Here is How to Force Tesla Update!
One thing about owning a Tesla is that you’ll need to update it for better features regularly.
Now, the hassle begins when you don’t receive an update notification from Tesla when you’re due for one. In such a situation, you may wonder if forcing your update is possible.
Read on to find out.
To force a Tesla update, go to your infotainment screen and click on the car icon at the bottom left corner. Next, tap the software option to show whether an update is available. That said, if you don’t receive an update notification from Tesla, you’ll not find an update even if you check for it.
I’ve designed this guide to provide all the information you need about updating your Tesla vehicle.
You’ll also learn if forcing an update is possible without receiving a notification from Tesla.
Tesla Won’t Update: Three Common Reasons
If your Tesla gives you a hassle to update, there are possible reasons, which I’ll explore in this section.
Here are some common problems that’ll make your Tesla have difficulty updating.
#1. Network Issues
Like every software, your Tesla will not update successfully without a strong network connection.
Network problems are one of the most common reasons you’ll have a hassle updating your vehicle.
When you have network problems, it can mean different things; you can’t connect to a cellular or a WiFi network.
In that case, to rule out network problems, you’ll need to ensure your connectivity is adequate.
Moving in, apart from inadequate cellular or WiFi connectivity, a poor network can cause Tesla update problems.
The fact is, it’s possible to have cellular or WiFi connectivity but poor network connection.
One way to test a good internet connection is via another device. If the update happens while you’re using a different device, then it means the culprit was a poor internet connection.
#2. Insufficient Storage Space
If your Tesla’s computer has low storage space, you’ll be unable to update the software.
Think of it this way: with a successful update, additional features enter your Tesla software.
That means without sufficient space to hold the new features, the update problem will be unsuccessful.
If you’ve confirmed and seen that you have a strong internet connection that shouldn’t hold back your update, confirm for space.
If you have little space to support the update, you can clear out some stuff that isn’t needed.
However, delete only the stuff you don’t need, which won’t affect a successful update.
#3. Software Issues
Like most sophisticated electric cars, Tesla doesn’t come without an inherent software issue.
These issues can be due to the car’s bugs that hamper various activities, including an update process.
These issues due to software bugs often happen infrequently at times you wouldn’t expect.
However, these bugs aren’t sufficient to block an update unless there are additional issues. You’ll still be able to successfully update your software within 30 minutes to one hour.
So, if that isn’t the case, it’s best to look for other issues regarding why the software update is a hassle.
Now that we know the general common issues that’ll give you problems when trying to update, let’s head on to how to force a Tesla update.
How to Force a Tesla Update: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tesla offers continuous updates for better features even after you purchase your car. This single fact disadvantages you if you’re still using an older version.
Occasionally, Tesla sends regular notifications to its users when it sees the need for software updates.
However, your car can be due for an update without you getting an update. That’s because Tesla sends update notifications to its users in batches; you either get to be first in line or afterward.
So whether or not you get a notification from Tesla, here are simple steps to force a Tesla update.
- Turn on the infotainment screen of your Tesla.
- You’ll find a “car” icon just at the bottom left corner of the screen, depending on the model of Tesla you own.
- Next, you’ll find the “software” option. Tap on it to proceed. It’s possible to check for updates and not see any, even if your car is due for one.
- If there’s an update available for you, you’ll see the notification on the screen to proceed with the update.
- Once an update is available, you can update the software or do it later.
You must connect your software to WiFi to allow the software to run uninterruptedly.
Also, before starting your software update, ensure you halt driving to avoid complications following the software update.
Additionally, if you’re charging your vehicle this time, put it on hold. You can resume the charging after you’ve sorted out the update issue.
If you don’t see an update, you can only go back to check after 24 hours from the last time you checked.
For further information on how to force your software update, check the Tesla’s user manual for further details.
Now that you know how to check for an update, this table will show you the pros and cons of regularly updating your software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| With a software update, you get to enjoy new features. | Software updates can cause bandwidth and resource shortages. |
| Software update keeps your Tesla up-to-date. | Software update causes functionality issues. |
Why Am I Not Getting Tesla Updates?
You’re not getting your Tesla update because your turn hasn’t reached yet. What Tesla does is that it sends updates one after the other to its users.
The reason Tesla doesn’t send updates all at once is due to a lot of valid factors.
Below are the factors;
- To ensure that it doesn’t overload its servers.
- To ensure that every user gets an update.
- To ensure that the update it sends works efficiently.
That said, it’s possible to wait a long time and not get an update from Tesla. Here are common factors that can delay and hamper Tesla’s software update.
#1. Software Bugs
Most electric cars present inherent software Issues, such as bugs that can affect activities like software updates; Tesla isn’t an exception.
When your Tesla has bugs, you find it difficult to get an update, even when it’s due for one. This issue can be frustrating as you’ll want more than anything for your car to be up-to-date.
Nonetheless, when faced with such a problem, it’s best to figure out how to clear the bugs and get your software update rolling in again.
Moving on, unlike other issues that can cause update delays, software bug problems resolve after a while.
If you can clear your Tesla of software bugs, you’ll get the update kicking in in less time.
#2. Low Storage Space
If you’re not getting the update for your Tesla, one of the first things you’ll need to check is if you have sufficient space.
You’ll need maximum space to update an electric car like Tesla successfully. You won’t get a Tesla update without enough space since that means additional features.
The best way to tackle this problem is to clear the software and ensure space for updates.
#3. Poor WiFi/ Cellular Connection
You need a WiFi connection to get a Tesla update; you won’t get the update you need if you’re not using WiFi.
That said, you need to know you won’t get an update if you have insufficient cellular or WiFi connectivity.
One way or another, ensure that one suffices for the other; that is, you have a poor cellular but good WiFi connection or vice versa.
#4. Poor Internet Connection
It’s possible to be on the internet but get a poor signal. If that happens, your update won’t occur, and you’ll think it’s a bigger issue with the Tesla.
One mistake you’ll make is to think the Tesla update happens irrespective of internet signal strength.
One of the features that add to the electrical architecture of Tesla is it requires a strong network to carry out various functions.
If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s best to figure out an alternative way of getting a signal so your update can flow uninterruptedly.
What to Do When Tesla Update Gets Stuck
The process of updating your electric car needs all the necessary conditions in place for a successful update.
There’ll be instances when your update stops halfway without prior warning. To not have a pause in your Tesla update, there are things you should ensure.
They include;
- Do not drive while the vehicle software is updating.
- Ensure you’ve connected to WiFi or have a strong cellular connection before starting the update.
However, if the update gets stuck despite all the above measures, here are some simple ways to troubleshoot.
#1. Install Software Update
If your software update isn’t updated completely, the process will likely seize or get stuck.
If you successfully update the software, you’ll see a notification saying, “Update complete.”
However, you won’t see the completion message if the update isn’t complete. Please move on to the next step below for troubleshooting.
#2. Restart the Touchscreen
Restarting your touchscreen is one very simple way of getting the update back on track after getting stuck.
However, there’ll be two possible outcomes of doing that: the update starts from scratch once you turn on the screen or gives you the option to continue the update.
Either way, restarting the touchscreen is an easy way to update your Tesla when it gets stuck successfully.
#3. Turn Off the Vehicle
Completely turning off your vehicle is another way to continue the software update.
Just in case you’re confused about how to get out of the vehicle, here are steps to help you do that;
- Head on to the dashboard of your vehicle and select the “controls” option.
- Tap on “E-Brake” and select Power Off.
- The next pop-up message you’ll see is to confirm to turn off.
- After doing that, restart the car by tapping on the brake pedal.
After all that, the next thing is disconnecting your device from your car using Bluetooth. Now, reconnect the device and try updating again to see if the issue persists.
#4. Check Internet Connection
It’d help to have a stable internet connection to update your Tesla software successfully. That means if you have an unstable connection, your update process will have issues and get stuck.
If you’ve tried the processes above and you’re still having difficulty updating the software, please check to see if you have an adequate network.
If you try all the above solutions and the update isn’t progressing, it’ll be best to contact Tesla for help.
