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You risk missing the important map and software updates if you don’t connect your Tesla to a stable WiFi connection.
That’s why it’s best to connect your Tesla to a WiFi network whenever you can. Most drivers choose to connect to their home networks overnight while their Tesla is parked.
In our article, we’ve carefully investigated the problem of a Tesla not connecting to WiFi and can confidently bring to your attention the solution. We can also answer a few of the other common connectivity questions you might have, so continue reading to learn more.
How To Connect WiFi (Step By Step)
If you’re having trouble connecting to a WiFi network, you can have a look below at the steps we have listed that detail how to connect WiFi to your Tesla:
1. Touch your Tesla controls and select the WiFi icon on the control screen at the top.
2. After touching this, your Tesla should begin scanning WiFi connections and display the detected networks within your Tesla’s range.
3. After you see a list of the available WiFi connections, you will select the one you know and press ‘confirm’. You might be required to enter the password if the WiFi network is private.
4. Once connected to a WiFi connection, it will be displayed at the top of the Teslas touchscreen. Look for it to confirm.
5. After connecting your Tesla to a WiFi connection, it should automatically connect whenever your Tesla is within range. Be sure to check this.
6. If you want to connect to a hidden network, you can do so by going into your WiFi settings.
7. Hidden networks don’t appear in a scan, so you must go to WiFi settings and input the network name you want to connect to in the dialog box. After typing the network into this dialog box, you can choose a security setting and add it, which should connect you to it.
Fix The WiFi Connection Issue (Step By Step Guide)
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to connect to a WiFi network by following the above steps. If this occurs, you must fix the WiFi connection issue to restore updates and other functions. Look below to learn how to resolve your Teslas WiFi connectivity issues:
- You need to ensure your phone can connect to the WiFi. If your phone can’t connect to the WiFi, it means there is something wrong with the network and not with your Tesla’s connectivity. You must fix this issue before trying to connect to the WiFi again.
- If your phone is connecting to the WiFi and your Tesla is not, you will need to do a system reboot. Luckily, this should only take one minute and is fairly easy. Click to check how to do it.
- You can proceed with the above tips we gave in the ‘How To Connect WiFi’ section.
Still, Having Issues Connecting? What To Do
If you still have issues connecting after checking the WiFi connection and performing a reboot, you could try a few other solutions. Let’s have a look at these solutions below.
Smartphone As A Mobile Hotspot
You can use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot if there is no WiFi network to connect to.
Your Tesla can connect to your mobile hotspot via WiFi tethering, but you should note that this could cost you some money. There also might be restrictions in place from your mobile carrier.
Additionally, suppose you want to remain connected to your mobile hotspot while driving to access maps and other features. In that case, you must go to WiFi settings and select ‘remain connected in the drive’.
Change The Location of Your WiFi Router
Sometimes, your Tesla could have trouble connecting to the Internet because your WiFi router is too far away from your Tesla. The best solution for this is to change the location of your router and move it closer to your car.
When you move the router closer, it will likely increase the signal strength. Yet, if you can’t do this, consider moving your car closer to it if at all possible.
Reboot Your WiFi Router
Now and then, your Tesla can lose its connection to a WiFi source because the router is having issues. The best way to rule this out is to reboot your WiFi router. Rebooting it is as simple as resetting the router and switching it on and off.
Sometimes you might have to do a factory reset, but this is rarely needed. If your router was the problem, the reboot should let you connect without issues.
Get A WiFi Extender
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your Tesla, you might want to consider using a WiFi extender. A WiFi extender is situated halfway between your Tesla and WiFi router.
This device picks up your router’s signal and transmits it (by extending it) from your WiFi to your Tesla. Most WiFi extenders are plug-and-play, so it might be worth investing in if your router is very far from your Tesla.
Upgrade Your Home WiFi Equipment
Outdated home WiFi equipment could be the reason why your Tesla can’t find WiFi. So it might be time to look at your networking system to determine if you need an overhaul to keep up with modern technology needs.
Where Is The WiFi Antenna On A Tesla?
Struggling to locate your WiFi antenna on your Tesla? Below we have listed the different Tesla models and detailed where you can find the antenna. Knowing the antenna’s location will help you pick up on the strongest WiFi signal.
Before August 2022, the Tesla wifi antenna in the passenger seat and driver’s seat on the passenger sides of the rear view mirror.
After August 2022, the Wi-Fi antennas of the Model 3/Y and Model S/X have been moved to the bar in the middle of the sunroof above the B-pillar of the car.
Our Verdict
Hopefully, the tips we shared will help your Tesla find a stable WiFi connection. As you can see, connecting to the Internet is easy, and there are multiple solutions exist to fix a connectivity problem. Your chosen solution will depend on your WiFi issue, so don’t be afraid to troubleshoot.