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To connect a Tesla Model 3 to Wi-Fi, tap Controls > Wi-Fi on the touchscreen, choose a network, and enter its password if prompted. The car saves known networks and reconnects when they are in range. You can also connect to a phone hotspot; enable Remain Connected in Drive in that network’s settings if you want Wi-Fi to stay connected after shifting into Drive or Reverse.
Connect your Model 3 to a Wi-Fi network
- Park where the car can receive a reliable signal from your router or access point.
- On the touchscreen, tap Controls, then open Wi-Fi.
- Select the network you want to use. Enter its password if asked and confirm.
- Check that the network shows as connected. The car should reconnect automatically when that saved network is in range.
If a known network does not appear, the vehicle may be too far from the access point. Move the car closer if practical; improving coverage near the parking spot with an access point or range extender is another option, not a requirement.
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Use a phone hotspot
Turn on the hotspot on your phone, then select it from the Model 3’s Wi-Fi list and connect as you would to another network. To keep the connection active after shifting into Drive or Reverse, open the selected network’s settings and turn on Remain Connected in Drive.
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Hotspot use depends on your phone plan: carrier fees, data limits, or restrictions may apply. Tesla says some Wi-Fi features, including video streaming and the internet browser, may also be accessed through mobile hotspots, subject to those carrier terms. Wi-Fi connectivity is separate from cellular service and any connectivity package.
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Choose a connection that fits where you park
| Option | Useful when | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Home Wi-Fi | The parked car is within reliable router coverage; Tesla recommends Wi-Fi for reliable software and map update delivery. | Improve coverage near the parking location if the signal is weak or the network is out of range. |
| Phone hotspot | Home Wi-Fi is unavailable or you need connectivity away from home. | Check carrier data limits, fees, and restrictions. Enable Remain Connected in Drive if you want the connection to continue while driving. |
| Better coverage near the parking spot | The car cannot detect the home network where it is parked. | Try a better parking position first; an access point or range extender is an optional way to extend coverage. |
Fix common Wi-Fi connection problems
The network does not appear
Move the vehicle closer to the router or access point and check the Wi-Fi list again. Tesla’s manual also suggests considering a range extender if coverage does not reach the parked car.
The car will not connect
- Confirm that the network works on another device and that you have the correct password.
- Toggle the vehicle’s Wi-Fi off and on, then try connecting again.
- If the issue persists, forget the saved network and reconnect.
The signal is weak or the connection is slow
Check the signal bars and improve coverage where the car is parked. You can also restart the touchscreen, forget and reconnect to the network, or test a different network.
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A public hotspot asks you to sign in on a web page
The Model 3 Owner’s Manual says the car does not support captive Wi-Fi networks that require a browser portal or acceptance of terms before use. Try another network or a phone hotspot instead.
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If the network works elsewhere and the steps above do not resolve the connection, Tesla’s support instructions advise scheduling a service appointment.
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Wi-Fi and Tesla software updates
Tesla recommends leaving the Model 3 connected to Wi-Fi when possible, such as while parked at home, for fast and reliable software and map update delivery. Updates download and install in separate phases: the car needs Wi-Fi during the download, and it cannot be driven while an update is installing. Tesla recommends a stable connection showing at least three bars for updates. Update release timing is rolling, so cars may receive the same release at different times.
Menu labels and available features can vary with vehicle configuration, region, and software version. The North American 2024-and-newer manual index cited here identifies software version 2026.32; check the manual available on your own vehicle for instructions specific to its configuration and current software.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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Official instructions
See Tesla’s Wi-Fi support page, the Model 3 Owner’s Manual Wi-Fi section, and Tesla’s software updates support page for current guidance.
Quick Recap
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
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