Do People Need to Stay in the Car During a Tesla Update?
3 Answers
Tesla requires people to stay in the car during an update because the vehicle needs to remain powered on while upgrading the system. If the person leaves the vehicle, the car will lock and power off, causing the update to fail. Additionally, leaving the vehicle unlocked while exiting poses safety risks. Methods for Tesla Updates: Updates will automatically download when connected to Wi-Fi, or you can use a mobile hotspot. You can schedule an installation time or click "Install Now." The update can proceed while driving, typically taking about 30 minutes depending on internet speed. Solutions for Failed Tesla Updates: Check the software update status. If the Tesla mobile app does not receive a "Software Update Complete" notification and the update takes longer than 30 minutes, it likely failed. To resolve, press and hold the brake pedal while simultaneously pressing both scroll wheel buttons on the steering wheel for about 20 seconds until the Tesla "T" logo appears on the touchscreen.
As a frequent Tesla driver, I've found that you don't need to stay in the car during software updates. The entire process is remote, and you can easily initiate updates through the mobile app. I usually park my car in the garage or a safe parking spot, then start the update via the app. During the update, the vehicle automatically locks and becomes undrivable, so it's fine to walk away. The process may take 20 to 60 minutes depending on the update size. Once completed, the app will notify you, and you can enjoy new features when you get back in the car. Just remember to ensure the battery has sufficient charge—at least 50%—to prevent update interruptions. If updating outdoors, choose a secure location to avoid disturbances. Regular updates also improve vehicle performance, so I recommend checking for update notifications monthly. Safety first—never initiate updates while driving, as it's extremely dangerous.
As a Tesla owner, I find the update design very smart, eliminating the need to stay in the car. You can operate it anytime, anywhere via the mobile app, such as initiating updates from the office or home. During the update, the vehicle system reboots, and all functions pause, making it safe to leave. I usually update while charging to ensure battery stability and avoid unexpected interruptions. Once completed, the vehicle automatically resumes, and you can drive off immediately. If an update fails, don’t worry—Tesla has an automatic recovery feature, and typically restarting the app or the vehicle resolves it. For safety, I recommend choosing a flat parking spot for updates to avoid slopes. This method is time-saving and efficient. After each update, I check new features to ensure everything works properly.
