Do you want to maximize your viewing experience on your Tesla's touchscreen? While the built-in browser doesn't have a dedicated "full-screen" button for all websites, there are clever workarounds to achieve a more immersive Browse experience. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Engage with Tesla Theater
The key to unlocking a near full-screen browser experience often lies within the Tesla Theater. This section is primarily designed for video streaming, but we can leverage it to our advantage.
Sub-heading: Launching YouTube
Ready to begin? The easiest way to access a full-screen browser is by starting with an application within Tesla Theater that does offer a full-screen mode, such as YouTube.
From your Tesla's touchscreen, tap on the "Theater" icon (it might look like a play button or a small screen).
Once in Theater, select the YouTube application. It's usually prominently displayed.
Step 2: Navigating to Google's Account Management
Now that YouTube is open, we'll use a hidden gem within its interface to get to a more versatile Browse environment.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Google Account
Don't worry if you're not logged in; this method still works!
Look for your profile icon in the top-right corner of the YouTube screen. If you're not logged in, you might see a "SIGN IN" button instead. Tap on it.
From the menu that appears, select "Manage your Google Account." This is where the magic begins! ✨
Step 3: Unleashing the Full Browser
You're almost there! Once you're on the Google Account page, you'll gain access to the familiar Google app launcher.
Sub-heading: Utilizing the "Nine Dots" Icon
This icon is your gateway to a broader internet experience.
On the Google Account page, locate the "nine dots" icon (it looks like a small grid of nine squares) in the top-right corner. This is the Google apps launcher.
Tap on this icon. A dropdown menu will appear with various Google applications.
From this menu, select "Search" to go to Google.com, or even "Maps" if you prefer. This essentially opens up a full-screen web page.
Sub-heading: Browse Beyond YouTube
Now that you're on Google.com (or another Google app), you have a functional, albeit workaround, full-screen browser!
You can now use the Google search bar to find and navigate to any website you desire.
While there won't be a persistent address bar at the top, you'll be able to view most websites in a much larger format, filling a significant portion of your Tesla's display.
For frequently visited sites, you can even use Google Keep (accessible via the nine dots) to create notes with your favorite links, essentially creating a makeshift bookmark manager.
Step 4: Exiting Full-Screen Mode ↩️
When you're done Browse and want to return to the standard Tesla interface, it's simple.
Sub-heading: Returning to Tesla Theater
To exit the full-screen browser mode:
Look for a small "X" icon or a similar close button, often located in the top corner of the full-screen web page. Tapping this will usually take you back to the Tesla Theater interface.
From there, you can close the Tesla Theater application to return to your main Tesla dashboard.
Important Considerations & Tips
Connectivity: A stable Wi-Fi connection or Premium Connectivity subscription is highly recommended for the best Browse experience.
Touchscreen Responsiveness: If the touchscreen becomes unresponsive, you can restart it by holding down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the screen goes black.
Updates: Tesla regularly rolls out software updates. While the methods described here are current, future updates might introduce native full-screen options or alter existing workarounds. Keep your Tesla's software up to date!
This method is a clever workaround, as Tesla's built-in browser doesn't offer a universal "full screen" button for all websites directly. It's especially useful for streaming video content from sites like Plex in a larger view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to browse the internet in full screen on a Tesla?
You can achieve a near full-screen Browse experience by launching YouTube from the Tesla Theater, then navigating to your Google Account settings, and finally using the Google apps launcher (the nine dots icon) to open Google Search or another Google app. This provides a full-screen web view.
How to make YouTube full screen in a Tesla?
When you launch YouTube from the Tesla Theater, videos typically play in a full-screen format automatically when you tap on them.
How to get rid of the address bar in Tesla browser?
The workaround described above, by navigating through YouTube and Google Account, can help minimize or effectively remove the persistent address bar from your view, giving you a more immersive experience.
How to close the full-screen browser in a Tesla?
Look for a small "X" icon or a similar close button in the top corner of the full-screen web page. Tapping it will usually take you back to the Tesla Theater, which you can then close.
How to improve Tesla browser speed?
Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal or Premium Connectivity. Tesla's browser, being Chromium-based, performs best with good network conditions. Sometimes, restarting the touchscreen can also help.
How to clear browser data in a Tesla?
You can typically clear browser data through the settings in the Tesla infotainment system. Navigate to Controls > Safety > Clear Browser Data.
How to enable full-screen visualizations in a Tesla?
For Full Self-Driving (FSD) visualizations, you can set them to automatically go full-screen by going to Controls > Autopilot and enabling 'Expanded Full-Self-Driving Visualization'.
How to customize apps on the Tesla touchscreen?
You can customize the "My Apps" area on the touchscreen's bottom bar by touching and holding any app or control in that area, then dragging apps from the app tray.
How to restart the Tesla touchscreen?
To restart the touchscreen, ensure your vehicle is in Park, then hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black. It will restart after a few seconds.
How to get software updates on a Tesla?
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air software updates. You can check for updates in the 'Software' tab on your touchscreen or in the Tesla app. Ensure your vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi for the fastest and most reliable delivery.
You can learn more about utilizing the full-screen browser in your Tesla by watching this helpful video:
