Troubleshooting: How to Fix Tesla App Not Connecting to Car?

The Tesla app lets you do everything—from summoning your car to remotely turning on the air conditioning on a hot summer day. But none of this is possible if the app wont connect.

If the Tesla app is not connecting to your car, there could be several reasons for this, including connectivity issues, software problems, or even settings on your phone. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting the Tesla App

1. Make sure your device is connected to data or WiFi. 

If they're already enabled, double-check that your device is connected to a mobile network or strong WiFi signal.

The Tesla app communicates with your car over the internet. Make sure mobile data and WiFi are enabled in your devices settings.

• Turn off airplane mode if it's enabled, then connect the app to your car.

2. Add your car to the Tesla app.

Your newly-purchased Tesla won't connect unless it's been added to your mobile app. 

• Open the Tesla app and select the profile icon on the upper right. Go to Add/Remove Products > Add > Vehicle, then follow the onscreen prompts to add your car. It takes 3-5 days for your car to be added.
• You'll need to enter your car's vehicle identification number (VIN), upload official documents, and submit information proving that you're the owner of the car.

3. Pair your car with the Tesla mobile app.

The app wont connect until it's been paired with your car's Bluetooth system.

• On your car's touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access.
• Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and pair the phone with your Tesla. Your app will connect to your car automatically from now on.

4. Allow the Tesla app to use mobile data.

Your device may prevent the Tesla app from using mobile data until you give it permission.

• iPhone: Go to Settings and select the Tesla app. Move the slider next to “Cellular Data” to green.
• Android: Go to Settings > Internet (or “SIMs” for Pixel users) > App Data Usage. Select the Tesla app from the list, then enable the sliders for “Background data” and “Unrestricted data usage.”

5.Reboot your device to reset all your apps

Glitchy apps can sometimes be fixed by restarting your phone. Power your device down completely, then restart it and open the Tesla app. If your phone was the problem, you should now be able to connect to the car.

6. Allow the Tesla app to always access your location

Your car won't automatically unlock when you approach it unless it knows your phone is nearby. To fix this issue, go to your device's location settings and allow the Tesla app to access your location at all times:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and select the Tesla app from the list. Select “Always.”
• Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen, then select and hold the location icon . Tap “App location permissions” and find the Tesla app on the list. Tap the Tesla app and choose “Allowed all the time” from the popup menu.

7.Reinstall Update the Tesla app to the most recent version

• Your app may not function correctly if it's out of date. Go to your device's settings to update the Tesla app to the latest version. 
• Apps sometimes break or stop working. To fix this, delete the Tesla app from your device. Then download it again from your device's app store. Log into the app and connect to your car.

8. Reboot your car

Teslas function like computers on wheels, so occasionally they require a reset. 

• Put the car in Park and turn it off. Wait for two minutes without touching the pedals, doors, or touchscreen.
• After the wait, press the brake pedal and open the door to wake up the vehicle.
• Then, try reconnecting the app to your car.

This method works for all Tesla models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.

9. Update your car's software

Your app may not connect if your car's software is out of date.

• Open the “Software” tab on your car's touchscreen. If an update is available, you'll see a notification on the display. 
• Install the update, once the update finishes, connect your app the to car.

Connect your car to WiFi for a faster download. You can also use your mobile device as a hotspot if no WiFi is available.

10. If you get a “Server Error” message,  wait 2 hours

A “Server Error” message means there is a problem with Tesla's data network, not your app or car. Tesla may be conducting system maintenance, or their network could be overloaded. Try again every 2 hours until the app connects.

• If you still see a server error message after 2 hours, reboot your device and try again. It may take several hours for Tesla to fix the issue.

11. Contact Tesla Support

The issue could be related to your Tesla account or the car itself.

Reach out to Tesla customer support and describe the problem. They can help troubleshoot or resolve the issue on their side.

• Log into Tesla's Contact Page to contact Tesla online.
• Call 1 (888) 518-3752 to reach Tesla's customer service team by phone.
• You can also visit your local Tesla store to request assistance in person.

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