Tesla Service UK / Guides / Software Updates
Tesla software updates explained
How over-the-air updates actually roll out, how to check your own version, and what to do when one stalls or something breaks.
Last fact-checked: . Release schedules, feature names and version numbering change frequently — for the live release feed, see Not a Tesla App in our resources list.
The basics
How do Tesla updates actually get installed?
Every Tesla receives software updates over-the-air (OTA) through its built-in internet connection — no dealer or garage visit required, which is a genuine difference from almost every petrol car. When an update is ready, the touchscreen shows a notification; you can install immediately, schedule it (commonly overnight), or postpone it for a period.
Checking your version
How do I check what version I'm running?
On the car: Controls > Software. This shows the current installed version and, if one is queued, the pending update and its size. The Tesla app mirrors this remotely, so you can check without being in the car.
Rollout timing
Why does everyone else have an update before me?
Tesla stages rollouts rather than pushing to the entire fleet simultaneously — by region, hardware configuration (e.g. HW3 vs HW4 vehicles often get different timing or feature sets), and sometimes a smaller early group first specifically to catch problems before a wider release. Seeing other owners post about a new version days or weeks before it reaches you is normal, not a sign anything is wrong with your car.
When something goes wrong
An update failed to install, or something broke afterwards — what now?
- Stalled or stuck install: a soft reboot usually clears it. Hold the two scroll wheels (or the equivalent steering control combination for your model) until the screen goes black and restarts. This does not erase your settings, profiles or data.
- A feature seems broken after updating: check Tesla's own release notes for that version first — some behaviour changes are intentional and documented, not bugs.
- Still broken after checking release notes: contact Tesla support directly. This is a software issue, not something an independent garage — however good — has any access to fix, since update servers and firmware are entirely controlled by Tesla.
Staying on an older version
Can I just stay on my current version and skip updates?
You can defer an update for a period, but not indefinitely. Tesla eventually applies updates as mandatory, particularly ones addressing safety issues, so long-term version-skipping isn't something the car is designed to support.