Tesla Priority Device: Having Your Tesla Connect to the Correct Phone

April 30, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

You can select a device that your Tesla will connect to first

Tesla

Most Tesla owners have encountered the issue of entering their vehicle only to find it connected to the wrong Bluetooth device. This inconvenience can be particularly frustrating when you're in a hurry or when multiple passengers with paired devices are present. Fortunately, Tesla has developed a solution to this widespread problem — Tesla Priority Device.

Tesla's 'Priority Device' feature allows you to select a device for your car to connect to based on the chosen Tesla driver profile. You can assign a device to multiple profiles, ensuring a smoother connectivity process for all drivers.

How Tesla Priority Device Works

When you and your spouse or child enter the car simultaneously, the vehicle will first attempt to connect to the device associated with the active Tesla profile. The closest phone to the vehicle determines your driver profile when the doors are opened. Using Priority Device helps prevent issues like your Tesla connecting to someone else's phone inside the house.

Setting Up Your Priority Bluetooth Device

To set up your Priority Device, follow these simple steps:

Go to Controls by tapping the car icon in the lower-left corner of the vehicle.
Tap the Bluetooth icon at the top of your touchscreen.
Select your preferred device.
Tap "Priority Device."

The menu will display the Tesla profiles that have your device set as their priority device. You can set your phone as the priority device in multiple Tesla profiles, including profiles such as Easy Entry.

Your car will now attempt to connect to the priority device associated with the selected profile before trying to connect to other paired phones.

Shortcomings of Priority Device

Priority Device works great, as long as the vehicle selects the correct Tesla profile. Any issues in connecting to the incorrect device are usually caused by the vehicle determining the incorrect driver profile.

If the vehicle incorrectly determines the closest phone to the vehicle, then it will select the wrong Tesla Profile and consequently, the wrong Bluetooth device to connect to.

Troubleshooting Issues

It's important to realize how the process works. Your key fob or phone key is associated with a given Tesla Profile, which can then have a Bluetooth device that it will try to connect to first.

If your vehicle is consistently connecting to the wrong Tesla Profile or Bluetooth device, you should double-check your settings.

Start by going to Controls > Locks and check that your key fob, phone key, or key card is associated with the correct driver profile.

From there, confirm that you have a Priority Device associated with each Tesla Profile by going to Controls and tapping on the user icon and name at the top of the screen. To minimize connection issues, each Tesla Profile should be associated with a priority Bluetooth device.

The Future of Tesla Priority Device

As technology continues to advance, Tesla remains at the forefront of innovation. Tesla's Priority Device feature is just one example of its commitment to improving the driving experience. Future enhancements could include more advanced algorithms for identifying the correct driver profile or even connecting to multiple devices simultaneously.

Priority Device has improved Bluetooth connectivity in Tesla vehicles, allowing for more seamless connections instead of just connecting to the first Bluetooth device it finds.

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Tesla News This Week: A Look at Software Update 2023.20, Tesla App Updates and Model Y Hardware 4.0

June 4, 2023

By Not a Tesla App Staff

This week we take a look at Tesla's upcoming update, 2023.20, Tesla's improvements to Autowipers and its latest app update

Join us as we take a look back at this week's top Tesla stories. From an early look at the features included in Tesla's upcoming 2023.20 software update, to Tesla's latest app update, we dive into the top stories of the week.

An Early Look at Tesla's 2023.20 Update and Its Features

Tesla is introducing the ability to track your tire mileage in update 2023.20

Preparations are underway for Tesla's next software update, version 2023.20. Although currently in testing, this update has been drawing attention since it was first noticed last week. Considering Tesla's 2023.12 update brought numerous new features, it appears this next may be smaller. However, we now have our first look at some of the features included in Tesla's 2023.20 update.

A noteworthy improvement under the upcoming update pertains to tire service tracking. Post-update, vehicle owners can track how many miles have been driven since their last tire service.

Tesla has updated its app to 4.21.5

Not a Tesla App

This week Tesla updated their iPhone app to version 4.21.5. The updated features include a new Loot Box design and a notice to Canadians using their Superchargers. Tesla also hints at several upcoming features including Boombom v2.

Tesla's Model Y with HW4 is coming without radar

Tesla

As Tesla continues to redefine the automotive industry, insiders have revealed that the company's upcoming Hardware 4.0 (HW4) will not include the radar module in its Model Y vehicles, at least not initially. This marks a shift in the company's approach towards autonomous driving, relying more heavily on vision-based systems. This strategic decision builds on the recent introduction of HW4 in the luxury Model S and Model X models.

Previously, the integration of HD radar in the Model S and Model X indicated an evolution in the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware.

Tesla has reduced the FSD suspension to one week with FSD Beta 11.4.2

Tesla

Tesla is again modifying the Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta suspension policy. Initially, the system, which is based on a strike policy, suspended users until Tesla reset strikes globally, which ranged from about every three to nine months. The driver has up to three strikes for vehicles without a cabin camera and five for those equipped with them.

More recently Tesla changed their policy to reset FSD suspensions on an individual basis after "approximately two weeks," according to Tesla. But with the introduction of FSD Beta 11.4.2, Tesla has now reduced the suspension interval from two weeks to approximately one week.

Ford will add a Tesla (NACS) port to its future EVs

Tesla

In a move that attests to Elon Musk's words on fostering industry collaboration over competition, Tesla and Ford have announced a partnership to enable the latter's electric vehicles access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.

