Do you own a Tesla and want to know what "brain" powers its advanced features? Understanding your Tesla's hardware version is crucial, especially when it comes to features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) and potential future upgrades. Tesla has iterated through several hardware versions, each bringing improvements in processing power and sensor capabilities. Let's dive into how you can easily check your Tesla's hardware version!
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Touchscreen Interface
Alright, Tesla owner! Let's start right inside your vehicle. The most straightforward and reliable way to check your hardware version is directly through your Tesla's infotainment system. It's like asking your car what's under its hood, but without actually lifting the hood!
Navigating to the Software Information
Tap the Car Icon: On your Tesla's large center touchscreen, locate and tap the car icon (usually found in the bottom left corner). This will open your car's main control panel.
Select "Software": From the left-hand menu that appears, scroll down and tap on the "Software" tab. This section is where you'll find all the juicy details about your vehicle's current software version and hardware configuration.
Find "Additional Vehicle Information": Within the "Software" screen, you'll see various details about your software. Look for a link or option that says "Additional Vehicle Information" or something similar. This is your key to unlocking the hardware specifics!
Step 2: Identify Your Autopilot Computer Version
Once you've tapped "Additional Vehicle Information," a new window will pop up, displaying a wealth of details about your Tesla. Among these, you'll find the crucial information about your Autopilot computer.
Decoding the Autopilot Computer Label
"Autopilot Computer": This is the entry you're looking for. It will directly state which hardware version your vehicle possesses. You'll typically see one of the following:
HW2 (Hardware 2)
HW2.5 (Hardware 2.5)
HW3 (Hardware 3, also sometimes referred to as "Full Self-Driving Computer" or "FSD Computer")
HW4 (Hardware 4, sometimes referred to as "AI4" or "FSD 2")
Keep in mind that if your car says "Full Self-Driving Computer" or "Autopilot Computer: Full Self-Driving Computer," it generally indicates HW3. For newer vehicles, it will explicitly state HW4 or AI4.
What About the Infotainment Processor (MCU)?
While you're in this section, you might also notice an "Infotainment processor" entry. This refers to your Media Control Unit (MCU), which powers your touchscreen and infotainment features.
MCU1: Older Model S/X vehicles (pre-March 2018)
MCU2: Most vehicles built after March 2018, using an Intel Atom processor.
MCU3: Found in refreshed Model S/X (since Dec 2021) and newer vehicles like the Model 3 Highland, utilizing an AMD Ryzen chip for a snappier interface and better gaming performance. The MCU is separate from the Autopilot hardware, though some upgrades might bundle them.
Step 3: Visual Cues (External Inspection)
If for some reason you can't access the touchscreen or want a quick visual confirmation, there are some external differences, particularly between HW3 and HW4.
Camera Differences
HW3 Cameras: These typically have standard lenses.
HW4 Cameras (AI4): Look for cameras with a distinct reddish reflection (a coating for improved color rendition in challenging lighting) and they might appear slightly larger. The front camera array on HW4 typically has two red lenses and one blanked-out (dummy) lens where a third camera used to be on HW3. Side repeater cameras on HW4 may also have red optical characteristics and a shorter indicator strip.
Production Date as a Hint
While not a definitive method, your vehicle's production date can offer a strong indication, especially for newer hardware versions.
HW4 generally started appearing in Model S and Model X around late 2022/early 2023.
Model 3 Highland (2024 onwards) and New Model Y (Juniper) are equipped with HW4.
Original Model 3 (2018-2024) and Original Model Y (2020-2024) typically have HW3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Hardware
How to know if my Tesla has HW4?
You can verify if your Tesla has HW4 by checking the "Additional Vehicle Information" in your car's software menu, where it will explicitly state "HW4" or "AI4." You can also look for the distinctive reddish reflection on the camera lenses, particularly the front ones.
How to upgrade Tesla hardware from HW2.5 to HW3?
Tesla offered complimentary upgrades from HW2.0/2.5 to HW3 for owners who purchased the Full Self-Driving package. This typically involved a service appointment where the computer was replaced.
How to check my Tesla's FSD computer version?
To check your FSD computer version, navigate to "Controls" > "Software" > "Additional Vehicle Information" on your Tesla's touchscreen. It will list the "Autopilot Computer" version, which indicates your FSD hardware (e.g., HW3, HW4).
How to tell the difference between HW3 and HW4 cameras?
HW4 cameras often have a reddish tint or reflection on their lenses, especially visible on the front-facing cameras where you'll see two active red-tinted lenses and one blanked-out slot. HW3 cameras typically do not have this reddish tint.
How to know if my Tesla is eligible for a hardware upgrade?
Eligibility for hardware upgrades, particularly for the FSD computer, usually depends on whether you purchased the Full Self-Driving package. Tesla has historically provided upgrades to HW3 for FSD package owners. For future upgrades like HW4, Tesla hasn't yet provided clear timelines for retrofits, especially since HW4 currently uses a different wiring harness and cooling system.
How to check my Tesla's MCU version?
Your MCU version can be found under "Controls" > "Software" > "Additional Vehicle Information" on your Tesla's touchscreen, listed as "Infotainment processor" (e.g., MCU1, MCU2, MCU3/AMD Ryzen).
How to find my Tesla's production date?
You can find your Tesla's production date on the label inside the driver's side door or by checking the "Vehicle Details" section in your Tesla mobile app.
How to understand if my car has "Full Self-Driving Capability"?
"Full Self-Driving Capability" in your software menu means your car has the necessary hardware (HW3 or newer) to support FSD features. It doesn't necessarily mean you have purchased or subscribed to the FSD software package itself. If you've purchased FSD, it will typically say "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included package."
How to activate Full Self-Driving (if I have the hardware)?
If your Tesla has the necessary FSD hardware, you can activate the Full Self-Driving features by purchasing the package outright or subscribing to it via the Tesla app under the "Upgrades" section.
How to determine if a used Tesla has specific hardware?
When buying a used Tesla, the most reliable way to determine its hardware version is to ask the current owner to check the "Additional Vehicle Information" on the car's touchscreen, or confirm the production date and visually inspect the cameras for HW4 indicators.
Check out this video to see how to find your Tesla's FSD hardware version:
