Software Updates - Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual

Loading New Software
Tesla updates your vehicle's software
wirelessly, constantly providing new features.
Tesla recommends you install software
updates as soon as they are available on your
vehicle. To ensure the fastest and most reliable
delivery of software updates, leave Wi-Fi
turned on and connected whenever possible.
In most cases, your vehicle must be connected
to Wi-Fi to start an update (see
Wi-Fi on page 156).
Note: On an as-needed basis, Tesla also sends
software updates using a cellular connection.
Note: Software updates are not performed
when Smart Preconditioning, Keep Climate
On, Dog Mode, or Camp Mode is active.
Warning: Do not attempt to use the
vehicle while the software is being
updated. Vehicle functions, including
some safety systems, may be limited or
disabled when a software update is in
progress and you could damage the
vehicle.
When a software update is available, a yellow
clock icon appears at the top of the
touchscreen. There are three ways you can
install software updates:
• Touch the yellow clock icon to display the
scheduling window, which prompts you to
select a time to install the update (SET
FOR THIS TIME) or install it now (INSTALL
NOW). Once scheduled, the yellow clock
icon changes to a white clock icon until
the update begins. At any time before the
update begins, you can touch this clock
icon to reschedule the update.
• Go to Controls > Software to determine if
an update is available for your vehicle. If
available, touch Software Update Available
to navigate to the scheduling window, as
mentioned above.
• Start updates using the Tesla mobile app.
Note: Some software updates can take up to
three hours to complete. Model S must be in
Park while the software is being updated. To
ensure the fastest and most reliable delivery of
software updates, leave the Wi-Fi turned on
and connected whenever possible (see
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Using the Touchscreen
Connecting to
on page 156).

Software Updates

The yellow clock icon becomes a green
download icon when a software update is
downloading. If a yellow download icon
displays, a software update is available but
your vehicle is not connected to Wi-Fi.
Connect your vehicle to Wi-Fi to start the
download.
Software Update Preferences
You can choose how quickly and often you
receive software updates. To change your
preference, navigate to Controls > Software >
Software Update Preferences and choose
either of these options:
• STANDARD: Receive software updates
using the normal rollout timeframe for
your region and vehicle configuration.
When a software release is made available
it has generally been running on other
customer vehicles for a period of time.
• ADVANCED: Receive the latest software
updates for your region and vehicle
configuration as soon as they are
available. Tesla determines how, when, and
where to send updates to vehicles based
on various factors unique to each release.
Keep in mind that although you receive
updates as soon as they are available for
your specific vehicle, you may not be in
the first Tesla group of Tesla owners to
receive the update. Choosing Advanced
does not enroll your vehicle in Tesla's early
access program.
Note: Tesla does not update software upon
request for those wanting to receive the latest
features and improvements. Selecting
ADVANCED and consistently connecting to
Wi-Fi (see Connecting to Wi-Fi
the best way to receive the latest software
updates.
Note: The software update window persists
until you install the update. You must install a
software update as soon it becomes available.
Any harm resulting from failure to install a
software update is not covered by the
vehicle's warranty. Failure or refusal to install
updates can cause some vehicle features to
become inaccessible, digital media devices to
become incompatible, and can limit Tesla's
ability to diagnose and service your vehicle.
Note: Reverting to a previous software version
is not possible.
If the touchscreen displays a message
indicating that a software update was not
successfully completed, contact Tesla.
on page 156) is
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