Tesla (2020) May 2026

The car can dictate incoming messages to you. To reply, press the right scroll wheel once, dictate your response, and press it again to send. Voice Command Expansion

In 2020, Tesla significantly improved its "helpful text" features by overhauling its in-car text messaging interface and expanding voice command capabilities. These updates were designed to help drivers stay focused on the road while staying connected.

Tesla's natural language processing grew more robust in 2020, allowing for hundreds of "helpful text" commands to control vehicle functions. Tesla (2020)

Instead of scattered notifications, all messages from the same sender are combined into a single conversation thread.

Use "Text message [Name]" or "Call [Name]" to manage communication hands-free. The car can dictate incoming messages to you

Commands like "I'm cold" (to raise heat) or "Set temperature to 70 degrees" are standard.

You can say "Open the glovebox," "Fold mirrors," or "Increase screen brightness" to avoid digging through menus while driving. How to Set Up Messaging (2020 Models) These updates were designed to help drivers stay

To ensure your Tesla (like a 2020 Model 3 or Model Y) can handle texts, you must enable specific settings on both the car and your phone: