Best Tesla Apps You Should Download Right Now In 2024

These are the best tesla apps you should download right now in 2024. From remote vehicle control to streaming and navigation, the right apps make your Tesla smarter and more fun. Read on to find the top picks every Tesla owner needs.

If you own a Tesla, you already know how powerful your vehicle is. But did you know that tesla apps can make your experience even better? The right apps turn your car into a smarter, more connected machine. Whether you want to stream movies, navigate better, or control your car from your phone, there is an app for that.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best tesla apps you should download right now in 2024. We have tested and reviewed dozens of options. Our goal is to save you time and help you get the most from your Tesla. Let us dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Remote Control Made Easy: The Tesla mobile app lets you control your vehicle from anywhere with just your phone.
• Entertainment Options Abound: Streaming and gaming tesla apps turn your car into a rolling theater.
• Charging Made Simple: Dedicated charging apps help you find and use Superchargers and other stations efficiently.
• Third-Party Apps Add Real Value: Apps like Spotify, YouTube, and TeslaFi expand your Tesla’s capabilities far beyond stock features.
• Installation Is Simple: Most apps install directly through your Tesla’s browser or phone app store in minutes.
• Stay Updated: Regular software updates keep your tesla apps running smoothly and securely.

What Are Tesla Apps and Why They Matter

Tesla apps are software programs designed to work with your Tesla vehicle. They range from official Tesla tools to third-party creations. Some apps run directly on your car’s screen. Others work on your phone and connect to your Tesla through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The Tesla infotainment system has come a long way over the years. It now supports a wide range of apps and media formats. This means your car is not just a vehicle. It is also an entertainment hub, a navigation tool, and a smart device. Understanding what tesla apps can do is the first step to unlocking your car’s full potential.

Tesla vehicles receive regular software updates. These updates often add new features and improve app compatibility. This is one reason why the Tesla ecosystem keeps getting better over time. Your car essentially gets smarter every time you update.

Official Tesla Apps vs. Third-Party Apps

Tesla offers several built-in apps through the Tesla mobile app and the car’s native interface. The Tesla mobile app, for example, lets you control your car remotely. You can check battery levels, lock doors, and start climate control from your phone. These official tools are reliable and well-integrated into the Tesla ecosystem.

Third-party apps, on the other hand, add new features that Tesla does not offer natively. They come from developers outside Tesla. Some of these apps are free. Others require a subscription. Both types play an important role in enhancing your Tesla experience. The best approach is to use a mix of both official and third-party tesla apps.

Top Tesla Apps for Daily Driving

Every Tesla owner needs a few core apps. These make daily driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are the tesla apps you should have on your phone and in your car right now.

Tesla Mobile App

The Tesla mobile app is a must-have for every owner. It is the official app from Tesla itself. With this app, you can do things like:

• Lock and unlock your car remotely
• Check your battery level and estimated range
• Start the climate control before you get in
• Locate your Tesla on a map
• Send destinations directly to your car’s navigation
• Monitor Sentry Mode and dashcam feeds live
• Track your vehicle’s charging status in real time

The Tesla mobile app is free to download. It works on both iOS and Android devices. If you own a Tesla, this app should be on your phone right now. It is the single most important tool in your Tesla toolkit.

Navigation and Trip Planning Apps

While Tesla’s built-in navigation is good, some drivers prefer alternatives. Apps like Google Maps and Waze offer real-time traffic updates. They can also find faster routes during your daily commute. These are especially helpful in unfamiliar cities or during rush hour.

Another great option is A Better Routeplanner. This app is designed specifically for electric vehicles. It factors in elevation changes, weather conditions, and charging stops along your route. It is one of the most popular tesla apps for road trips and long-distance travel.

App	Best For	Price	Platform
Tesla Mobile App	Remote control and monitoring	Free	iOS, Android
A Better Routeplanner	EV trip planning	Free / Premium	iOS, Android, Web
Google Maps	Real-time navigation	Free	iOS, Android
Waze	Traffic alerts and rerouting	Free	iOS, Android
PlugShare	Charging station finder	Free / Premium	iOS, Android

This comparison table shows the top tesla apps for daily driving. Each one serves a different purpose. Having a few of them on your phone will make your life much easier. I recommend installing at least two navigation options for backup.

Best Entertainment Apps for Tesla

One of the best things about a Tesla is the big center screen. It is perfect for watching videos, listening to music, and even gaming. The right entertainment tesla apps transform your car into a mobile theater. This is especially fun during long road trips or while waiting at a Supercharger station.

Streaming and Media Apps

Tesla vehicles come with built-in support for popular streaming services. Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify are all available natively. You can access these directly from your car’s browser or the Tesla app menu. Just make sure your car is parked before you start streaming.

But there are also dedicated apps that enhance your streaming experience. For example, the Tesla Theater app gives you quick access to all your video content. It organizes Netflix, YouTube, and other services in one convenient place. This saves you time when you want to relax and watch something.

If you love music, Spotify is essential. It has a massive library and works great with Tesla’s premium sound system. You can also try Apple Music or Amazon Music if you prefer those platforms. All of these tesla apps are free to download and easy to set up. You can link your accounts through the Tesla settings menu.

Gaming Apps for Tesla

Did you know your Tesla can play games? The built-in games like Beach Buggy Speedway and Solitaire are fun and easy to access. But you can also expand your game library with third-party apps that work on the Tesla touchscreen.

Some popular gaming tesla apps include:

• Beach Buggy Speedway 2 – A fun racing game that comes pre-installed on most Tesla models
• Solitaire – The classic card game, perfect for passing time during charging stops
• Chess – Play against the car’s AI or challenge a friend sitting in the passenger seat
• Tinder – Yes, it works on Tesla screens too, though it is more of a novelty
• RetroArch – An emulator that lets you play classic games from older consoles

Gaming is a great way to pass time while your car charges at a Supercharger station. Just make sure you are parked and in park before you start playing. These tesla apps are a fun bonus feature that sets Tesla apart from other electric vehicles.

Tesla Apps for Charging and Navigation

Charging your Tesla is a key part of ownership. The right charging apps help you find stations, check availability, and plan your routes more efficiently. Navigation apps also play a big role in making your drives smoother and less stressful.

Charging Apps You Need

Tesla’s Supercharger network is excellent and continues to grow. But sometimes you need to charge at other stations, especially on road trips through areas with limited Supercharger coverage. That is where charging apps come in very handy.

PlugShare is one of the most popular tesla apps for finding charging stations. It shows all types of chargers, not just Tesla Superchargers. You can read reviews from other drivers, check if a station is currently available, and even see what connector types are supported. It is an essential tool for any Tesla road trip.

Another great option is the ChargePoint app. It covers a wide network of charging stations across the US and Europe. The app lets you start a charging session right from your phone. It also tracks your charging history and costs over time, which is helpful for budgeting your energy expenses.

For Tesla owners who travel frequently, the Tesla app itself has a built-in charging map. It shows Supercharger locations along your planned route and tells you how many stalls are available at each station. But having PlugShare as a backup is always a smart move, especially when traveling internationally.

Navigation Alternatives for Tesla Owners

Tesla’s built-in navigation is solid and continuously improving. It routes you through Superchargers automatically on long trips. But some drivers want more options or prefer a different interface. Here are a few navigation tesla apps worth trying on your phone:

• Google Maps – The most widely used navigation app globally. Great for real-time traffic data and street view.
• Waze – Community-driven traffic updates. Perfect for avoiding congestion and road hazards.
• A Better Routeplanner – EV-specific routing with detailed charging stop suggestions and energy estimates.
• Sygic – Offline navigation that works without a data connection, useful in remote areas.

Each of these apps has its strengths. Google Maps is great for everyday city driving. A Better Routeplanner shines on long road trips where charging stops matter most. Having multiple navigation options on your phone gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

Third-Party Tesla Apps Worth Trying

The Tesla community is incredibly creative. Developers have built amazing tesla apps that add features Tesla does not offer natively. Many of these apps are free and developed by passionate Tesla owners. Here are some standout third-party options you should check out.

TeslaFi and Tesla App (Performance Monitoring)

TeslaFi is a powerful monitoring tool for Tesla owners. It tracks your Tesla’s performance over time and provides detailed statistics. You can view data about your energy usage, charging habits, and driving patterns. It is one of the best tesla apps for data enthusiasts and anyone who wants to optimize their efficiency.

The app also sends smart alerts if something seems off. For example, it can notify you if your car is charging slower than expected or if your battery health is declining. It is a great tool for staying on top of your Tesla’s condition and catching potential issues early.

Dashcam and Sentry Mode Apps

Tesla vehicles have built-in dashcam and Sentry Mode features. These use the car’s cameras to record footage and monitor your vehicle. But accessing and managing that footage can sometimes be tricky through the car’s interface alone.

Apps like TeslaDashcam make it easy to view, save, and share your camera clips directly from your phone. They also let you export footage in common video formats. These tesla apps are especially useful if you want to review footage after an incident or share evidence with insurance companies. They give you peace of mind and add an extra layer of security to your vehicle.

Smart Home Integration Apps

If you have a smart home setup, you will love Tesla integration apps. These let you connect your Tesla with devices like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. You can control your car using voice commands or automate routines. For example, you can set your car to warm up every morning before your commute.

Popular smart home tesla apps include Tesla Smart App and the official Tesla integration with major smart home platforms. They make your Tesla feel like a natural part of your connected home ecosystem. This level of integration is one of the things that makes Tesla vehicles so unique in the automotive market.

How to Install Apps on Your Tesla

Installing apps on your Tesla is simpler than you might think. Most apps work through your car’s built-in web browser. Here is a quick guide to get you started with installing tesla apps on your vehicle.

Installing Apps Through the Tesla Browser

To install a third-party app directly on your Tesla, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Tesla web browser on your car’s center screen
2. Go to the app’s official website or a trusted source
3. Look for a “Install” or “Add to Home Screen” option
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation
5. The app icon will appear on your Tesla’s app launcher

Some apps may require you to bookmark the page first. Then you can access it from your home screen anytime. The process is similar to installing a web app on your phone. Just make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi for the best experience.

Installing Apps on Your Phone

For phone-based tesla apps, simply visit the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android. Search for the app name and tap download. Most Tesla-related apps are free to use. Premium versions may offer extra features like ad-free experiences or advanced analytics and reporting.

Once installed on your phone, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both your phone and car. This ensures seamless connectivity between your devices. You can then access your Tesla’s features remotely or mirror information to your car’s screen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Tesla Apps

While tesla apps are great, there are some common pitfalls that owners should watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will keep your Tesla running smoothly and securely.

• Downloading from untrusted sources: Always use official app stores or trusted websites. Untrusted sources can compromise your car’s security and your personal data.
• Ignoring software updates: Tesla releases regular updates that improve app compatibility and fix bugs. Keep your car’s software up to date for the best experience.
• Overloading your browser: Too many open tabs can slow down your Tesla’s web browser significantly. Close tabs you are not actively using.
• Using apps while driving: Many Tesla apps are designed for use while parked. Always pull over safely before interacting with your car’s screen.
• Forgetting to log out of personal accounts: If you share your Tesla with others, log out of personal apps for privacy and security reasons.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you get the most from your tesla apps without any headaches. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your vehicle and data safe.

Expert Tips for Getting the Most from Tesla Apps

Expert Insight: According to Tesla enthusiasts and tech reviewers, the best approach is to start with the essentials and build from there. Do not install every app at once. Instead, identify what you need most and add apps gradually. This keeps your Tesla’s interface clean and prevents confusion.

Here are some quick tips to maximize your tesla apps experience:

• Keep your phone and car connected: Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled for seamless integration between devices.
• Use offline maps: Download offline navigation maps in case you lose your data connection in remote areas.
• Organize your home screen: Arrange your most-used apps in a logical order on your Tesla’s app launcher for quick access.
• Check for updates regularly: App developers frequently release updates that add new features and fix bugs.
• Join Tesla communities: Forums and social media groups share tips on the best tesla apps and hidden features you might not know about.
• Test apps while parked: Always try new apps when your car is parked and in park to avoid distractions while driving.

These small steps can make a big difference in how you use your Tesla every day. The more you explore, the more you will discover about what your car can do.

Conclusion

The world of tesla apps is growing fast and exciting. From remote vehicle control and navigation to entertainment and smart home integration, there is an app for nearly everything you can imagine. The best part is that most of these apps are free or very low-cost.

We have covered the top tesla apps you should download in 2024. Whether you are a new Tesla owner or a seasoned driver, these apps will enhance your experience in meaningful ways. Start with the essentials like the Tesla mobile app and A Better Routeplanner. Then explore entertainment and third-party options to truly customize your car to your lifestyle.

Your Tesla is more than just a car. It is a smart device on wheels. The right apps make it even smarter and more capable. Download a few of these today and see the difference for yourself. You will wonder how you ever drove without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free tesla apps for new owners?

The Tesla mobile app, Google Maps, and A Better Routeplanner are the best free tesla apps for new owners. They cover remote control, navigation, and trip planning without costing anything. These apps are essential for every Tesla owner, whether you are new or experienced.

Can I install third-party apps on my Tesla?

Yes, you can install many third-party tesla apps through your car’s built-in web browser. Popular options include streaming apps, gaming apps, and monitoring tools. Just make sure to download from trusted sources to keep your vehicle secure.

Do tesla apps work offline?

Some tesla apps work offline, while others require an internet connection. Navigation apps like Sygic offer offline maps, which is great for remote areas. Streaming and real-time traffic apps need a data connection to function properly.

Are tesla apps safe to use?

Most tesla apps are safe, especially those from official sources or trusted developers. Always download from the App Store, Google Play, or official Tesla channels. Avoid apps from unfamiliar websites, as they could compromise your car’s security or your personal data.

How often should I update my tesla apps?

You should update your tesla apps whenever updates are available. Tesla releases vehicle software updates regularly, and app developers also push updates frequently. Keeping everything current ensures the best performance, security, and compatibility with your car’s systems.

Can I use tesla apps while driving?

Most tesla apps are designed for use while parked. Tesla disables many screen features when the car is in drive for safety reasons. Use apps like navigation and music before you start driving, or pull over safely if you need to interact with an app while on the road.