The Definitive Guide to Lesser-Known Tesla Shortcuts and Tips (Updated)

Tesla vehicles are renowned for their state-of-the-art technology, enhancing both driving pleasure and efficiency. This article explores Tesla tips and tricks to further optimize your experience, with insights applicable across various models, including the Model 3 and Model Y.

Enable Full-Screen Visualizations for FSD Activation Automatically

If you're a fan of Tesla's full-screen visualizations, you can opt to automatically switch to full-screen whenever you engage Autopilot. While the option isn't immediately apparent, you can find it in settings. Just navigate to Controls > Autopilot and activate 'Expanded Full-Self-Driving Visualization.'

Now, whenever you engage FSD, visualizations will automatically switch to full-screen mode. If you previously enabled this option and were unsure why visualizations were always full-screen, you can easily disable it.

To exit full-screen visualizations, simply swipe left near the top of the screen. Even a slight swipe near the driver will do.

Easily Close an App

There are several methods to close an open app, but one of the easiest lets you do so without diverting your attention from the road. While most people know you can swipe down on apps to close them, what some owners may not realize is that you don't have to swipe down precisely from the top of the app.

Instead, you can begin your swipe off-screen—simply touch the top edge of the screen and swipe downward. The app will recognize this as a downward swipe and close, allowing you to keep your focus on the road.

The only catch with this approach is that there must be no status icons between your finger and the open app. For instance, you cannot swipe downward over the current time or temperature; it must be a clear space. This has become my preferred way to close an app.

Use the Maps Icon for Two Features

As of the 2024.14 update, you can now add a new Maps icon to the dock from the all apps menu. This navigation icon serves the purpose of providing quick, one-tap access to return to the vehicle's navigation screen consistently. Beyond its primary utility, it also serves an additional function: when viewing maps, tapping the icon allows you to hide the map display and activate full-screen visualizations.

Display a Dropdown Menu of Audio Sources

This is a neat hidden feature in Tesla's audio apps. While in any audio app, you can switch to another audio source simply by tapping the app's icon. Tapping the icon reveals a dropdown menu listing all available audio sources that haven't been hidden in the audio settings.

Jump to Section in Song

When listening to audio and you want to skip to a specific part of a song or podcast, you don't have to drag the progress bar. Instead, you can simply tap anywhere on the progress bar to jump directly to that point.

Display Alternate Routes

When navigating to a location, tap the 'Next Turn' module near the top of the screen to view alternate routes to your destination. These alternate routes are determined based on your current location and can help you avoid construction or blocked roads, similar to those displayed at the start of your journey.

Alternatively, you can also tap the compass icon at the top right of the display to access alternate routes.

Set Cruise Control to Current Speed

While on Autopilot, tapping the speedometer allows you to set the maximum Autopilot speed to match your current speed. This feature is handy for maintaining your speed without needing to adjust it manually.

Auto Set Cruise Control to Speed Limit

Likewise, you can tap the speed limit sign to adjust the maximum speed to include your desired offset above the posted limit. This feature ensures you maintain a safe and legal speed when using Autopilot.

Open Music Selection

Tap the album art to open or close the large music panel, making it easy to access and control your music while driving. 

Jump to Audio Settings

For quick adjustments to audio settings like balance and equalizer, tap the volume button located in the bottom right corner of the screen, then select the levels icon.

Efficiently Close Open Apps

Many apps can be closed by swiping them down, but you don't need to swipe from the very top of the screen. If the app is already scrolled to the top, you can swipe down on any non-interactive part of the screen or white space.

You can also quickly close all apps or menus using a simple voice command, such as saying "show map," or by tapping on the icon of the open app.

Instant Calendar Access

Tap the clock for instant access to your calendar, keeping your schedule at your fingertips.

Effortless Home Navigation

Swipe down on the navigation button to quickly navigate home or to work, ensuring a seamless daily commute.

Return to Maps Quickly

In a Model 3 or Model Y, if your map is obscured by an app or menu, tap the navigation box next to your speedometer to swiftly return to the map screen and minimize any open apps.

Disable Climate Control

Hold the climate temperature button to turn off the climate system.

Fast Access to Climate

Swipe from anywhere in the launcher to quickly open the climate screen for instant climate control.

Adjust Passenger Temperature Individually

Use the climate arrows and select "split" to unsync cabin temperature settings between driver and passenger. Alternatively, say "sync climate" or "unsync climate" using voice commands.

Access Charging Settings

Tap the battery icon to navigate directly to the charging menu, where you can monitor and adjust charging settings.

Toggle Between Miles and Percentages

Simply tap the range to switch between displaying miles and percentages, offering a customizable view of your remaining charge.

Explanation of Indicator Lights

Indicator lights on the left can also be tapped to access specific menus. For instance, tapping the headlights icon adjusts light settings, while selecting the low tire pressure icon opens the tire pressure menu.

Activate Wiper Settings

Press the button on the left stalk for a single wipe and to access wiper settings for easy adjustment. From update 2023.12 onwards, you can also use the left scroll wheel to adjust wiper settings directly.

Disable Auto Highbeams

Turn off automatic high beams by toggling your high beam stalk, which also accesses light settings for quick headlight control.

Temporarily Enable Blind Spot Monitor

Activate or deactivate Tesla's blind spot cameras with a tap of the turn signal icon on your screen, useful for occasional monitoring without reliance on the feature.

Heated Mirrors

Clear foggy or frost-covered mirrors by activating heated mirrors through the rear window defroster.

Voice Commands

Command your Tesla to "open glovebox" using voice control or tap the car icon on the touchscreen followed by the glovebox icon.

Explore additional practical voice commands featured on our dedicated page. Discover these Tesla shortcuts and tips to streamline your driving experience with convenient access to essential functions and settings.