Tesla App Not Connecting? 10 Fixes

Quick Fix

Tesla app not connecting to car? Wake the car up first: the app can’t connect if the car is in deep sleep. Walk near the car or open a door to wake it. Then force close the Tesla app and reopen. Also check that your phone has LTE/WiFi connection – the app connects through Tesla’s servers, not directly.

Why Won’t Tesla App Connect?

The Tesla app fails to connect when the car is in deep sleep mode, your phone lacks internet, Tesla servers are down, or there are authentication issues. The app doesn’t connect directly to the car – it goes through Tesla’s cloud servers.

Method 1: Wake Up the Car

Sleeping car won’t respond.

1. Walk near your Tesla with phone key
2. Or physically open the door
3. Wait 30 seconds for car to wake
4. Try the app again
5. Car must be awake for app connection

Method 2: Force Close and Reopen App

App may be stuck.

1. Swipe up to see recent apps
2. Swipe Tesla app away to close
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Reopen Tesla app
5. Try connecting to car

Method 3: Check Phone Internet

App needs internet to work.

1. Check if WiFi or LTE is connected
2. Try loading a website to confirm internet works
3. Toggle Airplane mode on/off
4. Switch between WiFi and cellular
5. Tesla app won’t work offline

Method 4: Log Out and Back In

Refresh authentication.

1. Open Tesla app
2. Go to Settings/Profile
3. Tap Sign Out
4. Close app completely
5. Reopen and sign back in

Method 5: Check Tesla Server Status

Tesla servers may be down.

1. Visit downdetector.com
2. Search for Tesla
3. Check if others report app issues
4. Wait for Tesla to restore servers
5. Server outages are common

Method 6: Update Tesla App

Outdated app loses compatibility.

1. Open App Store or Google Play
2. Search for Tesla
3. Tap Update if available
4. Tesla updates app frequently
5. Restart app after update

Method 7: Check Car Software

Pending updates can affect connectivity.

1. In the car: Controls > Software
2. Install any pending updates
3. Car may need WiFi for updates
4. Restart car after update
5. Try app again

Method 8: Reset Phone Key

Re-pair phone as key.

1. In car: Controls > Locks > Phone Keys
2. Remove your phone from list
3. On phone, forget Tesla in Bluetooth settings
4. Re-add phone key following prompts
5. Test app connection

Method 9: Reinstall Tesla App

Fresh install clears corruption.

1. Uninstall Tesla app
2. Restart phone
3. Download Tesla app from store
4. Log in with Tesla account
5. Grant all permissions (Bluetooth, Location)

Method 10: Reboot the Car

Car’s computer may need restart.

1. Put car in Park
2. Hold both scroll wheel buttons on steering wheel
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds
4. Screen will go black and restart
5. Wait for full reboot and try app

FAQ

Why does Tesla app say “car is asleep”?

Tesla cars enter deep sleep to save battery. The app can’t wake a sleeping car remotely. Walk near the car or open a door to wake it. Once awake, the app should connect within a minute.

Why does Tesla app keep disconnecting?

Frequent disconnections usually indicate poor cellular coverage at your car’s location or Tesla server issues. The app always routes through Tesla’s servers, so server problems affect connectivity.

Can I use Tesla app without internet?

No, the Tesla app requires internet on your phone. It connects to Tesla’s servers, which then communicate with your car. However, Phone Key works via Bluetooth without internet for unlocking/driving.