Possible Reasons for Wi-Fi Connection Problems
- Out of range: Your Model 3 may be too far from the access point or router, or there may be obstacles such as walls or metal objects that interfere with the signal.
- Incorrect password: You may have entered the wrong password for the Wi-Fi network, or the password may have changed since you last connected.
- Unsupported security protocol: Your Model 3 only supports WPA or WPA2 security protocols, or no security at all. If your Wi-Fi network uses WEP or another protocol, your Model 3 won’t be able to connect.
- VPN issues: Your Model 3 may have trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi network that uses a VPN with UDP without a short timeout. This can cause packet loss and connection drops.
- Software bugs: Your Model 3 may have some software glitches that prevent it from connecting to Wi-Fi properly. This can happen after an update or a reboot.
How to Troubleshoot Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
- Move closer to the access point or use a range extender: Try to park your Model 3 closer to the source of the Wi-Fi signal, or use a device that can boost the signal strength and range. You can also try to remove any potential sources of interference, such as metal objects or other electronic devices.
- Select the Wi-Fi network and enter the password: On your Model 3 display, tap Controls, and then tap on the signal strength indicator at the top. A list of available and previously set Wi-Fi connections will appear. Tap the one you want and enter the password if prompted. Make sure you enter the password correctly and check for any typos or case sensitivity issues.
- Reset the Wi-Fi connection: On your Model 3 display, press and hold the power button on the center console for 10 seconds. This will reset the Wi-Fi connection and clear any cached data. You may need to re-enter the password for your Wi-Fi network after this step.
- Reboot the screen: On your Model 3 display, press and hold the brake pedal and both scroll wheels for 10 seconds. This will reboot the screen and refresh the software. You may need to re-select your Wi-Fi network after this step.
Specific Settings or Configurations for Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Security protocol: Make sure your Wi-Fi network uses WPA or WPA2 security protocols, or no security at all. Your Model 3 does not support WEP or other protocols. You can check your router settings or contact your internet service provider for more information on how to change your security protocol.
- VPN settings: If your Wi-Fi network uses a VPN with UDP without a short timeout, you may need to adjust your VPN settings to avoid packet loss and connection drops. You can check your VPN settings or contact your VPN provider for more information on how to change your VPN settings.
- WiFi frequency: Your Model 3 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi frequencies. However, some routers may have issues with switching between these frequencies automatically. You can try to set your router to use only one frequency (preferably 5 GHz) or create separate SSIDs for each frequency. You can check your router settings or contact your internet service provider for more information on how to change your WiFi frequency.
Alternative Solutions if Troubleshooting Doesn’t Work
- Use cellular internet: If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi at all, you can use cellular internet instead. Your Model 3 comes with a free period of cellular connection (usually one year), after which you may need to pay a monthly fee. You can also use your phone as a hotspot and tether your Model 3 to it via Bluetooth. However, this may consume more data and battery on your phone.
- Visit a Tesla service center: If none of the above solutions work, you may have a hardware issue with your Model 3’s WiFi antenna or module. You can visit a Tesla service center and have them diagnose and fix the problem. You can also contact Tesla customer support and report the issue.
I hope this content helps you solve your Model 3’s WiFi connectivity issues. I had a similar problem with my Model X after I upgraded my MCU last year. It turned out that my router was using an unsupported security protocol (WEP) and I had to change it to WPA2. It took me some time and frustration to figure it out, but once I did, my Model X connected to WiFi without any problems. Good luck!
Troubleshooting Model 3 WiFi Connectivity Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 won’t scan for WiFi networks | WiFi function is turned off | Turn on WiFi by tapping the virtual switch in the upper right corner of the WiFi settings menu |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a WiFi network | Network is incompatible with Tesla requirements | Make sure the network is at least 2.4 GHz, WPA or WPA2 security, or no security at all, and provides internet access |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a password-protected WiFi network | Password is incorrect or not confirmed | Enter the correct password and tap Confirm |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a public WiFi network | Terms and conditions are not accepted | Accept the terms and conditions after connecting to the network |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a previously connected WiFi network | System glitch or interference | Reboot the system by pressing and holding the brake pedal and both scroll wheels for 10 seconds, then try connecting again |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a home WiFi network | Network signal is too weak or out of range | Move Model 3 closer to the access point or consider using a range extender |
| Model 3 won’t connect to a mobile hotspot WiFi network | Mobile hotspot is not set up properly or has insufficient data | Make sure the mobile hotspot is turned on, has enough data, and meets the Tesla requirements |
| Model 3 won’t stay connected to a WiFi network | Network signal is unstable or drops frequently | Check the network status and try switching to another network if possible |
| Model 3 won’t receive updates over WiFi | Cellular connection is preferred or update is not available yet | Check the software update preference and make sure it is set to Advanced, and wait for the update notification |
| Model 3 won’t connect to any WiFi network | Hardware malfunction or damage | Contact Tesla service center for diagnosis and repair |