Premium Connectivity is a paid subscription that unlocks features requiring a constant internet connection in your Tesla
When you buy or lease a Tesla, the vehicle comes with a built-in cellular modem. Premium Connectivity is a monthly or yearly subscription that activates internet-dependent features on top of what your car can already do. Without it, your Tesla still works — it navigates, charges, and drives normally. With Premium Connectivity, you gain access to real-time traffic, satellite imagery in the navigation map, streaming music and podcasts, and the ability to control certain car functions from your phone when you're away from the vehicle.
The subscription costs vary by region and change over time. In the United States, Tesla typically charges around $10 per month or $100 per year, though these prices are not fixed and may differ depending on when you purchased your vehicle or your location. Some new Tesla owners receive a trial period of Premium Connectivity included at purchase — the length of that trial depends on the model and purchase date.
Key Takeaways
- Premium Connectivity is a separate paid subscription that activates internet features; your Tesla functions without it, but loses real-time traffic, satellite maps, and remote climate control.
- The subscription costs approximately $10 per month or $100 per year in most U.S. locations, though pricing varies by region and may change.
- You manage your subscription through the Tesla app or your vehicle's touchscreen, and can pause or cancel at any time without penalty.
- Premium Connectivity requires the cellular modem built into your Tesla; it does not use your phone's data plan or require a separate hotspot.
What Features Require Premium Connectivity
Real-time traffic information is the most commonly used Premium Connectivity feature. Without it, your navigation map shows you the route but not live congestion or accident reports. With Premium Connectivity, the map updates as traffic conditions change, and the navigation system can reroute you automatically to avoid delays.
Satellite imagery in the navigation map also requires Premium Connectivity. Standard navigation shows a basic street map; Premium Connectivity displays overhead satellite photos of the area you're driving through or heading toward. This helps you recognize landmarks and see the actual layout of intersections before you arrive.
Streaming music and podcasts through services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music require Premium Connectivity. You can still listen to radio, Bluetooth audio from your phone, or music stored on a USB drive without the subscription. Remote climate control — heating or cooling your car from the Tesla app when you're not in the vehicle — also requires Premium Connectivity, as does the ability to honk the horn or flash the lights from your phone.
Sentry Mode video playback and certain software updates also depend on Premium Connectivity. Without it, Sentry Mode still records video to your car's storage, but you cannot view that footage remotely through the app.
What Works Without Premium Connectivity
Navigation itself works without Premium Connectivity — your Tesla can route you to an address, show you charging stations, and guide you turn-by-turn. You straightforward won't see real-time traffic or satellite imagery. The map updates less frequently and relies on older traffic data.
Climate control inside the car works normally. You can adjust the temperature, seat heaters, and defrost from the touchscreen or voice commands. You just cannot start the climate system remotely from your phone when you're away from the vehicle.
Charging, Autopilot, battery management, and all core driving features operate without Premium Connectivity. Your car connects to Tesla's charging network and can locate nearby Superchargers. Phone key, keycard entry, and vehicle locks all function independently of the subscription.
How to Subscribe or Manage Your Subscription
You can start a Premium Connectivity subscription through the Tesla app on your phone or through your vehicle's touchscreen. Open the Tesla app, tap the menu icon, select "Subscriptions," and choose Premium Connectivity. You'll see the current price for your region and billing options — monthly or annual. Select your preference, enter a payment method, and confirm.
From the vehicle's touchscreen, go to Controls, then Subscriptions, then Premium Connectivity. The same options appear, and you can purchase directly from the car.
You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through the same menu. If you pause, your subscription freezes and you won't be charged, but Premium features stop working when ready. When you resume, you pay for the next billing period. Canceling ends the subscription permanently, though you can restart it later if you change your mind.
Premium Connectivity and Your Phone's Data Plan
Premium Connectivity uses the cellular modem built into your Tesla, not your phone's data plan or a separate hotspot. Your car has its own SIM card and connects to cellular networks independently. This means you don't need to share your phone's data allowance, and Premium Connectivity works even if your phone is off or out of range.
The cellular connection in your Tesla is separate from any WiFi you connect to the car. You can use WiFi for faster downloads or to avoid using cellular data, but Premium Connectivity features require the cellular modem, not WiFi.
Trial Periods and Included Subscriptions
Many new Tesla owners receive a complimentary trial of Premium Connectivity at purchase. The length varies — some vehicles come with three months free, others with one month, and some with longer periods depending on the model year and purchase date. Check your Tesla app under Subscriptions to see when your trial ends.
If you're unsure whether your vehicle includes a trial, the app will show you. If Premium Connectivity is active and free, the subscription screen displays the end date of your trial period. Once the trial expires, you'll need to pay to continue using Premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Premium Connectivity to use Superchargers?
No. Your Tesla locates and navigates to Superchargers without Premium Connectivity. The subscription only adds real-time traffic and satellite maps to that navigation. You can charge at any Supercharger using your vehicle's built-in charging features.
Can I use Premium Connectivity on multiple Tesla vehicles?
No. A Premium Connectivity subscription is tied to one vehicle. If you own two Teslas, you need a separate subscription for each one. You manage each subscription independently through the Tesla app.
What happens to my subscription if I sell my Tesla?
Your subscription ends when ownership transfers. The new owner can start their own Premium Connectivity subscription. Any remaining time on your subscription does not transfer or refund.
Does Premium Connectivity work outside the United States?
Premium Connectivity works in most countries where Tesla operates, but pricing and available features may differ by region. Check your Tesla app to see pricing and features available in your location.
Can I get Premium Connectivity for free through any programs?
Some Tesla owners receive complimentary trials at purchase, and occasionally Tesla runs promotional offers. Beyond that, Premium Connectivity is a paid subscription. Check your app or contact Tesla directly to learn about any current promotions in your area.