Hey Tesla owner! Ready to elevate your in-car entertainment? Getting SiriusXM (often still referred to as XM Radio) in your Tesla is a fantastic way to access a huge variety of ad-free music, live sports, news, talk shows, and comedy. While older Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles may have had a built-in satellite radio tuner, newer Tesla models, including the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, primarily rely on streaming via the SiriusXM app. This means a solid internet connection is key!
Let's dive into the step-by-step process to get that premium audio flowing in your Tesla.
Step 1: Check Your Tesla's Connectivity and Software
First things first, let's make sure your Tesla is ready to stream. SiriusXM in newer Teslas operates via internet streaming, so a robust connection is essential.
Sub-heading: Assess Your Tesla's Connectivity
Premium Connectivity: Many Tesla owners opt for Premium Connectivity, a subscription service from Tesla that provides cellular data access directly to your vehicle. This is the most seamless way to ensure a consistent internet connection for streaming services like SiriusXM, live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, and more. It typically costs around USD 9.99 per month or USD 99 per year. If you have Premium Connectivity, you're likely good to go on the internet front.
Wi-Fi Connection: If you don't have Premium Connectivity, or if you're in an area with poor cellular reception, you'll need to rely on a Wi-Fi connection.
Home Wi-Fi: When parked at home, ensure your Tesla is connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
Mobile Hotspot: On the go, you can use your smartphone's mobile hotspot. This is a viable workaround for streaming, but be mindful of your data plan, as streaming can consume a significant amount of data. To connect:
On your phone, enable the personal hotspot.
In your Tesla's touchscreen, go to Controls > Wi-Fi.
Select your phone's hotspot from the list.
Crucially, make sure to enable "Remain Connected in Drive" if available in your Tesla's Wi-Fi settings to maintain the connection while driving.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Tesla Software is Up-to-Date
Tesla frequently releases over-the-air (OTA) software updates that can introduce new features, improvements, and app integrations.
Connect your Tesla to a strong Wi-Fi connection (either home Wi-Fi or a stable mobile hotspot).
Your Tesla will automatically download and prompt you to install updates. You can also manually check for updates in your vehicle's software settings: Controls > Software > Software Update.
It's highly recommended to have the latest software version to ensure the SiriusXM app functions correctly and you have access to the latest features. Look for a SiriusXM icon in your app tray after updates.
Step 2: Accessing SiriusXM in Your Tesla
Once your connectivity and software are sorted, it's time to find and launch SiriusXM.
Sub-heading: Locating the SiriusXM App
On your Tesla's large touchscreen, navigate to the App Launcher (usually the car icon at the bottom of the screen or by swiping up from the bottom).
Look for the SiriusXM icon. It might be immediately visible or nestled within the "Media" section. A blue dot underneath the app icon often indicates a new application or one that has recently been updated.
Tap on the SiriusXM icon to launch the application.
Sub-heading: Initial Setup and Trial Activation
Upon launching for the first time, you might be presented with terms and conditions. Read through them and accept.
SiriusXM often offers free trial periods for new Tesla owners (e.g., one to three months of premium service without a credit card required).
If your Radio ID (which you can find in the SiriusXM app's "Subscription" tab) starts with a "V", you're likely eligible for a trial that does not require a credit card upfront.
The Tesla SiriusXM integration often has a unique "Radio ID" tied to your specific vehicle. You generally don't log in with existing streaming credentials directly within the car app. Instead, you might be prompted to:
Scan a QR code: This is a common method. Scan the QR code displayed on your Tesla's screen with your phone.
Follow on-screen instructions: The QR code or direct prompts will guide you to a SiriusXM website to register your Tesla account or link it to an existing SiriusXM account if you have one. Be aware that linking an existing account might still require you to set up a new "Tesla-specific" subscription through SiriusXM.
For existing SiriusXM subscribers: When prompted to register or link, try to use the same email address associated with your current SiriusXM account. This can sometimes consolidate your subscriptions under a single Online Account Center login, though billing dates for Tesla subscriptions may differ.
Step 3: Enjoying SiriusXM and Managing Your Subscription
You're almost there! Once activated, you can start exploring the vast world of SiriusXM.
Sub-heading: Navigating the SiriusXM Interface
The SiriusXM interface in your Tesla is designed for easy navigation. You'll typically find sections like:
For You: Personalized recommendations based on your listening habits.
Music: Ad-free channels across all genres and decades.
Talk & Podcasts: Celebrity-hosted shows, news, comedy, and an extensive podcast library.
Sports: Live play-by-play for major leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA), plus expert analysis.
Library/Favorites: A dedicated space to save your favorite channels, shows, artists, and teams for quick access.
You can often use voice commands or the on-screen keyboard to search for specific channels, artists, or content.
