A Tesla Premium Connectivity package gives you access to a wide variety of features without requiring a WiFi connection. In addition to providing extra security benefits, Tesla drivers can stream music and videos, browse the web, and stream videos without needing to connect to a Wi-Fi network. You’ll learn a little workaround to save money and determine if Premium Connectivity will work for you.
Getting Started:
Is Tesla Premium Connectivity Worth It?
Tesla Premium Connectivity is absolutely necessary to access a few features. Live Traffic Visualization, Satellite-View Maps, Live Camera View, and Live Traffic Visualization are all part of Sentry Mode. You can access everything else without Premium Connectivity, also called Standard Connectivity, if you have access to Wi-Fi. Does Tesla Premium Connectivity make sense? That’s right! Since I bought my Tesla Model 3 in 2019, I’ve been happy to pay $9.99 per month for these features; let me explain why.
Live View in Sentry Mode
As long as the car is equipped with a USB drive compatible with Sentry Mode with Standard Connectivity, the system will alert you when a security event occurs and provide you with footage of the last 10 minutes before the event. You get a notification that something is wrong, but you won’t know until you go check out your car whether someone keyed it or just walked by too closely. From anywhere in the world, you can check your cameras using Premium Connectivity’s Live View function.
I use Sentry Mode Live View primarily when an alert goes off or if my dogs are in the car and I get worried. I use the monthly Tesla subscription just for it. The cameras inside your Tesla can also be viewed depending on the model. It’s still possible for me to view the outside cameras in my Model 3, even though it’s not possible on my Model 3. My first reaction is to rush over or call 911 if I see suspicious people or burglars standing around the car.
Satellite-view maps and live traffic visualization
With Premium Connectivity, my husband has Satellite-View Maps specifically for our car. As with Google Maps’ Default View, Standard Connectivity uses an all-gray map to navigate. When you have Premium Connectivity, you will be able to switch to Satellite-View. You can see buildings and landmarks more clearly when using Satellite-View since it’s not only in color but also in color. The design is also much nicer.
Moreover, you will be able to see unexpected traffic when using Live Traffic Visualization. Your car may automatically reroute you to avoid traffic if you have Premium Connectivity enabled, and you will see exactly why it prefers certain roads over others if you use Tesla’s navigation system. It is still possible to see if there is heavy traffic ahead even when you are driving without your navigation.
Without Wi-Fi, stream music, videos, and browse the Internet
There is no need for Premium Connectivity to stream Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc. The only catch is that you’ll have to be connected to Wi-Fi. You will need to park near your home router or in a public area with Wi-Fi if you want to take advantage of this service. If you do not have these services enabled, you will be unable to access them or browse the internet.
As a result of Premium Connectivity, you’ll be able to access the internet through your Tesla’s built-in cellular data and Wi-Fi modems to listen to music or play Careoke while driving. Due to safety regulations, streaming video will still require parking, but you will not need a Wi-Fi connection to do so.
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Warning:
Tesla Premium Connectivity is well worth the price, but depending on where you are, streaming and specifically internet browsing can be a bit slow. You might want to reconsider getting Premium Connectivity if you live in an area without a reliable cellular connection.
It is important to keep in mind that you will have to pay separately for each service you wish to use on top of Premium Connectivity. The Tesla Premium Connectivity package will not let you listen to Apple Music if you do not subscribe to it. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free Tip of the Day newsletter for more tech tips, such as how to add Apple Music to your Tesla.
Pro Tip:
You can save $9.99 per month by using your phone as a hotspot if you don’t care about Sentry Mode’s View Live Camera, Live Traffic Visualization, and Satellite-View Maps. Some users may experience intermittent or even unavailable service depending on their network provider and location.
Conclusion
Some may find Tesla Premium Connectivity worthwhile, while others may not. In comparison with the price of a Tesla, $9.99 might seem like a low fee, but many consider it ridiculous to pay for add-on services after already purchasing the car. With Tesla subscriptions, you can pay for one month, see if it works for you, and cancel anytime. The next step is to learn how to unlock your Tesla using your Apple Watch key.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Tesla Premium Connectivity?
It costs $99.00 per year plus tax for the Tesla Premium Connectivity package. You can choose between a one-year or 30-day free trial when you purchase a new Tesla. It can be found on Tesla’s website how long the trial period is depending on the model and year of the car.
Do Teslas have Wi-Fi hotspots?
A cellular device such as an iPhone or another compatible device can be used to connect your Tesla to a hotspot. Tesla Premium Connectivity does not allow you to use your car as a hotspot for other devices, including iPhones.
Do Tesla cars use Starlink?
Although Elon Musk originally said Tesla cars wouldn’t use Starlink, he has since confirmed that Tesla will use Starlink in the future through a tweet. There were no details or timelines provided by him.
