It's a common question among Tesla owners, and frankly, a bit of a head-scratcher for those who enjoy the classic sound of AM radio: how do you get AM radio in a Tesla? The straightforward answer for most modern Teslas is: you generally can't, at least not directly through the built-in infotainment system. Tesla, along with several other EV manufacturers, has opted to exclude AM radio tuners from their vehicles. This decision is primarily due to the electromagnetic interference generated by electric motors, which can significantly degrade AM signals, leading to poor audio quality.
However, don't despair! While your Tesla might not have a native AM tuner, there are several workarounds and third-party solutions that can bring your favorite AM stations back into your electric ride. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the options, helping you enjoy everything from news and talk shows to sports broadcasts on the AM band.
Step 1: Understanding the Tesla's Radio Limitations (and Why They Exist!)
Before diving into solutions, let's understand why AM radio isn't typically found in Teslas.
1.1 The Electric Vehicle Interference Challenge
Electric vehicles, by their very nature, generate a lot of electromagnetic fields. The powerful electric motors, inverters, and battery management systems create electrical noise that can interfere with the reception of AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio signals. AM radio, being more susceptible to electromagnetic interference than FM, often experiences significant static and distortion in an EV environment. Manufacturers like Tesla have, in many cases, made the pragmatic decision to omit AM tuners to avoid providing a sub-par listening experience.
1.2 Focus on Modern Connectivity
Tesla's infotainment system is designed around a modern, internet-connected experience. This includes FM radio, Bluetooth streaming, internet radio, music streaming services, and satellite radio (SiriusXM in some regions). The assumption is that most users will gravitate towards these digital and higher-fidelity options, making the inclusion of AM less of a priority. In fact, some older Tesla models that had AM/FM tuners actually lost AM functionality with infotainment upgrades.
Step 2: Exploring Internet-Based AM Radio Solutions
The most straightforward and often most effective way to listen to AM radio in your Tesla is by leveraging its built-in internet connectivity.
2.1 Utilizing Streaming Apps and Web Browsers
Your Tesla's large touchscreen is essentially a tablet on wheels, and you can use it to access various internet-based radio services.
Sub-step 2.1.1: Radio Streaming Apps
Identify Your Favorite Stations' Online Streams: Many AM radio stations broadcast their programming live online. Before you even get in your car, find the official websites of your preferred AM stations. Look for "Listen Live," "Web Stream," or similar links.
Use TuneIn Radio (or similar): Apps like TuneIn Radio are often pre-installed or readily available through Tesla's app launcher. TuneIn aggregates thousands of radio stations, including a vast number of AM stations, from around the world.
How to use: Open the TuneIn app on your Tesla's touchscreen. Use the search function to find your desired AM station by name, call sign, or frequency. Once found, simply tap to stream.
Benefits: Offers a vast selection, generally good audio quality (depending on the stream's bitrate), and doesn't require extra hardware.
Other Streaming Services: Explore other internet radio platforms or even individual station apps (if available and compatible with the Tesla browser).
Sub-step 2.1.2: The In-Car Web Browser
Navigate to Station Websites: If a specific AM station isn't on TuneIn or a similar app, you can often go directly to their website using your Tesla's web browser. Most station websites have a prominent "Listen Live" button or embedded player.
Caveats: The in-car browser can sometimes be a bit clunky for continuous audio streaming, and some website players might not be fully optimized for the Tesla's interface. However, it's a solid backup option.
Step 3: Employing Your Smartphone for AM Radio
Your smartphone is a powerful tool, and it can easily bridge the AM radio gap in your Tesla.
3.1 Bluetooth Streaming from Your Phone
This is arguably the most common and convenient method.
Sub-step 3.1.1: Install a Radio App on Your Phone
Download a Reliable App: Install a radio streaming app on your smartphone, such as TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Audacy, or the official app of your desired AM station.
Test the App: Ensure the app works correctly and streams your desired AM station without issues on your phone.
Sub-step 3.1.2: Connect Your Phone via Bluetooth
Pair Your Phone with Tesla: If you haven't already, pair your smartphone with your Tesla's Bluetooth system. Go to
Controls > Bluetoothon your Tesla touchscreen, enable Bluetooth on your phone, and select your phone from the list of available devices to pair.Select Bluetooth as Audio Source: Once paired, open the media player on your Tesla's screen and select
Bluetoothas the audio source.Start Streaming from Your Phone: Now, open your chosen radio app on your phone and start playing the AM station. The audio will be wirelessly transmitted to your Tesla's sound system.
Pro Tip: For maximum convenience, you can set your phone to keep the screen on while the app is active, or simply rely on the background playback.
Step 4: Considering External AM Radio Receivers
For those who prefer a traditional AM radio experience or need better reception in areas with weak cellular data, a dedicated external AM radio receiver is an option. This method requires some additional hardware.
4.1 Portable AM/FM Radios with Audio Output
Many portable radios offer a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be used to output audio.
Sub-step 4.1.1: Choose Your Receiver
Look for a Portable AM/FM Radio: Select a compact, battery-powered portable AM/FM radio with a headphone jack (3.5mm audio output). Quality of reception will vary by model, so consider reviews. Some excellent options are available from brands like Sangean, C. Crane, or even simpler, affordable models.
Consider a Digital Tuning Model: Digital tuning (as opposed to analog) generally provides more precise station selection and can lock onto signals better.
Sub-step 4.1.2: Connect to Your Tesla's Audio Input (if available, usually Bluetooth)
The Catch: Modern Teslas typically do not have a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. This means you can't directly plug a portable radio into the car's sound system with a cable.
Bluetooth Transmitter Workaround: To use a portable radio with your Tesla, you'll need an external Bluetooth audio transmitter.
Plug the transmitter into the portable radio's headphone jack.
Pair the Bluetooth transmitter with your Tesla, similar to how you'd pair your phone (refer to Step 3.1.2).
Tune your portable radio to your desired AM station. The audio will then be sent wirelessly to your Tesla.
Benefits: Allows for true AM band reception, independent of internet connectivity.
Challenges: Requires multiple devices, can be less seamless than app-based streaming, and battery management for the portable radio and transmitter.
Step 5: Advanced (and Less Common) Solutions for the DIY Enthusiast ️
For those with a strong technical inclination, a more integrated, albeit complex, solution might be considered. Proceed with caution, as these methods can void warranties or damage your vehicle if not executed correctly.
5.1 Aftermarket AM Tuner Integration
This is largely unchartered territory for most Tesla owners, as aftermarket solutions specifically designed to add a traditional AM tuner into the Tesla's proprietary infotainment system are virtually non-existent. The complexity lies in integrating with Tesla's closed system and addressing the inherent electrical interference.
Sub-step 5.1.1: Custom Solutions (Highly Technical)
This would involve sourcing a standalone AM radio tuner (potentially from another car's audio system), designing a way to power it, and finding a method to feed its audio output into your Tesla's sound system. This would likely require a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) if the tuner's output isn't directly compatible, and then an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to feed it into a USB or Bluetooth input if the Tesla's system doesn't have a direct analog input.
Interference Mitigation: A significant hurdle would be effectively shielding the AM tuner and antenna from the Tesla's electrical interference. This could involve specialized cabling, grounding techniques, and strategic placement of components.
Professional Installation: If such a custom solution were even feasible, it would almost certainly require the expertise of a highly specialized car audio installer with experience in complex vehicle electronics.
5.2 USB Dongle Radios (Limited Success for AM)
While USB FM radio dongles exist, USB AM radio dongles are far less common and generally have very poor reception in a vehicle, especially an EV, due to interference. It's not a recommended or reliable solution.
Step 6: Maximizing Reception and User Experience ✨
Regardless of the method you choose, a few tips can enhance your AM radio listening experience.
6.1 Optimize Phone/Device Placement
If you're using your smartphone or a portable radio, experiment with its placement within the car. Sometimes, even a slight change in position can improve reception, especially for over-the-air signals. Avoid placing devices directly over charging pads or near other electronics that might cause interference.
6.2 Ensure Strong Internet Connection
For internet streaming, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial. Ensure your Tesla has good cellular signal (Premium Connectivity helps here), or connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network before driving off, if possible. If using your phone, ensure you have a good data plan and signal.
6.3 Use Tesla's Audio Controls
Once audio is playing through Bluetooth or a streaming app, remember you can still control the volume using your Tesla's steering wheel scroll wheel and the touchscreen. Many streaming apps also allow for basic playback controls (play/pause, skip) through the Tesla interface.
Related FAQ Questions
How to use TuneIn on Tesla?
To use TuneIn on your Tesla, open the Media Player on your touchscreen, select the "TuneIn" source, and then use the search bar or browse categories to find your desired AM (or FM, or internet-only) radio stations.
How to stream AM radio from my phone to Tesla?
First, download a radio streaming app (like TuneIn or iHeartRadio) on your smartphone. Then, pair your phone with your Tesla via Bluetooth. Select "Bluetooth" as the audio source on your Tesla's media player, and start playing your chosen AM station from the app on your phone.
How to connect an external portable AM radio to my Tesla?
Since Teslas typically lack a 3.5mm AUX input, you'll need a portable AM/FM radio with a headphone jack and a Bluetooth audio transmitter. Plug the transmitter into the portable radio's headphone jack, pair the transmitter with your Tesla via Bluetooth, and then tune your portable radio to the desired AM station.
How to deal with interference when trying to get AM radio in a Tesla?
For internet-based solutions, interference isn't usually an issue. For external portable radios, try positioning the radio and its antenna in different areas of the car to find the spot with the least interference. Keeping it away from the car's electronics can help.
How to know if my Tesla has AM radio built-in?
Most newer Tesla models (generally from 2018 onwards, and especially those with the MCU2 or later infotainment upgrades) do not have built-in AM radio. If you have an older model, you might have AM, but it can be affected by interference from the drivetrain. Check your owner's manual or Tesla's support documentation for your specific model year.
How to find local AM radio stations online?
You can use websites like TuneIn.com, iHeart.com, or Radio.com, and search for local stations by city, state, or frequency. Many local AM stations also have their own official websites where you can find a "Listen Live" option.
How to improve Bluetooth audio quality in my Tesla for AM radio?
Ensure your phone's volume is set to a high level before connecting to Bluetooth, and then control the overall volume using the Tesla's controls. Also, make sure the streaming app on your phone is set to its highest audio quality setting if available.
How to save AM radio stations as favorites in Tesla when streaming?
If you're using an app like TuneIn within your Tesla, you can typically "favorite" stations within the app itself. When streaming via Bluetooth from your phone, the favoriting would occur within the app on your phone, not directly in the Tesla's media player.
How to use my Tesla's web browser for AM radio streaming effectively?
Open the browser, navigate to the AM station's official website, and look for a "Listen Live" or embedded player. Tap on it to start playback. Keep in mind that continuous playback might be interrupted if you switch to other apps or navigate away from the browser.
How to check for Tesla software updates that might add AM radio?
You can check for software updates on your Tesla's touchscreen by going to Controls > Software. While Tesla occasionally adds new features, it is highly unlikely that a software update will reintroduce native AM radio functionality due to the fundamental hardware limitations and interference issues inherent to EVs.
