Software · Updates
Install a software update without surprises
Download over Wi-Fi, choose a time when you will not need the car, and review the release notes afterward.
Plan ahead: The car cannot be driven during installation. Some updates take around 30 minutes; others take longer.
Before installation
- Connect the car to a reliable Wi-Fi network so it can download the update.
- Park in a place where the car can remain unavailable for the full installation.
- End Keep Climate On, Pet Mode, or Camp Mode if active, because they can prevent installation.
- Expect charging to pause during installation and resume automatically afterward.
Schedule and confirm
Open Controls › Software to check update status and choose Standard or Advanced software preferences. When an update is ready, schedule it for a suitable time. After installation, read the release notes on the touchscreen to see what changed.
If the update appears stuck
Keep the car connected and allow extra time before intervening. If it repeatedly fails or the vehicle shows a service alert, use the Tesla app to request service rather than interrupting the installation.
Source checked September 9, 2026: Tesla Model 3 Owner’s Manual — Software Updates. Availability and timing vary by vehicle and software release.