Pro Tip: While streaming SiriusXM, some users have noted that features like "TuneStart" (which starts a song from the beginning when you tune in) might be enabled by default and can be a bit annoying if you frequently switch channels. Unfortunately, there might not be in-car settings to customize this feature directly.
Sub-heading: Managing Your SiriusXM Subscription After the Trial
Your free trial is a fantastic opportunity to experience SiriusXM. Before it ends, SiriusXM will likely contact you with offers to subscribe.
To continue your service, you'll typically need to:
Visit the SiriusXM website (
siriusxm.com/tesla Log in or create an account linked to your Tesla's Radio ID.
Choose a subscription plan that suits your preferences. SiriusXM offers various tiers, often with promotional rates for new subscribers.
Important Note: If your Tesla's Radio ID starts with a "V", the subscription process is streamlined through SiriusXM's Tesla-specific offerings. If your Radio ID does not start with a "V" (more common for older Model S/X with satellite tuners), you might manage your subscription more traditionally through the SiriusXM Online Account Center, adding your vehicle's Radio ID to an existing or new plan.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues (If They Arise) ️
Even with the best intentions, technology can sometimes be finicky. Here are a few common issues and quick fixes:
Sub-heading: Connectivity Troubles
"No Internet Connection" or Buffering:
Check Premium Connectivity Status: Ensure your Premium Connectivity subscription is active.
Verify Wi-Fi Connection: If using Wi-Fi or a hotspot, double-check that your Tesla is still connected and the signal is strong. Try reconnecting.
Cellular Signal: If relying on Premium Connectivity, check the cellular signal strength indicator on your Tesla's screen. Poor signal can lead to buffering.
Move to a Different Location: Sometimes, simply driving to an area with better cellular or Wi-Fi coverage resolves the issue.
Sub-heading: App Glitches
SiriusXM App Not Loading/Crashing:
Close and Reopen the App: Switch to a different audio source (like Spotify or FM radio) and then switch back to SiriusXM to force the app to restart.
Soft Reboot the Infotainment System: This often fixes minor software hiccups. To do this, hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the touchscreen goes black. Release them, and the screen will restart. This does not affect your driving or vehicle settings.
Check for Tesla Software Updates: As mentioned, an outdated software version can sometimes cause app instability.
Sub-heading: Subscription Issues
Channels Not Available or "Refresh Radio":
If you've recently subscribed or renewed, sometimes the signal needs a refresh. In the SiriusXM app on your Tesla, navigate to the Subscription tab. There might be an option to "Refresh Radio" or similar.
Alternatively, visit the SiriusXM website or contact their customer support, provide your Radio ID, and request a signal refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Find my SiriusXM Radio ID in my Tesla?
Open the SiriusXM app on your Tesla's touchscreen, then navigate to the "Subscription" tab. Your Radio ID will be displayed there.
How to Activate a SiriusXM Free Trial in my Tesla?
If your Tesla's Radio ID starts with a "V", open the SiriusXM app in your car, find the trial offer (often on the Subscription tab), and follow the on-screen instructions, which may involve scanning a QR code to register online.
How to Subscribe to SiriusXM After my Tesla Trial Ends?
You'll need to visit the SiriusXM website (
How to Use an Existing SiriusXM Account with my Tesla?
While the in-car app usually doesn't allow direct login, when you register your Tesla's Radio ID online, try using the same email as your existing SiriusXM account. This might link them under one Online Account Center.
How to Troubleshoot SiriusXM if it's Not Playing in my Tesla?
First, ensure your Tesla has a strong internet connection (Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi). If so, try closing and reopening the SiriusXM app or performing a soft reboot of your Tesla's infotainment system (holding both steering wheel scroll wheels).
How to Get SiriusXM if my Tesla Doesn't Have Premium Connectivity?
You can connect your Tesla to a mobile hotspot from your smartphone. Ensure "Remain Connected in Drive" is enabled in your Tesla's Wi-Fi settings.
How to Improve SiriusXM Sound Quality in my Tesla?
Ensure your internet connection is stable and strong. Streaming quality can be impacted by a weak signal. Tesla's audio system itself offers equalization settings you can adjust.
How to Save Favorite Channels in SiriusXM on my Tesla?
Within the SiriusXM app on your Tesla's touchscreen, there should be an option (often a star or heart icon) to add channels to your "Favorites" or "Library" section.
How to Tell if my Tesla Model Has a Satellite Radio Tuner?
Older Model S and Model X vehicles (typically pre-2018) might have a physical satellite radio tuner. Newer models (Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and more recent S/X) primarily use the streaming SiriusXM app. You can verify this by checking if the SiriusXM app appears in your media sources without requiring an internet connection (if it functions only with internet, it's streaming).
How to Contact SiriusXM Support for Tesla Issues?
For specific subscription or service issues, visit the SiriusXM Help Center on their website or contact their customer service directly. Have your Tesla's Radio ID handy.
