How to add more 'Quick Control' shortcut icons to the Tesla app

May 17, 2022

By Rene Pepin

You can add a fifth Quick Control icon to the Tesla app

Tesla completely redesigned their app with version 4.0 last year. Since then Tesla has been quickly iterating on its features with updates and new features coming every few weeks.

With version 4.3 of the Tesla app, Tesla added the ability to customize the Quick Control buttons on the main screen.

You can add up to four buttons, but with this little trick, you can also add a fifth icon.

Add a Fifth Icon to the Tesla App

To add a fifth icon start by long-pressing the row of icons to bring up an editing screen to sort or replace those icons with the ones you use most frequently.

Now here is where the fun starts because it will take a little manual dexterity to add the additional icon but when you do it correctly your sense of accomplishment will out weight your initial frustration.

Here is the trick:

With your right thumb, pick up one of the available icons and drag it over the fourth icon (in the screen above it is the Front Trunk icon), but do not release it.

While keeping your right thumb held down, use your thumb on your left hand to press on the 1st icon (in the screen above it is the HVAC icon), and drag it to the second icon (the Defrost icon). The icon you have brought up will move offscreen to the right into the invisible fifth spot.

Release both fingers simultaneously and VIOLA a fifth icon will magically appear.

Have fun mixing and matching your icons as your needs change. You can update the icon bar as often as needed.

Video

Tesla used to allow users to continue to add an unlimited amount of icons, but it wasn't a great experience so the total number of icons is now limited to five.

Additional Tips

There are several other useful bits of information about the Tesla app that could make it more useful.

For example, you can tap the battery icon at the top of the screen to access charging information. This brings up the same information as tapping on the Charge Quick Control icon.

If you prefer tapping the battery icon, you can remove the Charge icon from the Quick Controls area, allowing you to free up a spot, essentially giving you an extra Quick Control slot.

Wake Up Your Vehicle Quicker

When using the app most commands are executed through the vehicle's internet connection, which requires your vehicle to be awake.

Waiting for your vehicle to wake up could sometimes take up to a minute, but there is a way to speed it up if you're within Bluetooth distance (around 30 feet).

Some commands are sent via Bluetooth, which allows them to be completed even if the vehicle is asleep. This includes locking and unlocking the doors.

When completing one of these commands, your Tesla starts to turn on almost immediately.

If you're waiting for your vehicle to turn on, you can send a command to lock/unlock your vehicle and your vehicle should wake up quicker than just waiting.

Widget

If you've added a fifth icon to your Quick Controls and use the Tesla app widget, then the widget will now display all five icons as well.

No Need to Wait

With the introduction of the Tesla app version 4.0 last year, Tesla quietly rolled out a feature that changes the way you use the app.

Previously, you needed to open the Tesla app, wait for your vehicle to wake up, and then you could send a command to the car, such as using turning on the climate system or using HomeLink.

However, now you can simply open the app, tap your desired function (it'll show a spinning circle) and you can quit the app.

Instead of the command going directly to your car, it will now be sent to Tesla. Tesla's servers will be the ones who wait for your vehicle to wake up, and when it does, Tesla will execute the command.

If for some reason Tesla isn't able to wake up your vehicle due to a poor connection or another error, then you'll receive a notification saying the command failed.

This makes turning on the HVAC system a much more enjoyable experience.

Tesla Confirms Update Issue for FSD V13.2.2; Fix Coming

February 7, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

A member of Tesla’s AI development team, Kalena Brown, took to X to mention that an update is on its way for AI 4 vehicles on older FSD V13.2 builds.

It seems that Tesla has caught an issue that has been preventing vehicles from safely updating from FSD V13.2.2 to newer builds such as FSD V13.2.4 or V13.2.6.

The Bug

Tesla usually catches these issues early in testing, but sometimes, they make their way out into the wild, necessitating a stop to a rollout. In this case, the rollout was likely halted to prevent this issue from spreading to other vehicles.

There have been a lot of comments on social media that users haven’t seen an update since late December or early January. While that’s not completely abnormal, this update, version 2024.45.25.5 includes an issue that prevents it from being updated.

Please be patient! Found an issue specific to that update path, but fix is coming soon

Many folks on older builds also waiting and we're working hard to get everyone covered 🙂
— Kalena Brown (@KalenaKBrown) February 7, 2025

The Fix

Brown says that Tesla is aware of the issue and is working hard to get a build with the fix released soon. It may be a couple of weeks before it’s ready, but you can expect Tesla to roll this one out slowly to make sure the issue is addressed.

The issue appears to be specific to FSD V13.2.2, so anyone on another update should not be affected. Keep an eye out on our feeds - and we’ll let you know once the update is released.

Tesla to Introduce New Paint Options for New Model Y in North America

February 7, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla introduced the Refreshed Model Y in North America with just four colors - Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver. While those are likely some of the most popular colors - many have been asking - what about new color options?

Actually - what even happened to Deep Blue Metallic - one of the most popular Tesla color choices? Well, thanks to an interview between Tesla Owners Club Silicone Valley and some of Tesla’s vehicle engineers, we now have more details.

New Paint Options

More paint options are around the corner for the new Model Y, but they won’t be available just yet. In fact, they’ll likely be available once the Launch-Series wraps up - as those vehicles are shipping in May.

One of Tesla’s latest colors, Glacier Blue, debuted in the Asia-Pacific market, but for now, North America remains limited to a select set of options. Deep Blue Metallic continues to be one of Tesla’s most popular choices, and black is also a favorite, though it is currently unavailable for new Model Y orders.

In a recent interview, Tesla’s engineering team confirmed that new colors are already being developed. However, the key factor delaying their availability is production ramp-up. Just as scaling vehicle production takes time, expanding paint production capacity is a gradual process. Tesla is prioritizing a smooth production ramp before adding more color options to the lineup.

New Color Hints

The engineering team also mentioned that if you “put two and two together” while browsing the website, it will be pretty evident which colors are coming. This suggests that the new colors will not be completely new but will be colors that are available on other models or in other regions. The primary candidates are Glacier Blue, which is available in Asia, and Deep Blue Metallic and Black, which are available for the now, last-gen Model Y.

It seems like once production ramps up, Tesla will be ready to introduce some new paint options. Maybe they’ll introduce them alongside the expected refreshed Model Y Performance? If you’re in the market for a paint option that isn’t available in North America just yet - it could be best just to wait a few months.