Tesla vehicles offer a unique blend of technology and personalization that sets them apart from traditional cars. One of the simplest yet most satisfying ways to make your Tesla truly yours is by giving it a custom name. Whether you’ve just joined the Tesla family or want to refresh your current vehicle’s identity, this guide will walk you through the complete process of how to rename Tesla vehicles through both the touchscreen interface and mobile app.
Why Rename Your Tesla?
Personalizing your Tesla with a unique name creates a special connection with your vehicle. Many owners find that naming their Tesla adds character and makes the high-tech experience feel more personal. There are several practical reasons to rename your Tesla:
- Distinguish between multiple Tesla vehicles in your household
- Express your personality through your vehicle’s identity
- Make your Tesla easier to identify in the mobile app
- Enhance the fun factor of Tesla ownership
- Create a conversation starter with other Tesla enthusiasts
Prerequisites Before Renaming Your Tesla
Before you begin the renaming process, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:
- Your Tesla must be in Park mode
- For older models, the key fob should be present in the vehicle
- The vehicle’s touchscreen must be powered on and responsive
- For app-based renaming, ensure you have the latest Tesla mobile app installed
- Your phone must be connected to the internet for app changes to sync
These requirements ensure a smooth renaming process without interruptions. Now let’s explore the two primary methods to rename your Tesla.
How to Rename Tesla Using the Touchscreen
The most direct way to rename your Tesla is through the vehicle’s touchscreen interface. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Access the Controls Menu
Start by tapping the car icon located in the bottom left corner of your Tesla’s touchscreen. This opens the main controls interface where you can access various vehicle settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Software Settings
Once in the controls menu, locate and tap on the “Software” tab. This section contains information about your vehicle’s current software version and various system settings, including the vehicle name.
Step 3: Locate Current Vehicle Name
In the Software section, you’ll see an image of your Tesla model. Look for your current vehicle name displayed on the right side of this image. If your Tesla hasn’t been named yet, you’ll see “Name your vehicle” in blue text.
Step 4: Enter New Name
Tap on the current name or “Name your vehicle” text. A keyboard will appear on the screen, allowing you to type a new name for your Tesla. Be creative and choose something that reflects your personality or the vehicle’s character.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
After entering your desired name, tap “Save” or the confirmation button to apply the change. Your Tesla will immediately update to display the new name throughout the system interface.
How to Rename Tesla Using the Mobile App
If you prefer to rename your Tesla remotely or while away from your vehicle, the Tesla mobile app offers a convenient alternative:
Step 1: Open the Tesla App
Launch the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone and ensure you’re logged into your Tesla account. The app should display your vehicle on the home screen.
Step 2: Access the Name Change Option
Tap on your vehicle’s current name displayed at the top of the app screen. This will bring up a menu with various options, including the ability to change your vehicle’s name.
Step 3: Enter and Confirm New Name
A text field will appear where you can enter your desired new name. Type in your preferred name and tap “OK” or “Save” to confirm the change. The app will sync this update with your vehicle automatically.
Step 4: Verify the Update
After saving, the app should immediately display your Tesla with its new name. The next time you enter your vehicle, the touchscreen will also reflect this updated name.
Tesla Naming Considerations and Limitations
When choosing a name for your Tesla, keep these important considerations in mind:
Character Limits
Tesla limits vehicle names to approximately 20 characters. Longer names may be truncated in certain displays or interfaces. Choose a name that’s concise yet meaningful to avoid this issue.
Allowed Characters
Tesla’s naming system supports standard alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) and most common symbols. However, certain special characters may not be accepted. Stick to standard characters for the best results.
Bluetooth and App Display
Your Tesla’s name appears in several places beyond just the touchscreen. It will show up in the mobile app, as a Bluetooth device name when pairing phones, and in various Tesla account interfaces. Choose a name you’ll be comfortable seeing across all these platforms.
Easter Eggs and Special Names
Tesla has hidden some fun Easter eggs related to certain vehicle names. For example, naming your Tesla after Monty Python references like “Patsy” or “Rabbit of Caerbannog” can unlock special animations or features. Experiment with these special names for added fun.
Troubleshooting Tesla Rename Issues
If you encounter problems while trying to rename your Tesla, here are some common issues and their solutions:
Name Change Option Not Available
If you can’t find the rename option, ensure your vehicle’s software is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve this issue. Try powering off your Tesla through the Safety & Security menu, wait for two minutes, then power it back on.
Name Doesn’t Save Properly
If your new name doesn’t save or reverts to the previous name, check your internet connection. For app-based changes, ensure your phone has a stable connection. For in-car changes, verify that your vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi or has cellular connectivity.
Name Appears in App But Not in Vehicle
If there’s a discrepancy between the name shown in your app and on your vehicle’s screen, try forcing a sync by toggling airplane mode on your phone or restarting both the app and your vehicle’s touchscreen system.
Special Characters Causing Issues
If your chosen name contains special characters and isn’t being accepted, try simplifying it to use only standard alphanumeric characters. Some symbols may not be supported by Tesla’s naming system.
Creative Tesla Naming Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Here are some popular and creative naming categories to consider for your Tesla:
Electricity-Inspired Names
- Volt
- Sparky
- Wattson
- Ampere
- Ohm Sweet Ohm
- Joule
Space-Themed Names
- Starman
- Nebula
- Apollo
- Orion
- Galaxy
- Comet
Pop Culture References
- KITT (Knight Rider)
- Jarvis (Iron Man)
- Millennium Falcon
- Optimus
- HAL 9000
- Tardis
Color-Based Names
- Midnight (Black)
- Pearl (White)
- Crimson (Red)
- Sapphire (Blue)
- Quicksilver (Silver)
- Emerald (Green)
Playful Puns
- Watt’s Up
- Teslicious
- Amped Up
- Current Affair
- Ohm My
- Plug N Play
Powerful Names
- Thunder
- Bolt
- Storm
- Blitz
- Surge
- Dynamo
Verifying Your Tesla’s New Name
After renaming your Tesla, it’s important to verify that the change has been applied correctly across all systems:
- Vehicle Display: The new name should appear on your Tesla’s main touchscreen interface.
- Mobile App: Open your Tesla app to confirm the new name appears at the top of the screen.
- Bluetooth Connection: Check your phone’s Bluetooth settings to verify the Tesla appears with its new name.
- Tesla Account: Log into your Tesla account on the website to ensure the vehicle displays with its updated name.
- Voice Commands: Try using voice commands that reference your vehicle to confirm the system recognizes the new name.
If the name appears inconsistently across these platforms, you may need to allow some time for synchronization or restart the respective systems.
Make Your Tesla Truly Yours
Renaming your Tesla is a simple yet meaningful way to personalize your electric vehicle experience. Whether you choose something witty, powerful, or sentimental, your Tesla’s name becomes part of your unique relationship with your vehicle. The process takes just a few moments but adds a personal touch that enhances the joy of Tesla ownership.
Remember that you can change your Tesla’s name as often as you like, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different names until you find the perfect fit. Your Tesla is more than just a car—it’s a technological companion that deserves a name as special as the experience it provides.
Explore More Tesla Customization Options
Want to further personalize your Tesla experience? Discover additional customization features and hidden Easter eggs that make Tesla ownership even more enjoyable.
