Tesla App Not Updating Location? (Fixed)

Experiencing a Tesla app not updating location issue can be quite frustrating.

In this article, we’ll look at this common problem and provide you with reliable solutions.

This post will guide you through the potential causes like software updates or internet connectivity issues, and how to tackle them, ensuring your Tesla’s real-time location tracking is back on track in no time.

tesla app not updating location

Key Takeaways

1. Tesla app not updating location can be due to various reasons like software updates, car’s positional update feature, or issues with internet connectivity.
2. Potential solutions include rebooting the Infotainment System, clearing app cache and data, contacting Tesla Support, checking for software updates, relocating your vehicle, and checking app settings on your phone.
3. If issues persist despite following these methods, it’s advisable to seek direct support from Tesla or professional service providers. Note that these methods may not work immediately due to potential time lags in communication between servers, cars etc.

Understanding the Issue: Why Your Tesla App Might Not Be Updating Location

The Tesla app is designed to provide real-time location updates, however when this feature fails to work as expected, it can lead to confusion and inconvenience.

A key reason why your Tesla app may not be updating the location is due to the car’s position only being updated when it’s in drive and moving. This feature is designed to save battery life by not constantly pinging the GPS system.

However, it can sometimes lead to inaccurate GPS information or a lag in updates if you’re frequently stopping and starting your journey.

Additionally, issues with internet connectivity can impact your Tesla app’s ability to update the location data accurately.

It’s essential that you have a stable internet connection for the app to function correctly, as it relies on this connection to communicate with your car and provide real-time location tracking.

Potential Causes of The Problem: Software Update, Internet Connectivity, and Vehicle Position

There are several potential causes that might lead to your Tesla app not updating location. One of the most common culprits is an outdated software version.

If your car doesn’t have the latest software updates installed, it may cause geolocation issues or prevent the map from showing correct locations.

Internet connectivity plays a vital role in ensuring seamless operation of the Tesla app’s features. If there’s an issue with your internet connection or if your phone isn’t linked correctly with your vehicle, this could result in problems with location tracking.

Your vehicle’s position also plays an integral part in updating its location on the Tesla app. As mentioned earlier, if your car is stationary or parked for extended periods, the app might not refresh the location data until your car is on the move again.

Read our full guide and tutorial: How To Get the Most Out of the Tesla App

Initial Solutions to Try: Rebooting the Infotainment System and Clearing App Cache

If you’re experiencing issues with your Tesla app’s ability to update location, there are a few initial solutions you can try. The first is rebooting the infotainment system.

This can be done by holding down on both scroll wheels, which should give the system a fresh start and potentially resolve any GPS not working issues.

Another simple solution is clearing your app cache and data. This can be done by navigating to your phone settings, locating the Tesla app, and selecting ‘clear cache and data’.

This process will eliminate any temporary files that might be causing hiccups in location updates.

It’s important to remember that these methods may not yield immediate results due to possible time lags in communication between servers and cars. However, they are often successful in resolving similar issues experienced by other users.

Contacting Tesla Support and Checking for Software Updates

If rebooting your infotainment system or clearing your app cache doesn’t solve the problem of Tesla app not updating location, don’t despair. There are still several steps you can take.

One such step is reaching out to Tesla support. They have a team of experts who could send a GPS RESET Command which could potentially fix things.

Another thing to check is whether there are any outstanding software updates for your vehicle.

Always ensure that your car has all the latest software updates installed because outdated software could contribute significantly to map not showing correct locations or other geolocation issues.

Adjusting Wheel Configuration and Relocating Vehicle for Better GPS Reception

Incorrect wheel configuration could also lead to incorrect location showing in the Tesla app. Ensuring that this configuration is correct might help refresh location data accurately.

In some cases, the issue might be due to weak or nonexistent GPS signals in your area. If this is the case, relocating your vehicle to an area with better reception may help solve the issue.

Again, it’s important to remember that these fixes might not return immediate results due to potential communication lags. However, they are worth trying as they have helped other users facing similar issues.

Checking Phone Settings and Other Troubleshooting Methods for Optimal Performance

Checking your phone settings is another way to troubleshoot Tesla app not updating location problems. For iPhone users, this involves going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Select Tesla app from the list and ensuring that the settings are correct.

Other troubleshooting methods include closing and reopening the app, checking for new updates of the Tesla app, ensuring that mobile switch is turned on, signing out and back into the Tesla App, or even shutting down and powering on your phone again.

These methods aim to offer a comprehensive approach towards resolving any potential issues contributing to inaccurate GPS information or location tracking problems.

Conclusion: The Final Resort – Seeking Professional Help from Tesla

If none of these solutions work for you and you’re still experiencing issues with your Tesla app’s location updates, it may be time to seek professional help.

Consider reaching out directly to Tesla or professional service providers who specialize in such matters. They could provide you with personalized assistance based on your specific situation and vehicle model.

Remember that while these issues can be frustrating, they are not insurmountable. With a little patience and troubleshooting, you can get back on track with accurate real-time locations from your Tesla app.


We have thoroughly covered the issue of the Tesla app not updating location on a separate write-up.

However, as a Tesla owner or enthusiast, you’re likely to encounter other challenges that can make your experience with the automobile less than perfect. In this regard, there are a few more articles that could potentially be useful to you.

Imagine going on a road trip and needing to tow your Tesla behind an RV. Sounds impossible? Well, in the article Can You Flat Tow A Tesla Behind An Rv?, I meticulously explored the possibilities and limitations of such an endeavour.

This guide will show you exactly why towing a Tesla is not recommended and what alternatives exist for moving your electric vehicle over long distances without driving it.

In another scenario, your Tesla software might get stuck while downloading updates. This can be frustrating considering how vital these updates are in improving functionality and performance of various features within your vehicle.

In my detailed post about Tesla Software Update Stuck Downloading, I shared several techniques that can help resolve this common problem so you can enjoy uninterrupted use of your electric car.

But let’s say everything is fine with your software but then suddenly, without warning, your Tesla won’t turn on! It’s happened before and it could happen again.

But don’t worry; in my comprehensive guide on What To Do When Your Tesla Won’t Turn On, I’ve outlined several steps to take in order to get back on the road in no time.

Finally, let’s explore a common issue with the Tesla app – not showing charging metrics. It can be worrying when you can’t monitor your Tesla’s charging progress through the app.

In my detailed piece on fixing this issue, I provided several troubleshooting steps that could restore the functionality of this essential feature.

Therefore, apart from the challenges with location updates on the Tesla app, I recommend that every Tesla driver or enthusiast familiarize themselves with these posts to ensure they’re prepared for any eventualities.

Jonathan Rice

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