Contrary to earlier speculations that Tesla's move to open its proprietary charging connector might be a futile attempt at standardization, Ford has embraced the North American Charging Standard (NACS) - Tesla's charging system. With this, Tesla’s charging plug design, known for some advantages over the current CCS standard, might start gaining traction across the North American EV sector.

FSD Beta 11.4.2 introduces Autowipers v4

EVlectric/YouTube

For Tesla owners, the auto wiper system has been a contentious feature. Loved by some for its attempt at autonomous convenience yet criticized by others for its hit-or-miss performance, the system has often had trouble with extreme light conditions or misty weather. Now, Tesla has introduced v4 of their autowipers system that aims to correct past issues and enhance the user experience.

The updates come via the new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta 11.4.2, as reported by Tesla hacker @GreenTheOnly. While release notes didn't indicate changes, Green pointed out significant differences under the hood.

Tesla will now give owners a 150km Supercharger credit

Tesla

Tesla has recently come up with a new way of doing things when it comes to delivering cars. The company claims this change has been made to align with some new rules in the industry. In the past, Tesla always delivered cars with a full charge. Now, they are to be delivered with only half charge.

When electric vehicles are being transported from one place to another, having them fully charged can pose a risk. Keeping the state of charge (SOC) at 50% during shipment reduces the chances of battery fires. This practice is not new. Other battery-operated devices, like e-bikes, are also shipped at a lower SOC for the same safety reasons.

Is Tesla getting ready to unveil the refreshed Model 3?

ffiarpg/Reddit

Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent visit to China, his first in three years, has set the stage for widespread conjecture around the unveiling of the revamped Tesla Model 3. Dubbed Project Highland, this model refresh has been a topic of discussion for some time. Industry insiders believe Musk's significant stop at the Shanghai Gigafactory might be strategically timed to coincide with a potential sneak peek of the new Model 3 design.

A good view of all the displays available in a Model S

Tesla

Tesla is a pioneer in the automotive industry, and one of the most defining features of its vehicles is the use of large touchscreens. These screens are a central hub for most vehicle functions, including music, vehicle settings, navigation, and more. Tesla's commitment to a minimalist and user-friendly design is evident through integrating these screens, which have become iconic in electric vehicles.

Between 2012 and 2020, the Model S and Model X were equipped with vertical screens, which stood out due to their impressive size and orientation.

NHTSA Concludes Probe into Tesla's 'Passenger Play': No Recall Sought, Concerns Remain

June 2, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

NHTSA closes its investigation into Tesla's 'Passenger Play' feature

Cf Tesla/YouTube

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its investigation into Tesla's 'Passenger Play' feature, stating it will not pursue a recall of the scrutinized vehicles. Passenger Play allowed passengers in the vehicle to play certain games like the Sky Force Reloaded while the vehicle was in motion. Tesla was quick to respond to NHTSA's concerns and issued an update that requires the vehicle to be in park before games can be launched.

The closure of the probe comes amidst continuing concerns over the potential for driver distraction.

Investigation Ends, Still Leaves Room for Future Actions

While NHTSA's conclusion signifies a milestone in Tesla's ongoing scrutiny, it does not entirely absolve the electric vehicle maker. The administration emphasized that the end of the investigation does not mean a safety-related defect doesn't exist. Furthermore, the NHTSA's decision opens the possibility for future action if additional concerns arise.

NHTSA's apprehensions were primarily rooted in Tesla's decision to allow video games to be played on the front center touchscreen of the vehicle while in motion. Having acknowledged these concerns, Tesla voluntarily took action by disabling the 'Passenger Play' feature through an over-the-air software update soon after NHTSA launched its investigation in December 2021.

Tesla's Voluntary Disabling of Feature Commended

The administration confirmed that Tesla reported a 97% completion rate of the software update disabling 'Passenger Play', within a month of its release. The agency lauded Tesla's swift action, which showcased a responsible approach toward ensuring driver safety and mitigating distractions. This action appeared to significantly address NHTSA's concerns, as the agency cited the importance of "affirmative technology-based lockouts" as more effective than merely using labels or disclaimer screens.

Ongoing Scrutiny of Tesla's Autopilot System

Despite the conclusion of this specific probe, Tesla remains under the lens of the NHTSA, which is currently investigating Autopilot. The investigation, covering approximately 830,000 Tesla vehicles, aims to understand better human factors concerning Tesla interfaces and the dynamic driving task.

A History of Safety First

Tesla has always portrayed itself as an automaker that prioritizes safety. From advanced driver assist systems to top-tier safety ratings, the electric car manufacturer has consistently sought to revolutionize transportation safety norms. The swift action in disabling the controversial 'Passenger Play' feature further underscores the company's commitment to road safety and user well-being.

Tesla’s case serves as a potent reminder for all automakers that in-vehicle infotainment devices must balance entertainment and safety. In 2014, the NHTSA issued guidelines encouraging automakers to design in-vehicle devices so the driver can’t use them to perform inherently distracting secondary tasks while driving. As the lines between automobiles and technology blur, the importance of these guidelines will only grow.

Although the 'Passenger Play' investigation has concluded, Tesla’s journey with the NHTSA is far from over. The ongoing probe into Tesla’s Autopilot system indicates that the auto giant will remain under close watch to ensure the highest levels of safety for users and fellow road users alike.