40 Hidden Tesla Features for Everyday Use
If you're not already aware, your Tesla boasts some impressive hidden features and secret settings that can significantly enhance your driving experience. Discover these 40 Tesla Hidden Features that you simply must see to believe!
Live Sentry Mode
Your Tesla is fitted with eight cameras, with four dedicated to monitoring activity when your car is parked and in sentry mode, a popular security feature for Teslas. However, not everyone is aware that these four cameras can be accessed live via the Tesla app on Android and iPhone. Live sentry mode allows you to remotely view your Tesla's cameras, honk the horn, and flash the headlights. Additionally, you can speak through your Tesla's exterior speaker from anywhere globally, provided you have premium connectivity and live sentry mode enabled. That's impressive!
Free Full Self Driving
For those who don't have Full Self Driving, there are two ways to obtain it for FREE through Tesla's Referral Program. If you own a Tesla, you have a unique referral code. When someone uses your code to purchase a Tesla, you receive at least 10,000 credits, which can be redeemed for Tesla Accessories, Clothing, or upgrades, including Full Self Driving. Three months of Full Self-Driving costs exactly 10,000 credits, so you need one person to buy a Tesla using your code. Conversely, if you purchase a Tesla and use someone else's code, you'll automatically receive $500 off a Model 3 or Y and $1,000 off an S or X, along with 3 months of Full Self Driving. Be sure to use our Tesla Referral Code for your next Tesla purchase!
Free Premium Connectivity
Connectivity in all Tesla vehicles is crucial to the driving experience, providing access to data-driven features like streaming music and media, live traffic visualization, and more. Each Tesla includes standard connectivity, offering basic Navigation features. For additional features such as Live Traffic Visualization, Sentry Mode - View Live Camera, Satellite-View Maps, Video Streaming, Caraoke, Music Streaming, and Internet Browsing, you can subscribe to the Premium Connectivity service for $9.99 per month or $99 annually. However, many Tesla owners are unaware that most of these features can be accessed without a subscription. By connecting your Tesla to your smartphone's Hotspot via WiFi, you can enjoy Video Streaming, Caraoke, Music Streaming, and Internet Browsing, along with core maps and navigation functionality, including traffic-based routing, Trip Planner, and Supercharger stall availability. To use your mobile hotspot, it's advisable to have an unlimited plan with your carrier.
Hidden Auto Park
If you bought or subscribed to Full Self Driving, there's a concealed auto park feature available. However, to activate it, you must first enable it. You won't locate it by browsing through the menus since there's no direct setting, BUT... there's a secret way to access it. Head to Settings, then Autopilot, tap on Customize Summon, and ensure "No" is selected where it says "require continuous press." Then, exit and double-tap the parking button on the stalk when you're ready to park. There you have it, Hidden Autopark!
More Streaming Services and Games
If you're subscribed to Premium Connectivity or connected to your mobile phone's hotspot, you can access streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and others. This selection is already impressive, but you can add even more streaming options to your Tesla by visiting ABetterTheater.com through your Tesla's internet browser. This site provides access to services such as HBO Max, ESPN, Paramount+, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more! You can also play games like Tetris and others. The interface is user-friendly and responsive, and you can bookmark the website to make it the first thing you see when opening the internet browser, making it easier than ever to start streaming immediately.
Unlatch Doors
If your handles become stuck due to a malfunction or ice, you can use the app to release them. In the app, press and hold your quick controls, and in the pop-up menu, you'll see a button labeled "unlatch door." Pressing this button will unlock, unlatch, and open your door.
Unlock Charge Port
While we hope it never occurs, the charging cable may occasionally become stuck in your Tesla's charge port. If this happens at home or at a Tesla Supercharger, you won't be able to use the main screen to electronically unlock the charge port. This can be frustrating since manually releasing the cable might be impossible. Fortunately, there is a method to release the charging cable using a hidden latch located in the upper left side of the trunk. You'll need to do some searching to locate the cable, but once you find it, just give it a tug, and the charging cable will be manually released. Check this out in the 40 Tesla Hidden Features Video
5th Quick Control
In our previous post, we demonstrated how to add and personalize your quick controls. However, we didn't mention that you can add an additional quick control by pushing another control to the screen's edge. It may require a few attempts, but it's achievable. Be sure to watch our 40 Hidden Features Video to learn how to customize your quick controls.
Lower Autopilot Speed FAST
If you're driving on autopilot and exceed the speed limit, you can quickly adjust your speed to the limit by tapping the speed limit icon on the screen. This method is faster than using the scroll wheel and ensures your speed is reduced safely, helping you avoid emergencies or traffic violations.
Control Tesla with Siri
If the Tesla app is installed, you can use Siri to control your Tesla. Simply open Siri and request actions like checking your charge level, turning on the climate control, honking the horn, or venting the windows. Almost anything you can do with the app is possible through Siri without unlocking your phone. If it doesn't work, ensure Siri is enabled to interact with the app by going to your iPhone settings, selecting "Siri & Search," scrolling down to the Tesla app, and enabling all options.
Send Address To Tesla
Tesla's navigation system allows for quick and easy address searches and navigation, but there are additional methods to set your Tesla's destination. If you have an address on your mobile device, you can wirelessly send it directly to your Tesla. This can be done with addresses received via email, text, or even those found using an internet browser. Simply long press on the address, select the option to share it with the Tesla app, and the address will be sent to your Tesla to begin navigation. Ensure you have the Tesla app, Bluetooth enabled, and a driver profile linked to your Tesla.
Free Data Report
If you find yourself in an accident, Tesla can provide you with a "Data Report," which includes various details such as accelerator and brake position data, impact area, and even steering angle and torque. You'll be able to review the status of your seatbelts, Autopilot, and Cruise control at the moment of impact, along with a wealth of other information. Moreover, you'll obtain footage from ALL cameras, including those not usually accessible, like the front fisheye camera and side pillar cameras. The report is free, and to obtain it, you need to use this link to the Data Report Form.
Sun Visor Extension
This may be familiar to many drivers, but it might surprise you that most are unaware. If you weren't aware, you can extend your Tesla's sun visors by pulling them to the left or right after folding them down, revealing an adjustable rod for increased coverage.
Access All Cameras
What if I told you there's a way to view all of your Tesla cameras directly from your vehicle? Yes, it's possible! First, ensure you have the latest update, then navigate to settings and select service. If you scroll down, you'll find a camera preview button. Click on it, and a window will open, allowing you to see every camera on your Tesla, including the wide, narrow, and side pillar cameras.
Parking Brake
You may be aware that the parking brake is automatically activated when you park your Tesla and leave the vehicle, but did you know you can activate it manually? To do this, hold the park button on the right steering wheel stalk. After holding it for a few seconds, the parking brake will engage, and a parking brake symbol will appear on the main screen. This feature can be handy if you're parking on a hill or inclined driveway while still inside the car.
Secret Menus
We all know how to navigate our settings menu, but your Tesla has a hidden service menu not intended for general access. We're going to show you how to access it now. Open your settings, go to software, and scroll down to where your car model is displayed. Press and hold on the text for 5 seconds, and a window will appear asking for an access code; here, you'll enter "service." Once inside, you'll find a wealth of new information. There's so much that we can't cover it all. Go explore it yourself; however, we advise against changing any settings in this menu, so proceed at your own risk.
Navigate Home or to Work FAST
Looking for a quicker way to navigate to work or home? Rather than selecting the address bar, choosing your destination, and tapping navigate, you can speed up the process by just swiping up or down on the navigation bar. A single swipe will instantly begin navigation to your home or work.
Switch Gears while in Motion
If you find yourself needing to switch from drive to reverse or the other way around, there's no need to come to a full stop. You can change gears while moving, provided your speed is below 5 miles per hour or 8 kilometers per hour. This can be helpful in situations where you need to quickly reverse and then move forward during an emergency.
Battery and Range Icon
Your Tesla displays your battery's charge level with a battery icon located in the top left corner of the screen. By default, this is shown as a percentage, but you can tap the number to switch it to the estimated mileage you can travel with the current charge. It's a straightforward yet handy hidden feature!
Blindspot Window Location
You're likely aware that you can activate blind spot cameras to display a video feed of your blind spot when you use your left or right turn signals. However, did you know you can reposition the window by dragging it on your screen? You can shift it from the bottom left to the top left or even closer to the center of your screen. Which position do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Tesla App Quick Controls
The Tesla app for iPhone and Android is a handy tool for tasks like enabling sentry mode, checking charge stats, and scheduling service appointments. However, its most valuable feature is using it as a car key to lock your doors, open the trunk or frunk, activate the climate control, or vent your windows. By default, the app offers four options: lock/unlock, turn on climate, open the charge port, and open the frunk. If you long press between these icons, a hidden menu appears with additional options, allowing you to replace any of the default controls. Some hidden controls include defrosting your car, honking the horn, and enabling sentry mode. Additionally, by adjusting the icons, you can add a fifth icon to the control bar!
Trunk Hook
If you own a Model 3, open your trunk, and on the right side, beneath the top of the trunk, you'll notice a peculiar screw protruding; its exact purpose is unknown, but it can be used with the grocery bag hook specifically designed for this screw. This aluminum hook attaches to the screw, allowing you to hang grocery bags or other items to prevent them from moving around in your trunk. I use it regularly, and you can too by purchasing one from our sponsor, AccessoriesForTesla.com. You can find this and thousands of other Tesla accessories for all models and years, like these fantastic headrest pillows.
Tesla Widget
Besides the quick controls in the Tesla app, you can add the Tesla Widget to your mobile device's home screen for easier access. On an iPhone, press and hold a blank area on your home screen, tap the + button at the top left, search for the Tesla widget, and select either the small or medium version. This will place the widget on your home screen or any page you prefer. Once added, you can access four or five quick controls without opening the app, effectively turning your phone into a virtual car key. The widget also displays your battery percentage, the car's current location, and sentry mode status. It's one of the best hidden features on this list!
Battery Preconditioning
If you're planning to visit a supercharger and want to charge your car at the fastest speed, always enter the supercharger's address into your navigation before driving there. By doing so, your Tesla will precondition the battery to achieve the quickest charging speeds once you plug in your car. If you arrive at the supercharger without using navigation, your Tesla will charge at slower speeds initially, as it waits for the battery to precondition; the colder the outside temperature, the longer this process will take.
Turn Off Climate
Following the holiday update V11 in 2021, accessing simple controls became more challenging, making the Tesla experience more frustrating. Since then, the Tesla team has been releasing updates to enhance usability, but many of these updates don't emphasize the improved features. One such feature is a quick way to turn off the climate. Typically, you would need to swipe up on the bottom of the screen and tap the power button on the climate screen, which can be difficult while driving. To simplify this, you can just hold down the climate button for a few seconds, and the climate will turn off completely, making it much easier than before!
Trip Planner
Regarding superchargers, the Tesla app allows you to view all nearby superchargers and plan a trip. Typically, this can only be done using your Tesla's navigation, but not anymore. Simply open your Tesla app and tap on location. You'll see a list of nearby superchargers. By selecting one, you can view its charge rate, stall availability, price per kilowatt hour, and any amenities at the location. What's exciting is that you can also plan a trip. By entering your destination, you'll see the trip time, all necessary supercharging stops, and the battery percentage upon arrival. You can even schedule a departure for a specific date and time or plan your arrival, and it will tell you exactly when to leave to reach your destination on time. Once you're ready, just hit "send to car," and it will set the navigation, even if you're away from your car. When you get in, the navigation will automatically begin. What do you think about this feature? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
Quick Light Settings
You can now access your headlight and foglight settings more quickly. Instead of navigating through the Tesla menus and options, you just push the left steering wheel stalk forward to display your light settings, allowing you to toggle your headlights, high beams, and parking lights.
Hidden Headrest
If you're unaware, the rear middle seat of your Model 3 and Model Y features a concealed headrest. Simply insert your hand between the top section of the middle seat and push upward. It's adjustable too.
Dismiss Autopilot Prompt
One thing Tesla drivers find frustrating is the autopilot prompts that require us to apply slight pressure on the steering wheel to indicate we are attentive. Although this safety feature cannot be removed, there is a way to make it less bothersome. Applying a slight turning force on the steering wheel while driving can be intimidating, as too much force can steer the car left or right and may even disengage autopilot. Instead of gripping the steering wheel, you can simply press or spin either scroll wheel on the steering wheel, making it safer and more comfortable for your hands and arms during long drives.
Model Y Reclining Rear Seats
Model Y owners can recline their rear seats by using the same button that folds the seats down. Press the seat folding latch and gently push backward to recline the seat into two different positions.
Set Trunk Height
If you've ever been worried about opening your Tesla's trunk in areas with low ceilings or overhead objects, there's no need for concern anymore. You can adjust the trunk's opening height by tapping the trunk close button at your desired height. By holding the button for a few seconds at this height, you can set it to always open at this level, which is convenient for home use. To reset the height, just manually push the trunk fully open and hold the trunk open button until you hear a beep.
Slip Start
If you're ever trapped in mud, snow, or ice, you can disable traction control by activating Slip Start to avoid wheel slip. This can assist in freeing your Tesla when the wheels are stuck. To activate it, navigate to your settings, then controls, pedals & steering, and press the Slip Start toggle.
Joe Mode
If you have young children or frequently carry passengers in the backseat of your Tesla, the system sounds can occasionally be loud and bothersome. Fortunately, you can reduce the volume of these sounds by activating "Joe Mode" in the safety menu within the system settings. This feature is named "Joe Mode" because a Tesla owner named Joe reached out to Tesla with a complaint about the system sounds and requested a solution. Elon responded to the owner and introduced the feature, naming it after him. How cool!
Remote Driving Access
If you're not near your Tesla and someone needs to use or move it in an emergency, you can grant them remote access to drive it via the Tesla App. Simply press and hold your quick control bar and select the "start" icon. This allows the person two minutes to enter your car before the doors automatically lock. If this is new information for you, consider liking this post.
Gestures
As mentioned earlier, recent Tesla updates have simplified navigating the infotainment screen, thanks to the introduction of gestures. Instead of navigating through menus and settings, many tasks can now be accomplished with simple gestures. For instance, you can adjust the climate temperature by holding down on the climate control and swiping left or right, and the same applies to controlling the volume. There are numerous new gestures to explore, so start swiping around—you'll be amazed at what you can do!
Tesla App Climate Controls
Another quick note: While you're still in the app, you can manage all your climate settings directly, including turning on dog mode and defrosting the car.
Quick Reboot
If your Tesla's infotainment screen starts behaving oddly, such as slowing down, stuttering, or if certain features stop functioning properly—like your phone not connecting to Bluetooth or connectivity features failing—don't rush to contact Tesla just yet! These minor issues can often be resolved with a soft reboot. You can reboot and refresh your Tesla without losing any settings by pressing the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about five seconds. If done correctly, the screen will go black for up to 50 seconds before it turns back on. Once it's back on, your Tesla should be refreshed, and everything should work as intended. This process can also be done while driving, as all driving features will continue to operate, just without the screen until it reboots.
Lost Media Bar
If you've ever misplaced your media bar and assumed it was lost for good, there's an easy method to make it reappear. When your media bar is swiped down, intentionally or accidentally, a new icon will show up in the app drawer—a grey square with a music note. Simply tap on it, and the media bar will reappear.
Upgrade Your Tesla
Beyond discovering hidden features, there are numerous ways to enhance your Tesla's comfort, boost its performance, and elevate its appearance through aftermarket accessories. Personalize your interior with custom seat covers and carbon fiber accents. Enhance performance with aerodynamic upgrades and wheel spacers, or safeguard your vehicle with floor mats and car covers. The options are limitless! Personalize your Tesla at AccessoriesForTesla.com. This site exclusively features products that have been thoroughly tested by Tesla enthusiasts over extended periods for quality assurance.
12-Volt Battery
In case you need to jump-start someone or power a device in an emergency, your Tesla is equipped with a 12-volt battery, accessible like in any conventional car. Simply open the frunk, take off the plastic cover behind the storage, and then remove the air inlet grate. This will reveal the 12-volt battery, allowing you to reach the terminals as required.
Scroll Wheel Customization
This feature was introduced in the 2023.12 update, yet many are still unaware of it: scroll wheel customization. You can adjust your acceleration mode, activate the steering wheel heater, save dashcam footage, adjust brightness, defrost the car, modify fan speed and temperature, open the glovebox, and turn on your dome lights, all from the steering wheel. Simply hold down the left scroll wheel, and a pop-up menu will appear for quick access to these controls. To set one as a default, navigate to controls, display, then scroll wheel function in your settings.
What are your thoughts on these 40 hidden features? Did you already know any of them, or did we overlook something? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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