Hey there, fellow Tesla enthusiast! Are you tired of only having four quick access icons on your Tesla app's main screen? Do you wish you could have just one more to streamline your daily interactions with your amazing electric vehicle? Well, you're in luck! While the Tesla app officially supports only four quick control icons, there's a neat little trick that allows you to add a fifth! It's a bit of a hidden gem, and it might take a couple of tries to get it just right, but the payoff is worth it. Let's dive in and get you that extra shortcut!
Step 1: Prepare for the "Magic" ✨
First things first, let's make sure you're ready to perform this little trick. It requires a bit of dexterity, but nothing you can't handle.
Sub-heading 1.1: Update Your App
Ensure your Tesla app is updated to the latest version. This trick has been known to work on various app versions, but having the most current one will give you the best chance of success. You can check for updates in your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Sub-heading 1.2: Understand the Goal
The goal here is to manipulate the app's interface into revealing a fifth slot for an icon. It's not an official feature, but rather a known workaround that takes advantage of how the app handles icon placement during editing.
Step 2: Entering Customization Mode ️
Now, let's get into the app itself and start the process.
Sub-heading 2.1: Long-Press Any Existing Icon
Open your Tesla app. On the main screen, you'll see your Tesla vehicle and, below it, the row of four quick control icons. Press and hold down on any one of these four icons. Don't release your finger!
Sub-heading 2.2: The Customization Screen Appears
After a moment, the app will enter "customization mode." You'll see the icons jiggle slightly, and usually, a list of available shortcut options will appear at the bottom or side of the screen. This is where you can swap out your existing four icons for others.
Step 3: The Two-Finger Dance for the Fifth Icon ️️
This is the crucial step where the "magic" happens. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but stick with it!
Sub-heading 3.1: Dragging the New Icon (First Finger)
With your right thumb (or dominant finger), pick up one of the available icons from the list that you want to be your fifth shortcut. For example, if you want "Vent Windows" as your fifth, drag it.
Now, drag this chosen icon over the fourth existing icon in your current row of four. Do NOT release your finger yet! Keep holding it down.
Sub-heading 3.2: The "Sliding" Action (Second Finger)
While still holding down the first icon with your dominant finger over the fourth slot, use your left thumb (or non-dominant finger) to tap and drag the first existing icon in the row of four to the second existing icon's position. This motion essentially "pushes" the hidden fifth slot into view.
You may not see a dramatic animation, but the icon you were dragging with your first finger should now be off-screen to the right, in what is essentially the "fifth" invisible spot.
Sub-heading 3.3: Release and Witness!
*Now, simultaneously release both of your fingers. *
If done correctly, you should now see five quick control icons proudly displayed on your Tesla app's main screen! If it doesn't work on the first try, don't worry. This trick can be finicky. Try it a few times, adjusting the speed and precision of your finger movements. Some users find it helps to slightly "flick" the first icon to the right while dragging the new icon over the fourth.
Step 4: Saving Your New Setup (Optional, but Recommended) ✔️
While the five icons should now be visible, it's a good idea to ensure they stick.
Sub-heading 4.1: Exit Customization
Once you see your five icons, tap outside the customization menu or press your phone's back button to exit editing mode. The app should save your new layout automatically.
Sub-heading 4.2: Verify Persistence
To confirm it worked, close the Tesla app completely (force quit it from your recent apps) and then reopen it. Your five glorious icons should still be there! Congratulations, you've successfully tricked your Tesla app into giving you an extra shortcut!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ♀️
How to customize Tesla app shortcuts?
You can customize the standard four shortcuts by long-pressing any of them on the main screen of the Tesla app, which will bring up an editing menu where you can swap out existing icons for others from a list of available functions.
How to get more than 4 shortcuts on the Tesla app?
You can get a fifth shortcut by using a two-finger dragging trick: long-press an existing shortcut to enter edit mode, then with one finger drag a new icon over the fourth slot, and simultaneously with another finger, drag the first icon to the second position before releasing both.
How to reset Tesla app shortcuts to default?
To reset Tesla app shortcuts, you can usually long-press an icon, enter the customization menu, and then either individually remove/replace them or, in some cases, deleting and reinstalling the app might reset them (though this will also remove your phone key, so proceed with caution).
How to use the Tesla app widget with 5 icons?
If you successfully add a fifth icon to your quick controls in the app, the Tesla app widget on your phone's home screen should also display all five icons automatically.
How to automate Tesla functions with the app?
While the app directly allows for quick controls, more complex automations often require third-party apps like Tessie that integrate with Apple Shortcuts (on iOS) or similar automation tools on Android, allowing you to set triggers for actions like climate control or charging.
How to troubleshoot if the 5-icon trick isn't working?
If the trick isn't working, try:
Ensuring your Tesla app is fully updated.
Trying different combinations of dragging the first icon (e.g., first to second, first to third, etc.).
Practicing the simultaneous release of both fingers.
Restarting your phone and trying again.
How to remove a shortcut from the Tesla app?
To remove a shortcut, long-press any icon to enter customization mode, then simply drag the icon you wish to remove off the main row and release it, usually into a "remove" or "trash" area if available, or simply back into the list of available shortcuts.
How to change the order of Tesla app shortcuts?
While in customization mode (long-press an icon), you can simply drag and drop the icons into your desired order within the four (or five!) available slots.
How to access all Tesla app features?
Beyond the quick controls, the Tesla app offers extensive features through its various tabs and menus, including climate control, charging management, location tracking, Sentry Mode activation, scheduling service, and viewing vehicle diagnostics.
How to use the Tesla app for phone key?
To use your phone as a key, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and your Tesla, and that "Phone Key" is set up in your vehicle's settings. The Tesla app automatically acts as your key when you're near the car.
For a visual guide on getting that fifth shortcut, check out this video:
