Tesla software · Getting updates
No Tesla update yet? How updates reach your car
Find out whether your update is not offered yet, stuck downloading or waiting to install, what Standard and Advanced really do, and what to expect while it installs.
Short answer
An update goes through four stages: Tesla offers it to your car, the car downloads it (over Wi-Fi in most cases), you install it, and it runs for about 30 minutes in Park. Set Controls › Software to Advanced and keep the car on reliable Wi-Fi; Tesla calls that the best way to get updates quickly. Nothing forces a build Tesla has not offered to your car, and you cannot go back to an older version.
Where are you stuck?
Standard or Advanced?
WhereControls›Software›Software Update Preference
Standard
- Updates in the normal timeframe for your region and car
- The build has usually run on other cars for a while
- Fewer releases
Advanced
- Updates as soon as they are available for your car
- Not necessarily in the very first group
- More releases, and not the early-access programme
Tesla’s own advice: Advanced plus a consistent Wi-Fi connection is the best way to receive updates quickly.
Not offered yet
- Wi-Fi in the car, not just your phone. Updates download over Wi-Fi in most cases; Tesla sends some over cellular only when needed.
- Advanced selected under Controls › Software.
- Patience after delivery. Tesla names no fixed date for a new car’s first update.
- Other cars having it proves nothing. Builds go out in stages; your car may simply not be in this wave.
On 2026 software, Automatically Install Updates (Controls › Software) can install at 2 a.m. when the car is parked at your saved Home with more than 10 % charge.
What the icons mean
Driving away during a download can interrupt it if the car loses Wi-Fi.
Installing: what to expect
- Park itThe car must be in Park and cannot be driven while installing. Charging pauses and resumes afterwards.
- Plan about 30 minutesTesla’s current manual says about 30 minutes; some updates take longer.
- Turn off climate modesUpdates do not install while Keep Climate On, Dog Mode or Camp Mode is active.
- Schedule it if you likeTap the clock: Install Now, or Set For This Time. If you are driving at that time, the install is cancelled and needs a new time.
There is no way back to an older version. Never start an update while someone in the car relies on the climate.
If it fails
If the touchscreen reports an unsuccessful update, Tesla’s current manual says to wait for the next update to be sent to the car. If the car is not usable normally, follow Tesla Support and give the exact message, build and time. A German guide adds that a service request in the Tesla app (Service, category Software) is the next step if a download stays stuck.
Questions
Can I force a Tesla update?
No. Tesla does not update on request. Advanced plus reliable Wi-Fi is the best you can do.
How long does a Tesla update take?
About 30 minutes according to Tesla’s current manual; some take longer. The car must stay in Park.
Is Advanced the same as Early Access?
No. Tesla states that choosing Advanced does not enrol the car in its early-access programme.
Can I go back to the previous version?
No. Tesla’s manual says reverting to an earlier version is not possible.
Sources
Tesla documentation
Tracker reports and press
Summaries in our own words, not Tesla’s release notes. Features depend on model, hardware, market and software version; the notes in your car take precedence. Release dates are when public trackers first listed a build, and their country data are samples. Handlefree is independent and not affiliated with Tesla, Inc.
