Having your Tesla app consistently running in the background on your iPhone is crucial for a seamless ownership experience. It enables features like Phone Key, Sentry Mode alerts, charging notifications, and real-time vehicle status updates. Without proper background operation, you might find yourself waiting for the app to connect, missing important alerts, or struggling with features that rely on continuous communication with your Tesla.
This lengthy guide will walk you through the necessary steps to optimize your iPhone settings, ensuring your Tesla app stays active and connected.
Step 1: Engage with Your iPhone's Settings – The Foundation
Let's start by diving into your iPhone's core settings. This is where you grant the Tesla app the permissions it needs to function optimally in the background.
1.1. Verify Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth is the bedrock of your iPhone's connection to your Tesla, especially for the Phone Key feature.
Go to Settings: Tap the "Settings" app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
Tap Bluetooth: Ensure the toggle next to "Bluetooth" is ON (green).
Check Tesla App Bluetooth Access:
Scroll down in the main "Settings" menu and tap on "Tesla."
Make sure the toggle for "Bluetooth" is ON. If it's off, toggle it on.
1.2. Empower Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to update content in the background, even when you're not actively using them. This is vital for the Tesla app to receive and send data continuously.
Navigate to General Settings: From the main "Settings" menu, tap "General."
Select Background App Refresh: Tap on "Background App Refresh."
Choose "Wi-Fi & Cellular Data" or "Wi-Fi":
It's generally recommended to select "Wi-Fi & Cellular Data" for the most consistent performance, as it allows the app to refresh even when you're away from Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, you can choose "Wi-Fi" if you're concerned about cellular data usage, but this might limit functionality when you're not on a Wi-Fi network.
Enable for Tesla: Scroll down the list of apps and ensure the toggle next to "Tesla" is ON (green).
1.3. Grant Location Services "Always" Access
For features like Phone Key and vehicle tracking, the Tesla app needs to know your location even when it's not open on your screen.
Return to Settings: Go back to the main "Settings" menu.
Tap Privacy & Security: Select "Privacy & Security."
Choose Location Services: Tap "Location Services."
Find Tesla App: Scroll down and tap on "Tesla."
Select "Always": Choose the "Always" option. You might see a pop-up explaining why the app needs this permission. Tap "Allow" or "Change to Always."
Precise Location (Optional but Recommended): For the best performance with features like Phone Key and Summon, ensure "Precise Location" is ON for the Tesla app. This allows the app to get your exact location, rather than an approximate one.
Step 2: Optimize Battery Settings – Don't Let Your iPhone Sleep on the Job
While these settings are crucial for battery life, they can sometimes be too aggressive for apps that need to run continuously in the background.
2.1. Disable Low Power Mode (When Necessary)
Low Power Mode is designed to conserve battery by reducing background activity. If you want the Tesla app to run without interruption, it's best to disable this mode.
Go to Settings: From the main "Settings" menu, tap "Battery."
Toggle Off Low Power Mode: Ensure "Low Power Mode" is OFF. When it's on, the icon in your status bar will be yellow.
Consider Battery Health: While you're here, you can also check your "Battery Health" to ensure your iPhone's battery is in good condition, as an aging battery can impact overall performance and background activity.
2.2. Review Battery Usage for Tesla App
Occasionally, an app might be using excessive battery in the background, which iOS might then try to limit.
From the Battery menu: Scroll down to "Battery Usage by App."
Check Tesla: Observe the Tesla app's activity. If you see unusually high background activity without much active usage, it might indicate a different issue (e.g., a glitch in the app or poor cellular/Wi-Fi connection causing it to work harder). In such cases, troubleshooting steps like restarting the app or your iPhone (see Step 3) might be necessary.
Step 3: General Troubleshooting and Best Practices – Keeping Things Smooth
Sometimes, a simple refresh can resolve minor glitches that prevent the app from running as expected.
3.1. Restart the Tesla App
A quick restart can often clear up any temporary software hiccups.
Swipe Up from the Bottom (or Double-Tap Home Button): For iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. For iPhones with a Home button, double-tap the Home button.
Find Tesla App: Swipe left or right to locate the Tesla app in the app switcher.
Swipe Up to Close: Swipe up on the Tesla app's preview to close it.
Reopen: Tap the Tesla app icon to reopen it.
3.2. Reboot Your iPhone
A full device reboot can often resolve deeper software conflicts.
For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
For iPhones with a Home button: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Turn On: After your iPhone is completely off, press and hold the side (or top) button again until you see the Apple logo.
3.3. Ensure Latest Software Versions ⬆️
Keeping both your iPhone's iOS and the Tesla app updated is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility.
Update iOS: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update." Download and install any available updates.
Update Tesla App: Open the "App Store," tap your profile icon in the top right, and check for updates. If an update for the Tesla app is available, tap "Update."
3.4. Maintain a Strong Connection
The Tesla app relies heavily on a stable internet connection (cellular or Wi-Fi) to communicate with your vehicle.
Good Cellular Signal: Ensure you have a strong cellular signal in areas where you expect the app to function in the background.
Reliable Wi-Fi: When at home or work, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Avoid Airplane Mode: Never enable Airplane Mode if you want the app to communicate with your car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Tesla app is actually running in the background?
You can't directly "see" an app running in the background, but if features like Phone Key work seamlessly, or you receive Sentry Mode alerts promptly without opening the app, it's a good indication it's operating correctly in the background.
How to minimize battery drain while keeping the Tesla app active?
While "Always" for Location Services and Background App Refresh are key, you can manage other app settings and consider using "Optimized Battery Charging" on your iPhone to prolong overall battery health.
How to troubleshoot if Sentry Mode notifications aren't coming through?
First, ensure Sentry Mode is enabled in your car's settings and the Tesla app has all necessary permissions (Notifications, Background App Refresh, Location). If issues persist, try restarting the app and your iPhone, and verify your internet connection.
How to re-pair my phone key if it stops working after adjusting settings?
If your Phone Key stops working, go to your Tesla's touchscreen, tap "Controls" > "Locks," and then tap "Add Phone Key." Follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair your iPhone.
How to allow the Tesla app to use cellular data?
Go to "Settings" on your iPhone, scroll down and tap on "Tesla," then ensure the "Cellular Data" toggle is ON.
How to know if my iPhone's Low Power Mode is affecting the Tesla app?
When Low Power Mode is on, the battery icon in your iPhone's status bar turns yellow. If you notice delayed notifications or connection issues, try turning off Low Power Mode and observe if the app's performance improves.
How to prevent my iPhone from closing the Tesla app automatically?
By ensuring "Background App Refresh" and "Location Services" are set to "Always" for the Tesla app, and avoiding "Low Power Mode," you significantly reduce the chances of iOS terminating the app's background processes.
How to fix "allow mobile access" if it's greyed out in my Tesla?
This usually means your Tesla isn't connected to cellular or Wi-Fi. Ensure your car has a strong internet connection, or try restarting your vehicle's touchscreen.
How to check for Tesla app updates?
Open the "App Store" on your iPhone, tap your profile icon (top right), and scroll down to see pending updates. If the Tesla app is listed, tap "Update."
How to contact Tesla support for app issues?
You can reach out to Tesla Support directly through the "Service" section within the Tesla app or visit the official Tesla website for support contact information.
To learn more about the latest features and updates for the Tesla app, check out this video:
