Ah, the desire for seamless connectivity in your Tesla! It's an excellent goal, as LTE significantly enhances the in-car experience, from navigation to entertainment and remote access features. Let's get you connected!
Turning on LTE in Your Tesla: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome, fellow Tesla enthusiast! Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your vehicle's connectivity? Having a robust LTE connection is key to enjoying everything your Tesla has to offer. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding what LTE means for your car to troubleshooting common issues. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding Tesla Connectivity – Do You Have Premium?
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the different connectivity packages Tesla offers. Your ability to simply "turn on LTE" often hinges on your subscription status.
Standard Connectivity vs. Premium Connectivity
Standard Connectivity: This comes included with most new Tesla vehicles for a period (typically eight years for cars ordered after July 20, 2022). It provides essential features like basic maps and navigation, Trip Planner, and Supercharger stall availability over Wi-Fi. You can also stream music via Bluetooth®. However, it does not include cellular access for features like live traffic visualization, video streaming, or the internet browser.
Premium Connectivity: This is where the magic happens for full LTE functionality. Premium Connectivity provides all connectivity features over cellular, in addition to Wi-Fi. This means you get:
Live traffic visualization on your navigation.
Satellite view maps for a more detailed perspective.
Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc., with your own subscriptions).
Music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, etc., with your own subscriptions).
An internet browser.
Caraoke.
Sentry Mode Live Access and Sentry Mode videos in the app (for compatible vehicles with the Full Self-Driving Computer).
Step 2: Checking Your Current Connectivity Status
First things first, let's confirm what kind of connectivity your Tesla currently has.
On Your Tesla Touchscreen:
Tap on "Controls."
Go to "Software."
Look for a section related to "Connectivity" or "Upgrades." Here, you should see if you have Standard or Premium Connectivity, and if Premium, its expiration date.
Using the Tesla App:
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Select your vehicle.
Tap on "Upgrades" (or sometimes "Shop" and then "Upgrades").
Then go to "Manage Subscriptions." You'll see your Premium Connectivity status here.
Step 3: Subscribing to Premium Connectivity (If Needed)
If you've determined you don't have Premium Connectivity or your trial has expired, you'll need to subscribe to unlock the full LTE experience.
Subscribing via the Tesla Touchscreen
Ensure your Tesla is parked and connected to a Wi-Fi network (this is often needed for the initial activation/software update).
On the touchscreen, tap "Controls."
Select "Upgrades."
Find "Premium Connectivity" on the list of available upgrades.
Follow the on-screen prompts to "Swipe to Purchase" or subscribe. You'll likely need to input your payment information.
A software update may be required to activate the premium features. Your car will usually prompt you to install this.
Subscribing via the Tesla App
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Select your vehicle.
Tap on "Upgrades" (or navigate to "Shop" > "Upgrades").
Go to the "Software Upgrades" or "Subscribe" tab.
Locate "Premium Connectivity" and tap "Add" or "Subscribe."
Choose your preferred payment method and confirm the purchase.
Step 4: Confirming LTE Activation
Once your Premium Connectivity subscription is active, your Tesla should automatically connect to the cellular network, enabling LTE.
Check the Signal Indicator: Look at the top right corner of your Tesla's touchscreen. You should see a cellular signal icon (similar to a phone signal strength indicator) and possibly "LTE" displayed next to it. If it shows "3G," "E" (Edge), or nothing, you might have a weak signal or need to troubleshoot.
Test Features:
Try opening the internet browser.
Access live traffic visualization on your maps.
Try streaming music or video (if you have the corresponding third-party subscriptions).
Step 5: Troubleshooting LTE Connectivity Issues
Sometimes, even with Premium Connectivity, you might experience issues. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:
5.1. Weak or No Signal
Relocate Your Vehicle: Just like a smartphone, your Tesla needs a good cellular signal. If you're in a garage, a basement, or a remote area, you might have poor reception. Try moving your car to an open area.
Check the Tesla Service Map: Tesla's LTE connectivity relies on cellular carriers. Check if there are known coverage issues in your area from your cellular provider's map (though Tesla doesn't specify which carrier it uses in all regions, they usually partner with major ones).
5.2. Restarting Your Tesla's System
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary connectivity glitches.
Soft Reboot (Touchscreen Reset):
Ensure the vehicle is parked.
Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 15-20 seconds until the touchscreen goes black.
The Tesla logo will reappear, and the system will reboot. This takes a couple of minutes.
Hard Reboot (Including Brake Pedal):
Ensure the vehicle is parked.
Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel and the brake pedal simultaneously for about 30 seconds until the screen turns black.
Wait for the Tesla logo to reappear and then release the buttons. This clears more temporary data.
5.3. Checking for Software Updates
Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date, as updates often include connectivity improvements and bug fixes.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect your Tesla to a strong Wi-Fi network.
Check for Updates: On your touchscreen, go to "Controls" > "Software." If an update is available, install it.
5.4. Infotainment System Upgrade (for Older Models)
If you have an older Model S or Model X (built March 2018 or earlier), your vehicle might have been equipped with older 3G hardware. While Tesla has phased out 3G, these vehicles may require an "Infotainment Upgrade" to get LTE/4G capabilities. This is a hardware upgrade and has a cost associated with it (around $1,500 - $2,000 USD plus tax, as of recent information). This upgrade also brings other benefits like a more responsive touchscreen and enhanced gaming/entertainment features. You can schedule this through the Tesla app under "Service."
5.5. Contact Tesla Service
If you've tried all the above steps and your LTE connectivity remains an issue, it's time to contact Tesla Service. They can diagnose hardware problems or more complex software glitches remotely or schedule a service appointment if needed. You can do this through the Tesla app under the "Service" section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to Tesla LTE connectivity:
How to know if my Tesla has LTE?
Check the top right corner of your touchscreen for the "LTE" indicator next to the signal bars, or verify your "Connectivity" status in the "Software" or "Upgrades" section of your car's settings or Tesla app.
How to subscribe to Tesla Premium Connectivity?
You can subscribe directly from your Tesla's touchscreen by navigating to "Controls" > "Upgrades" > "Premium Connectivity," or via the Tesla app under "Upgrades" > "Manage Subscriptions."
How to fix weak LTE signal in Tesla?
Try moving your Tesla to an open area with better cellular coverage, or consider performing a soft or hard reboot of your vehicle's system.
How to update Tesla software for better connectivity?
Connect your Tesla to a stable Wi-Fi network, then go to "Controls" > "Software" on your touchscreen to check for and install available updates.
How to use a mobile hotspot for Tesla internet?
Even without Premium Connectivity, you can connect your Tesla to your phone's mobile hotspot via Wi-Fi settings on the car's touchscreen to access some internet-based features.
How to determine if my older Tesla needs an LTE hardware upgrade?
If you have a Model S or Model X built before March 2018 and experience slow internet speeds or a lack of advanced connectivity features, you might need the Infotainment Upgrade to enable LTE/4G.
How to view Sentry Mode videos with LTE?
With Premium Connectivity, you can access Sentry Mode Live Access and view recorded Sentry Mode clips directly through the Tesla app on your smartphone, utilizing the car's LTE connection.
How to troubleshoot a Tesla that lost internet connectivity after an update?
First, try a soft or hard reboot of the car's system. If the issue persists, ensure your Premium Connectivity subscription is active and contact Tesla Service.
How to save money on Tesla connectivity?
If you don't use all the features of Premium Connectivity, consider relying on Standard Connectivity and using your phone's mobile hotspot for occasional internet access.
How to check the cost of Tesla Premium Connectivity?
The cost for Premium Connectivity is typically displayed when you try to subscribe through your Tesla's touchscreen or the Tesla app, often around $9.99 USD per month or $99 USD annually.
Want to see an owner's take on Tesla's connectivity options and their real-world experience? Check out this
