As a consequence, you’re interested in knowing how to disable location tracking in Tesla electric vehicles. Here, I describe how to turn off Tesla location tracking, along with some consequences of doing so.
Why Does Tesla Track Your Location?
Users and manufacturers of Tesla vehicles track each other’s locations.
Your location is tracked by Tesla, so you can lock and unlock your Tesla with your phone from a distance, summon it, plan your route and navigate, use autopilot, and find nearby services like gas stations and restaurants based on your location.
In order to facilitate the recovery of your Tesla during a theft, assist law enforcement in tracking criminals who have used Teslas, and gather important information regarding a crash involving your Tesla, Tesla tracks your location.
How to Turn Off Tesla Location – Step By Step Guide
This page explains what Tesla’s location tracking can and cannot be turned off.
Map rotation or movement
Tesla users are not aware that they can turn off location tracking by rotating or moving the map. Using this method, you can turn off location tracking without sacrificing other important features like a mobile connection, which means you can still use the Tesla smart system’s other great features.
Tesla claims that “your current location is no longer tracked when you rotate or move the map. Map orientation icon turns gray after the message “Tracking Disabled” appears briefly.
Using a rotating or moving map, you can disable location tracking:
Hold two fingers on the map and rotate it in any direction
OR
A finger can be held and dragged on the map to move it in any direction
A tracking disable message will appear once this is done.
Choose North Up or Heading Up from the map’s orientation icon to re-enable tracking.
Adding favorites and setting your home address are the first things you’ll need to do if you decide to turn location tracking back on.
Turn off mobile access in your car
Turning off mobile access inside your vehicle is the best way to turn off Tesla location tracking.
Tesla location tracking is automatically disabled when you turn off mobile access.
When you turn off mobile access, you will no longer be able to track your location; you will also no longer have access to all mobile access features, such as the following:
The following steps will guide you through turning off Tesla’s mobile access if you’re willing to give up all the great features it offers:
Now that you’ve disabled location tracking on Tesla, you can turn off other mobile features as well.
Turn off Tesla location in mobile app
Tesla’s mobile app allows you to turn off tracking of your location, and some users have suggested doing so. From the Tesla mobile app, location tracking cannot be turned off. In addition to the functions listed in number 2, the Tesla mobile app can also be used for other functions.
In addition, some users recommend disabling your phone’s location services so the Tesla mobile app won’t be able to access your location data. Location tracking on your Tesla car will continue to operate even if you deny the app access to your phone’s location services. Rather than using the GPS system on your phone, the Tesla App uses the GPS system of your car in order to track your location. When you turn this off, the Tesla app will no longer be able to detect the location of your phone, but it will still be able to locate your car.
Accordingly, at the time this article was written, it was not possible to disable location tracking with the Tesla Mobile App. Unlike Google Maps, Tesla’s navigation system is proprietary.
Buy a GPS jammer or disconnect the antennas
The GPS antennae on Telsas have been recommended as being removed by some users. The best course of action here is to be cautious. My advice is to stay away from it. The reason is as follows:
The GPS location functions of Tesla vehicles are controlled by a GNSS antenna system that Tesla has patented. In addition to these functions, this antenna also serves the following:
As you can see from the above, the Tesla’s GPS antenna is highly integrated. In highly-integrated car systems, various components are connected to each other and other essential modules. In this case, removing one component can lead to wider problems in your Tesla. The GPS antenna in your Tesla should not be removed or disconnected.
The installation of GPS blockers or jammers is another option users take. This is another area in which I recommend caution, as a GPS jammer may negatively affect other engine components and functions.
Third-party devices should not be installed on highly-sophisticated systems, such as a Tesla electric vehicle, since they may permanently damage some modules. Tesla’s technology is not known to these third-party device manufacturers. This means that using such devices could result in a disastrous technological conflict.
Why Would People Want to Disable Location Tracking?
Some drivers prefer private rides against better judgment. You may need to scout out locations for a surprise party. There can also be more dire situations where people are in danger or you need to get away from them.
It is not uncommon for families with Teslas to run into this problem, where one person wants to disable the location tracking. It’s natural for teens and their parents to want some time apart. Teenagers like this one want to visit locations that their fathers don’t approve of. As a gesture of good faith, couples may even turn the feature off for each other.
The Tesla app or other users cannot track the car’s location at all times by turning off location tracking.
Why does Tesla track your location?
Your Tesla vehicle’s location plays a significant role in the overall experience.
Location tracking is used by Tesla for a variety of reasons, including:
- Providing the following features through the mobile app:
- GPS can be used to provide the following information:
However, there is more to this story.
The basic information you provide to Tesla, such as your location, can be withheld. Only your location information can be opted out of sharing.
Furthermore, refusing to share data will mean you miss out on features like remote services, voice commands, and over-the-air software updates.
Read: Tesla sentry mode events
Read: How To Change Home Address On Tesla
Read: Tesla Microphone Not Working
Read: How To Reschedule Tesla Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable location services only when needed?
Depending on the preferences of the user, location tracking can be enabled.
Can a stolen Tesla be tracked?
There is no doubt that it is possible, and this has helped reunite many Tesla owners with their stolen vehicles. When the Tesla’s battery ran out, this thief left the vehicle and was caught in California. Throughout the journey, they tracked the location using the app. When a thief attempts to disable tracking in Tesla’s mobile settings, they must enter their Tesla account password first. This is another benefit of Tesla’s security system.
Will turning off location services affect navigation?
Some location-based services may be limited, but the basic navigation features will remain available.
Can I still use Tesla’s mobile app to locate my car without location services?
When location services are disabled, the app may not be able to locate your car.
Can you hide your Tesla location?
It is recommended that you disable remote mobile access, as we have described above, if you want to hide your location. You won’t be able to see your location when using the app this way.
Does disabling location tracking affect software updates?
You can still receive and install software updates without location services enabled.
Will Autopilot work without location services?
Location tracking is not required for Autopilot functionality.
How does Tesla track location?
To transmit location signals, Tesla uses a series of satellites, just like any other GPS system. Data on the location of a vehicle can be accessed in real-time by drivers and owners.
The Tesla servers will receive real-time location data from your car, but won’t store your driving history.
Conclusion
Location tracking is, simply put, an essential part of Tesla’s experience. Some of these methods will, however, result in severe consequences if you disable it.
Location tracking can be an important feature for some people, even if it’s not top priority for you.
Your vehicle must be turned off to “go dark.” Now that you know, you’ll need to do this. Driving undetected is only possible with that method.
