Sending Google Maps directions to your Tesla is a convenient way to plan your route on your phone and then seamlessly transfer it to your vehicle's navigation system. This can save you time and hassle, especially when dealing with complex destinations or multiple stops. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Get Ready – Prepare Your Phone and Tesla App!
Before you can send directions, you'll need to make sure your phone and the Tesla app are properly set up.
Sub-heading: Ensure You Have the Latest Tesla App
First things first, check that you have the latest version of the Tesla mobile app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Older versions might not have the "share to car" functionality or could experience glitches.
For iPhone users: Head to the App Store, search for "Tesla," and tap "Update" if an update is available.
For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store, search for "Tesla," and tap "Update" if needed.
Sub-heading: Log In and Stay Logged In
Make sure you are logged into your Tesla account within the app. For the feature to work seamlessly, the app should ideally be running in the background. If you have multiple Teslas, the app will typically send the destination to the car you last viewed or had selected within the app.
Step 2: Find Your Way – Locate Your Destination in Google Maps ️
Now that your app is ready, it's time to find your destination in Google Maps.
Sub-heading: Open Google Maps and Search
Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone. Use the search bar to find your desired destination. This could be an address, a business name, a landmark, or even a set of coordinates.
Sub-heading: Get Directions (Optional but Recommended)
While you can share just a location, it's often best to get directions within Google Maps first. This allows you to:
Verify the route: Make sure Google Maps suggests the path you intend to take.
Add multiple stops: If your trip involves several destinations, you can add them as stops within Google Maps before sharing. While the direct share from Google Maps typically sends a single destination, the Tesla app itself allows for multi-stop trip planning once the initial destination is received.
Step 3: Share the Journey – Send to Your Tesla
This is where the magic happens! You'll use your phone's native sharing capabilities to send the Google Maps information to your Tesla.
Sub-heading: Tap the Share Icon
Once you have your destination (and optional route) displayed in Google Maps, look for the "Share" icon. This usually looks like an arrow pointing upwards out of a box (on iOS) or a sideways "V" shape (on Android). This icon is typically found near the bottom or top of the screen after you've searched for a location or generated directions.
Sub-heading: Select the Tesla App
A list of sharing options will appear. You may need to scroll horizontally through the app icons to find the Tesla app icon. It's usually a red icon with the Tesla logo. Tap on it.
Pro Tip: If you have two Teslas, a common user experience is that the destination will be sent to the car currently selected in your Tesla mobile app. If you need to send it to a different vehicle, open the Tesla app, switch to the desired car, then go back to Google Maps and share again.
Sub-heading: Confirmation and Arrival
Once you tap the Tesla app icon, your phone will usually display a message like "Sending to Tesla" or "Sent to car." Almost instantly, the destination will appear on your Tesla's main navigation screen.
What to Expect in Your Tesla:
The map in your Tesla will automatically load with the shared destination.
In many cases, the navigation will be ready to start immediately. You might just need to shift into Drive, and your Tesla will prompt you to begin the route.
If you had multiple stops planned in Google Maps, the initial share will likely only send the final destination. You can then use the Tesla app or your car's touchscreen to add further stops as waypoints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
How to confirm the destination was sent to my Tesla?
You'll see a confirmation message on your phone after sharing. More importantly, when you get into your Tesla, the shared destination will be immediately visible on the navigation screen.
How to add multiple stops to a trip sent from Google Maps?
The direct "share to Tesla" feature from Google Maps primarily sends a single destination. To add multiple stops, you should send the initial destination, then use the Tesla mobile app's "Locations" or "Navigate" section to add additional stops (waypoints) to your trip plan before sending the updated route to your car.
How to troubleshoot if the Tesla app isn't showing up as a sharing option?
Ensure your Tesla app is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, restarting your phone can also help. If the issue persists, check your phone's sharing settings to ensure the Tesla app has the necessary permissions.
How to connect Google Maps to my Tesla if it's not working?
The connection happens through the Tesla mobile app. Make sure you are logged into your Tesla account in the app and that the app has permission to access your device's sharing features. There isn't a direct "connect Google Maps" button within the Tesla itself beyond its built-in Google Maps integration.
How to use voice commands for navigation in a Tesla?
Once a destination is on your Tesla's screen, you can often say "Navigate to [destination]" or simply tap the "Navigate" button. Teslas also have robust voice commands for entering destinations directly.
How to ensure my Tesla is receiving map updates?
Tesla's navigation system uses Google Maps data and receives updates over Wi-Fi. Ensure your Tesla is regularly connected to a strong Wi-Fi network to download map and software updates. You can check the map version in your car's software settings.
How to delete a destination from my Tesla's navigation history?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, you can usually access your "Recents" or "History" in the navigation section and delete individual entries by swiping or holding down on them.
How to optimize battery life when using navigation in Tesla?
While navigation uses some battery, its impact is generally minimal. For longer trips, Tesla's navigation system automatically plans Supercharger stops to ensure you reach your destination efficiently.
How to use Google Maps for planning routes with charging stops for Tesla?
While you can send a destination from Google Maps, Tesla's native navigation is often superior for long trips as it intelligently integrates Supercharger locations and battery preconditioning. However, some third-party apps also allow for EV-specific route planning that you can then manually input into your Tesla.
How to use the "share" functionality from a web browser on my phone?
If you find a location on a website (e.g., a restaurant's page) that displays a map or address, you can often tap on the address to open it in Google Maps, and then follow the same "share" steps outlined above.
You can learn more about sharing directions to your Tesla by watching this video:
