Teslas are based on cutting-edge technology. Being a modern car, it has modern issues. WiFi connectivity is pretty high on that list. This is because WiFi connectivity is extremely crucial for the normal working of a Tesla vehicle. But don’t worry if your WiFi is not working.
This article will present the reasons and solutions for the WiFi issues of Tesla. I am presenting to you the 7 ways to fix Tesla WiFi not working.
Why is it Important to Connect Your Tesla to WiFi?
It is extremely important to connect your Tesla to WiFi for three major reasons:
- To receive over-the-air updates
- To gain access to certain features
- To fully utilize the digital systems of Tesla
However, the most important of all is that you need WiFi to receive over-the-air updates. Tesla sends major fixes to software bugs in the form of OTA updates. If your Tesla is not connected to a proper WiFi connection, then you will not be able to receive those updates.
For example, Tesla has resolved the issues with windshield wipers via OTA updates in the past. Not only that, the advanced features of Tesla Autopilot also rely on the constant updates it receives from Tesla. So, receiving OTA updates is crucial for your safety as well.
How to Connect to a WiFi in a Tesla?
Before we dwell into the reasons and solutions for WiFi issues in Tesla, you must know the proper way to connect to the WiFi in a Tesla. Here’s how you can connect to a WiFi network in Tesla:
- Begin by touching the “Controls” menu on your touchscreen.
- Select the “WiFi” icon at the top of the controls screen.
- Your Tesla will start scanning the networks available for connection.
- Select the WiFi network of your choosing and input credentials.
Voila. You have connected your Tesla to a WiFi. Next time you’re near this connection, your car will automatically connect to it.
What are the Major Reasons for Tesla WiFi Issues?
Connecting to WiFi in Tesla seems like a straightforward task, but sometimes it’s not. You may have to face certain connectivity issues due to several reasons:
Reason 1: WiFi Requirements Aren’t Met
Tesla vehicles are not prone to WiFi connectivity issues in general. So, the most common reason why people face WiFi issues is because their connections don’t meet the requirements of Tesla. Here is the list of requirements for connection with a Tesla:
- The frequency of the WiFi network must be 2.4 GHz at least. Only a selection of 5 GHz channels are supported by Tesla. These include the following bandwidths:
- 36-48
- 52-64
- 100-140
- 149-165
- The network should not have more than WPA or WPA2 security. It is better to have none.
- The network must allow internet access.
Reason 2: Network-Related Issues
You may be having trouble connecting your Tesla to WiFi due to network-related issues. What are these network-related issues? Let’s have a look:
- Unstable network: The network you wish to connect to might be unstable and drop signals at times. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
- Incorrect credentials: You may not be able to connect to WiFi if you have entered the wrong login credentials. Make sure you’re using a legal and safe WiFi connection.
- Limited access: At times, WiFi networks allow only limited access to the internet users. This might also be the reason why you aren’t able to connect to WiFi.
- Poor speed: Poor speed and weak signal strength can cause an unstable connection. As a result, you might not be able to connect to a WiFi.
Reason 3: Software-Related Issues
Software bugs and glitches can be a reason why your Tesla isn’t connecting to a WiFi network. Tesla has an advanced digital system that runs on software. This software is prone to glitches and bugs at times. This might lead to WiFi connectivity issues.
Reason 4: Hardware-Related Issues
Hardware-related issues can go both ways. It is possible to have defective WiFi hardware in your Tesla as well as your home. The faulty WiFi antenna and other hardware components on the Tesla may be the source of trouble.
Similarly, some people use range extenders and signal boosters to improve WiFi connectivity. Any issues with these components can also lead to WiFi troubles.
How to Fix Tesla WiFi Connectivity Issues?
I’ve summarized the reasons why you might be facing WiFi connectivity issues in your Tesla. This was just a summary. You would get a closer understanding of the reasons for WiFi issues while reading the fixes. So, let’s get right into the fixes for Tesla WiFi not working.
If you follow the instructions closely, I’m 100% sure that one of these fixes will work for you!
Fix 1: Reset Your Tesla’s System
The first thing you can do is reset your Tesla’s system. Press a couple of scroll buttons present on the steering wheel of the Tesla for 15 seconds. The system reboot will take a little over 2 minutes, and your WiFi connection will be established afterward.
Fix 2: Reboot Your Tesla
If resetting the touchscreen doesn’t work, you can try restarting your Tesla completely. Here’s how you can reboot your Tesla:
- Tap the controls icon on the bottom left of your Tesla’s touchscreen.
- Select the safety menu.
- Here, you will see a power-off button.
- Tap the power off button to reboot your Tesla.
Fix 3: Move Closer to the WiFi Network
You can try moving closer to the router or the source of your WiFi network. The signal strength of WiFi is weak at times. Long distances can make it harder for your Tesla to catch those weak signals. So, moving closer to the WiFi network might do the trick for you.
Fix 4: Check Frequency, VPN, DNS, Firewall Settings, and Date & Time
Here are a few final checks you might need to perform before taking further action:
- Make sure that the frequency range of your router is within the limit defined above.
- Some VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) don’t work with Teslas software. You can try disabling the VPN before connecting your Tesla to a WiFi.
- Make sure that you aren’t using any custom domain name system (DNS) on your Tesla or the WiFi router. This can interfere with the WiFi connection.
- Try disabling the firewall setting in your Tesla to allow connection with foreign networks.
- Make sure that the date and time setting on your Tesla and WiFi router are correct.
Fix 5: Update Router Firmware
Make sure that the firmware of the WiFi router is updated. Here’s how you can check:
- Enter the router’s IP address in the search bar of a search engine.
- This will take you to the network management dashboard.
- Update the router’s firmware to the latest version.
Fix 6: Drive Into a Tesla Service Center
Once you have tried all the ways mentioned above, the last resort is to drive into a Tesla service center. With any luck, your car will automatically connect to the WiFi at a Tesla service center.
Otherwise, the technicians can scan your Tesla for any fault codes and resolve them. They will also see why it isn’t connecting to other WiFi networks.
Fix 7: Replace Faulty Hardware
Once you have exhausted all the soft attempts and the WiFi is still not working, then you probably have faulty hardware. The antenna on your Tesla or your WiFi router might have gone bad. So, you will need to replace the faulty hardware after consulting with an expert.
Is Tesla WiFi not working? This is how you resolve it. Did these methods work? Let us know in the comment section below.
