Thinking about enjoying the convenience of the Uber app right from your Tesla Model 3's large display? You're in luck! While Tesla doesn't have a traditional "app store" like your smartphone where you can just download any app, there's a fantastic integration between Uber and Tesla that allows for a seamless experience, especially for Uber drivers. Let's dive into how you can get this set up.
Step 1: Get Ready – The Essentials You'll Need
Before we start, let's make sure you have everything in place. Think of this as gathering your tools before a DIY project!
Your Tesla Model 3: Obviously! Ensure it has the latest software updates. Tesla regularly pushes over-the-air (OTA) updates that can include new features and improvements to existing integrations.
A Smartphone (iOS or Android): This is crucial. The actual Uber app (whether for riders or drivers) will still live on your phone. The Tesla integration primarily focuses on mirroring and sending navigation information to your car's display.
The Uber App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Uber app (specifically the Uber Driver app if you're driving for Uber). Outdated versions might not support the Tesla integration.
For Android users: You can update from the Google Play Store.
For iOS users: You can update from the Apple App Store.
The Tesla App: Ensure you have the official Tesla app installed on your smartphone and that you're signed in with your Tesla credentials. This app is essential for managing your Tesla, including granting third-party access.
Premium Connectivity (Optional, but Recommended for Drivers): While not strictly required for basic functionality, Tesla's Premium Connectivity enhances the in-car experience with features like live traffic visualization, satellite-view maps, and video streaming, which can be beneficial for navigation and entertainment during downtimes.
Step 2: Connecting Your Uber Account to Your Tesla
This is where the magic happens! Uber has partnered with Tesla to allow for a direct connection that enhances the driving experience, particularly for Uber drivers.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Connection from the Uber Driver App
Open the Uber Driver App on Your Smartphone: This is where you'll begin the process.
Navigate to Account Settings: Look for the "Menu" icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the app, then tap on "Account."
Find "Vehicles": Within your Account settings, you should see an option for "Vehicles." Tap on this.
Locate Your Tesla and Connect: Under "Eligible Vehicles," you should see your Tesla listed. Next to it, there will be a "Connect" button. Tap this button to proceed.
Continue to Tesla: The Uber app will then redirect you to a screen within the app or your phone's browser, prompting you to "Continue to Tesla." Select this.
Sub-heading: Granting Permissions in Your Tesla Account
Sign In to Your Tesla Account: You'll be directed to a Tesla login page (likely through a secure third-party service like Smartcar, which facilitates these connections). Enter your Tesla account email and password.
Review and Grant Access: Once logged in, you'll be presented with a screen asking for permission to grant access to certain data from your Tesla to the Uber app. This typically includes:
Vehicle Information: This allows Uber to know things like your battery range.
Vehicle Commands: This is crucial for the navigation integration, allowing Uber to send destination information to your car's display.
Carefully review the permissions and ensure you're comfortable with what's being shared.
Select "Allow": Once you've reviewed the permissions, select "Allow" to authorize the connection.
Sub-heading: Confirming and Setting Up Navigation
Return to the Uber Driver App: After granting permissions, you'll be redirected back to the Uber Driver app.
Set Tesla Navigation as Primary: Within the Uber Driver app, go to "Menu" > "Account" > "App Settings" > "Navigation." Here, you should now have the option to choose "Tesla Navigation" as your primary navigation system. Select this for a seamless experience.
Step 3: Using the Uber Integration in Your Tesla Model 3
Now that everything is connected, here's how you'll experience Uber in your Tesla.
Sub-heading: Accepting Trips and Navigation
Accept a Trip on Your Phone: You'll still accept ride requests on your smartphone, as you normally would.
Automatic Destination Transfer: This is the key benefit! Once you accept a trip and start navigation on your phone, the pickup and drop-off information will be automatically sent and displayed directly on your Tesla's large center screen. This eliminates the need to manually input destinations or constantly look at your phone for directions.
Battery-Aware Matching (for Drivers): A fantastic feature for EV drivers! When enabled in the Uber app (after connecting your Tesla), you'll only receive trip requests that are within your Tesla's current battery range. This helps alleviate range anxiety and ensures you don't accept trips you can't complete on your current charge.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations
No Native Uber App on Tesla: It's important to reiterate that you are not downloading a standalone Uber app onto your Tesla's operating system. Instead, you're integrating your Uber smartphone app with your Tesla's native navigation and display capabilities through an API (Application Programming Interface) connection.
Web Browser for Basic Access (Less Ideal): While theoretically you could open the Uber website (m.uber.com) in your Tesla's web browser, this offers a very limited and clunky experience compared to the dedicated integration. You won't get the seamless navigation transfer or battery-aware matching. This is generally not recommended for regular use.
Stay Updated: Keep both your Tesla's software and your Uber Driver app updated to the latest versions to ensure optimal performance and access to new features or bug fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check if my Tesla's software is up to date?
You can check your Tesla's software version on the touchscreen by going to Controls > Software. Updates are typically downloaded automatically over Wi-Fi.
How to update the Uber Driver app on my phone?
For Android, open the Google Play Store, search for "Uber Driver," and tap "Update." For iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll down to see pending updates, and tap "Update" next to the Uber Driver app.
How to enable battery-aware matching for Uber on my Tesla?
After connecting your Tesla in the Uber Driver app, go to Menu > Account > Vehicles, and ensure your Tesla is selected as your primary vehicle. Then, within the app, there should be an option to enable battery-aware matching.
How to disconnect Uber from my Tesla?
You can typically disconnect the integration from within the Uber Driver app by going to Menu > Account > Vehicles and finding the option to disconnect your Tesla. You can also manage third-party app access on the Tesla website or the Tesla app under Account Settings > Security > Third Party Apps.
How to use the Tesla browser to access Uber?
Open the web browser on your Tesla touchscreen and type in m.uber.com. You can then log in, but note that the functionality will be limited to the web interface and won't offer the deep navigation integration.
How to get premium connectivity for my Tesla?
You can subscribe to Premium Connectivity directly through your Tesla account online or through the Tesla app.
How to troubleshoot if the Uber navigation isn't showing on my Tesla screen?
Ensure both your Uber Driver app and Tesla software are updated. Double-check that your Tesla is selected as the primary vehicle in the Uber app and that Tesla Navigation is chosen under "App Settings" > "Navigation." Sometimes, restarting both your phone and your Tesla's infotainment system (hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black, then release) can resolve minor glitches.
How to share a destination from my phone to my Tesla without Uber integration?
You can use the "Share" function on your smartphone's map app (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) and select the Tesla app as the sharing destination. This will send the address to your Tesla's navigation system.
How to check what permissions Uber has for my Tesla?
You can view and manage third-party apps connected to your Tesla account by signing in to your Tesla account on the Tesla website or through the Tesla app under Security > Third Party Apps.
How to report an issue with the Uber-Tesla integration?
If you're experiencing persistent issues, first contact Uber Support through their app or website. If it seems like a Tesla-specific issue, you can also try contacting Tesla support.
For more details on connecting your Tesla with the Uber app, check out this video:
