls appears automatically when you long-press one of the four quick control icons on the app's home screen.
How to choose which functions are available as quick controls?
The Tesla app provides a predefined list of functions that can be used as quick controls when you enter the customization mode. You can select from these available options.
How to reset Tesla app quick controls to default?
There isn't typically a "reset to default" button for quick controls. You would need to manually remove and re-add the default icons if you wish to revert changes.
How to ensure my Tesla app is up to date?
Check your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) for any pending updates for the Tesla app.
How to use the quick control icons effectively?
Choose the five functions you use most frequently. Common choices include Frunk, Trunk, Lock/Unlock, Climate, and Sentry Mode, depending on your daily habits.
Learn more about getting a 5th icon in the Tesla App on Android by watching this
