Can You Download Apps on Tesla?
Have you ever wondered if you can download and install third-party applications onto Tesla's touchscreen to personalize and enhance your driving experience?
The short answer is: No, you cannot download apps in your Tesla.
The infotainment system in Tesla electric vehicles comes pre-installed with apps for navigation, music streaming, web browsing and gaming. Downloading and installing third-party apps is not currently supported. This means your options for adding apps are limited to those pre-installed on the vehicle.
You can however access your favourite apps using the built-in Tesla browser if they support web-based access.
In this guide, we'll dive deeper into this limitation and the alternatives to customizing your Tesla infotainment system.
Can You Install Other Apps on Tesla Screen?
Unfortunately, you cannot install other third-party apps on your Tesla's screen.
In contrast to mobile devices like phones, tablets, and computers, Tesla vehicles do not have an app store (yet!). So, for now, you are limited to apps developed by Tesla itself that are pushed out via updates.
Instead, Tesla's infotainment system operates on a proprietary operating system that exclusively supports apps designed for it. There's no SDK (Software Development Kit) access for 3rd party app development like Apple iOS or Google Android offers for their devices.
As Tesla continues to evolve, there's a great possibility of an app marketplace that will hopefully let you install your favourite apps to Tesla.
Until then, we'll have to stick with what's already included on our Tesla screens.
Whilst we are on the topic of third party apps, I must mention that Tesla does already have API support that enables developers to build mobile and browser-based apps for Tesla that can communicate with the car.
These apps require a connection to your Tesla account to perform tasks like checking battery levels, unlocking doors, charging stats, preheating the cabin and even history of Supercharger visits.
Now, you can already use the Tesla app to do a lot of this stuff, but some apps offer a huge feature set compared to the official app. Some of my favourite examples are: TeslaFi, TezLab, and PlugShare.
You can check out my massive list of the 25 best Tesla Apps in 2024.
Why Can't You Download Apps on Tesla Screen?
As of Nov 2024, Tesla doesn't support a third-party app ecosystem for its infotainment system. To add third-party apps, Tesla will need to provide an SDK that the developer community can use to develop apps for the vehicle.
For now, this is restricted to the developers of the companies that Tesla works with directly to provide music and video streaming apps like Spotify, Netflix, YouTube and Apple Music that come pre-installed on your vehicle.
What About Games?
Unfortunately, even additional games cannot be downloaded onto Tesla OS.
You'll have to stick to the list of arcade games like Beach Buggy Racing 2 and Cuphead that come pre-installed in Tesla Arcade section until an update allows for third-party game downloads.
What Are Your Alternatives?
While you cannot download or install additional third party apps on your Tesla, there are still ways to customize and personalize your in-cabin experience.
Tesla Web Browser
Tesla has built-in apps like Netflix, Apple Music, Spotify, etc., but what if you wanted to access an app that Tesla hasn't yet built natively for the infotainment system?
Well, if the third-party apps you want to access are available using the browser, you can use the built-in Tesla vehicle's browser to use it.
Don't expect the best experience, but you might be able to use it from your car at least.
You can use the next tip to access the browser in full screen!
Open YouTube in Browser
Natively, only the apps that come pre-packaged with your Tesla OS can access the browser full-screen experience. This includes Disney+, Netflix and YouTube etc.
However, you can use a workaround to access your favourite websites or apps in full screen without needing any downloads.
When Tesla browser detects YouTube URL in the site address, the OS redirects to open the full screen experience.
Just follow these simple steps:
- Launch the inbuilt browser
- Type in the YouTube website address in the search bar.
- Now, you can open any website here and your full screen experience will stay intact.
Android and Apple Connectivity
Apple and Android devices have a feature that allows you to mirror your smartphone display onto your automobile's touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to access various apps like music, navigation, and more right on your car's display.
However, Tesla does not have native integration with Android Auto, CarPlay or Siri.
There are third-party upgrades, though that you can invest in.
What Are The Available Apps on Tesla?
Tesla cars have several built-in applications to access through the touchscreen display.
Music and Entertainment
In your Tesla, you can enjoy various music and entertainment options. Tesla offers access to various streaming services, such as Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, Disney+, Tidal, TuneIn, SiriusXM, Pandora, and YouTube Music.
Gaming Apps
Here are some of the most popular games that come pre-installed on Teslas:
- Beach Buggy Racing 2
- Cat Quest
- Cuphead
- Solitaire
- Chess
- Asteroids
- Centipede
- Millipede
- Stardew Valley
- Battle of Polytopia
- Fallout Shelter
- Backgammon
