Ready to unlock the secrets of your Tesla's brain? Knowing your Tesla's hardware version is crucial for understanding its current capabilities and future potential, especially concerning its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. Let's dive in and demystify the hardware under the hood!
How to Tell Your Tesla Hardware Version: A Comprehensive Guide
Tesla has iterated through several hardware versions for its Autopilot and FSD systems, each bringing significant advancements. From the early days of Hardware 1 (HW1) to the latest Hardware 4 (HW4), these versions dictate everything from camera resolution to processing power. Here's how you can determine which version your Tesla possesses.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Inner Brain (Software Check)
The easiest and most reliable method to identify your Tesla's hardware version is directly through its infotainment system. This is your first and best line of defense!
A. Tap into the "Controls" Menu: On your Tesla's large center touchscreen, locate and tap the car icon (usually in the bottom left corner) to access the main "Controls" menu. This is your gateway to various vehicle settings.
B. Navigate to "Software": Within the "Controls" menu, you'll see a list of options on the left-hand side. Tap on "Software." This section provides details about your car's current software version and other relevant information.
C. Uncover "Additional Vehicle Information": Depending on your software version and model, you might need to tap "Additional Vehicle Information" or a similar link. This is where the crucial hardware details are often hidden.
D. Identify Your "Autopilot Computer": Once in "Additional Vehicle Information," look for an entry labeled "Autopilot Computer" or "Full Self-Driving Computer." Next to this, you will see your hardware version clearly displayed, such as HW2.5, HW3, or HW4 (often referred to as AI4 or AP4).
Pro Tip: Tesla has recently made this even clearer. If your software is updated (e.g., 2024.38 or later), you should see the hardware version explicitly stated directly on the "Software" screen without needing to dig into "Additional Vehicle Information."
Step 2: A Visual Inspection (Camera Clues)
While the software check is definitive, visual cues can provide a quick indication, especially for distinguishing between HW3 and HW4.
A. Examine Your Cameras for the "Red Glint": One of the most distinctive visual indicators for HW4 is the reddish reflection in the lenses of the vehicle's cameras. This is due to a special coating designed to enhance color rendition in poor lighting.
Where to look: Pay close attention to the forward-facing cameras located at the top of your windshield (behind the rearview mirror) and the side repeater cameras (on the fenders, near the front doors). HW4 cameras typically exhibit this red tint, while HW3 cameras do not.
Size Matters: Some users also note that HW4 cameras might appear slightly larger overall compared to HW3.
B. Count the Forward-Facing Cameras (Pre-HW4):
HW3: Typically features three forward-facing cameras at the top of the windshield (one narrow, one main, one wide).
HW4: Often uses two forward-facing cameras with higher resolution, eliminating the need for a third.
C. Side Repeater Indicator Strip: On the side repeater cameras, the indicator strip (the orange light for turn signals) is typically shorter on HW4 vehicles compared to HW3.
Step 3: Consider the Production Date and Model (General Guidelines)
While not foolproof, your Tesla's production date and model can offer strong clues about its hardware version. This is particularly useful if you're considering purchasing a used Tesla and don't have immediate access to the in-car software.
A. Understanding the Timeline:
HW1: Generally found in vehicles produced from September 2014 to October 2016 (Model S, Model X). These cars often lack cameras in the side-panel signal indicators.
HW2: Introduced around October 2016 to August 2017. These cars started featuring cameras in the side-panel indicators.
HW2.5: Began shipping around August 2017 to March 2019. An incremental upgrade with some redundancy and improved sensors.
HW3: Started around August 2019 and was standard on all Teslas until early to mid-2023 (depending on the model and region). This was Tesla's first custom-designed FSD chip.
HW4: Began rolling out in late 2022 / early 2023 with the refreshed Model S and X. It became standard in new Model 3 Highland (2024+) and new Model Y (Juniper) after mid-2023.
B. Model-Specific Hardware Adoption:
Model 3 (Original 2018-2024): Predominantly HW3.
Model 3 Highland (2024+): Exclusively HW4.
Model Y (Original 2020-2024): Mostly HW3, with some newer 2024 models transitioning to HW4.
Model Y (Juniper / New): HW4.
Model S/X (Refreshed late 2022/early 2023+): Started with HW4. Earlier Model S/X could have any version from HW1 to HW3.
Cybertruck: Expected to be HW4 and potentially later HW5.
Important Note: While these dates and models provide strong indications, there can be overlaps or cars with upgraded hardware (e.g., HW2/2.5 upgraded to HW3). The in-car software check remains the most accurate.
Step 4: Decoding the VIN (Less Common, More Complex)
While not directly providing a hardware version, a Tesla's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains information about its production details. Some community resources or specialized tools might be able to infer hardware based on the VIN, but this is less direct and reliable than the in-car software method. It's generally not recommended as a primary identification method for the average owner.
Step 5: Contact Tesla Support (If All Else Fails)
If you're still uncertain after attempting the above methods, or if you have a unique case (e.g., a car that might have received a hardware upgrade), the most definitive route is to contact Tesla Service. They can look up your specific vehicle's configuration based on its VIN and provide you with precise information.
Understanding Why Hardware Version Matters
Knowing your Tesla's hardware version isn't just for curiosity; it has practical implications:
FSD Capability: Newer hardware versions like HW4 offer significantly more processing power and higher-resolution cameras, which are crucial for the advancements in Full Self-Driving capabilities. While HW3 can run FSD Beta, HW4 is designed for future, more complex autonomous driving scenarios.
Access to Latest Features: Tesla often rolls out features and improvements that leverage the capabilities of newer hardware. While software updates can enhance older hardware, some advancements might be exclusive to or perform better on newer versions.
Accessory Compatibility: Some aftermarket accessories, especially those involving cameras or computing, might have compatibility limitations based on your hardware version.
Future Upgradability: While upgrades from HW2/2.5 to HW3 were offered, Tesla has stated that upgrading from HW3 to HW4 is generally not feasible due to fundamental differences in wiring and sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Tesla hardware versions:
How to know if my Tesla has HW4? Check your car's touchscreen under Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. It will list your "Autopilot Computer" version. You can also look for cameras with a reddish tint on the lenses.
How to upgrade my Tesla's hardware from HW3 to HW4? Currently, Tesla does not offer an upgrade path from HW3 to HW4 due to significant differences in camera systems, wiring, and the computer architecture.
How to tell the difference between HW2.5 and HW3 visually? Visually, distinguishing between HW2.5 and HW3 is very difficult as their external cameras look similar. The most reliable way is through the in-car software menu.
How to find my Tesla's Autopilot computer version in the app? While the Tesla app shows your software version, it typically does not explicitly show your FSD hardware version. The in-car touchscreen is the primary source.
How to determine if an older Tesla Model S or X has Autopilot hardware? For very early models (pre-September 2014), if there's no camera housing at the top of the windshield, it likely has no Autopilot hardware. HW1 cars will have a single front-facing camera and a black square radar sensor in the front lower grille.
How to check if my Tesla has the FSD computer 3.0? The FSD computer 3.0 is synonymous with HW3. You can check this in your car's software menu under "Autopilot Computer."
How to know if my Model 3 Highland has HW4? All Model 3 Highland vehicles (produced from 2024 onwards) come standard with HW4. You can confirm this via the software menu or by looking for the reddish camera lenses.
How to identify my Tesla's MCU version (Media Control Unit)? Similar to checking autopilot hardware, your MCU version (e.g., MCU1, MCU2, MCU3) is usually found under Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information, often listed as "Infotainment processor."
How to tell if a Tesla has FSD capability purchased? On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Software. If you have purchased FSD (Supervised), it will typically say "Full Self-Driving Capability" or "Enhanced Autopilot" with the FSD features listed below.
How to know if my Tesla's cameras are HW4? The most prominent visual cue for HW4 cameras is a distinct reddish reflection or tint on the lenses, especially noticeable on the forward-facing and side repeater cameras. They may also appear slightly larger.
Here's a video that can help you find your FSD hardware version:
