How to Change Radio Stations in a Tesla

For SiriusXM: Browsing by Category or Channel

In SiriusXM, you’ll typically see a list of categories (Music, Sports, News, etc.). Tap a category to see its channels. Tap a channel name to tune in. You can also directly enter a channel number using the on-screen keypad if you know it.

For Streaming Apps: Search and Select

In Spotify or TuneIn, the interface is like your phone. Use the search bar to find a specific song, artist, or internet radio station. You can also browse curated playlists or “radio stations” based on an artist. Once playing, the skip buttons work as expected.

Pro Tip: You can often access the last-used media source faster by tapping the small media icon in the status bar at the top of the screen, or by using a steering wheel button if configured.

Method 2: Voice Commands for Hands-Free Station Changes

This is arguably the safest and fastest method while driving. Tesla’s voice recognition is robust and specifically tuned for car commands.

Visual guide about How to Change Radio Stations in a Tesla

Image source: gearfixup.com

How to Activate Voice Control

Press the “Talk” button on your steering wheel (it usually has a microphone icon). You’ll hear a chime, and a microphone icon will appear on the touchscreen. The system is now listening. You can also say “Hey Tesla” if you have that feature enabled in settings.

Essential Voice Commands for Radio

Speak clearly and naturally. Here are the most useful commands:

• “Tune to [frequency] FM/AM.” Example: “Tune to 98.7 FM.”
• “Change to [channel number] on SiriusXM.” Example: “Change to channel 12 on SiriusXM.”
• “Play [artist/song] on Spotify.” Example: “Play Beatles on Spotify.”
• “Turn up/down the volume.” Or “Set volume to [number].”
• “Next track” / “Previous track.” Works for most sources.
• “Play [genre] radio.” For streaming apps, this often starts a station based on that genre.

Limitations and Tips for Voice

Voice commands generally cannot save presets or navigate complex menus. They’re best for direct tuning. If the system mishears you, try rephrasing. For obscure station names or frequencies, it’s often easier to use the touchscreen. Remember, you can combine commands: “Tune to 101.5 FM and turn the volume up.”

Method 3: Steering Wheel Controls for Quick Adjustments

Your steering wheel buttons are designed for common actions that don’t require looking at the screen. However, their exact functionality can vary by model year and software version.

Typical Button Functions

On most Teslas:

• Left Scroll Wheel: Roll forward/back to adjust volume. Press the wheel itself to play/pause or skip to the next track (for the current source).
• Right Scroll Wheel: Primarily for Autopilot and cruise control, not audio.
• Steering Wheel Stalks: The left stalk has the “Talk” button for voice commands. The right stalk controls turn signals and wipers.
• Additional Buttons: Some models have discrete buttons on the steering wheel for media control (play/pause, next/previous track). These are rare in newer models, as functions moved to scroll wheels.

What Steering Wheel Controls CAN and CANNOT Do

They are excellent for:

• Adjusting volume quickly.
• Pausing/playing audio.
• Skipping to the next track or station (for streaming apps and SiriusXM channel up/down).

They typically cannot:

• Enter a specific frequency (like 102.5 FM).
• Browse station lists or categories.
• Save presets.
• Switch between audio sources (e.g., from FM to Spotify).

For these tasks, you must use the touchscreen or voice commands.

Saving and Managing Presets: Your Personal Quick-Select List

Presets are the best way to access your favorite stations with one tap. But the process and storage work differently than in a conventional car.

How to Save a Preset (Step-by-Step)

1. Tune to the station you want to save using any method (touchscreen, voice).
2. Look for a “Favorite” or “Star” icon on the media player screen—it’s often near the frequency display or channel number.
3. Tap that icon. It should turn solid (gold or white) to indicate it’s saved.
4. To view all your saved presets, tap the “Favorites” tab or list icon, usually located next to the source name or in a sidebar.

Important: Presets Are Source-Specific

This is a key difference from many cars. Your list of saved FM presets is completely separate from your SiriusXM favorites and your Spotify “Radio” stations. When you switch sources, you must switch to that source’s preset list. There is no universal “preset 1” that holds an FM station and a Spotify playlist simultaneously.

Organizing and Deleting Presets

In the presets list, you can usually:

• Reorder: Drag and drop presets to rearrange their order (on some software versions).
• Delete: Swipe left on a preset (on touchscreen) or tap an “Edit” button to remove unwanted stations.
• Rename: Some versions allow renaming presets for easier identification.

Your presets are stored in your Tesla account and sync to other Tesla vehicles you drive, which is a nice perk.

Troubleshooting: When the Radio Won’t Change Stations

Most radio issues in a Tesla are software glitches, not hardware failures. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

Problem: Touchscreen Buttons Don’t Respond / Media Player Frozen

Solution: Perform a soft reboot. While the car is in “Park,” press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 10-15 seconds until the Tesla logo appears on the screen. The system will restart. Your presets and settings will NOT be lost. This fixes 90% of minor infotainment glitches. If the problem persists, a full power cycle (walk away for 15 minutes with the car off and keys far away) may help.

Problem: No Sound or Static

First, check the volume level and mute button on the touchscreen. Ensure the correct audio source is selected and that your phone isn’t connected via Bluetooth and overriding the radio. For AM/FM, poor reception can be due to location; try driving to a new area. If using streaming, check your internet connection (Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi).

Problem: Voice Commands Not Working

Ensure the “Talk” button is pressed until you hear the chime. Speak clearly after the chime. Check that your vehicle’s language setting is correct (Controls > Display > Language). If problems continue, a reboot often resolves microphone or software recognition issues.

Problem: Can’t Save Presets

Make sure you’re tapping the correct “Favorite” icon for the current source. Some streaming apps (like Spotify) use their own “Save to Library” function instead of the Tesla preset system. Also, you cannot save a preset while the car is moving in some regions due to safety regulations; try when parked.

When to Contact Tesla Service

If a reboot doesn’t fix a completely dead radio (no sound from any source, touchscreen media controls missing), or if you see persistent error messages, it may indicate a hardware issue with the media control unit. This requires professional diagnosis at a Tesla Service Center.

Comparing Tesla’s System to Traditional Cars

If you’re coming from a conventional vehicle, the differences are stark. In most cars, you’d use a physical knob to scroll through stations, a “seek” button to find strong signals, and a set of numbered buttons (1-6) to save presets. Tesla replaces all of that with a touchscreen. There are pros and cons.

Pros: The touchscreen allows for richer information (album art, station info, song lyrics). Presets can hold more than just a frequency—they can save a specific Spotify playlist. Voice control is highly integrated. The system updates over-the-air, so features improve.

Cons: It can be harder to change stations by feel while driving; you must glance at the screen. There’s no tactile feedback. The learning curve is steeper. For those who prefer physical controls, this can be frustrating.

If you’re used to a system like the one in a 2023 Toyota RAV4, which combines a touchscreen with some physical climate and audio buttons, Tesla’s approach feels more all-or-nothing. Similarly, even luxury brands like Audi often retain a physical volume knob and some hard buttons, which some drivers prefer for safety. Tesla bets entirely on voice and touch, which works well once adapted.

Conclusion: Embracing the Digital Dashboard

Changing radio stations in a Tesla might seem daunting at first, but it becomes second nature with a little practice. The touchscreen is your primary tool, offering precise control and visual feedback. Voice commands provide a safe, eyes-on-the-road alternative for simple tuning. While the lack of physical buttons takes adjustment, the system’s flexibility—from satellite radio to streaming apps—offers unparalleled entertainment options. Remember to save your favorite stations as presets within each source, and don’t forget the trusty reboot if things act up. With these methods in your toolkit, you’ll be tuning in to your favorite podcasts, news, or music channels in your Tesla with confidence and ease. Enjoy the ride and the soundtrack!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Tesla radio stations while the car is moving?

Yes, you can change stations via the touchscreen while driving, but for safety, Tesla recommends using voice commands or steering wheel controls (for next/previous track) to minimize distraction. Some preset-saving functions may be disabled while moving.

Why can’t I find the AM radio band on my Tesla?

AM radio availability varies by region and vehicle configuration. Some markets (like Europe) do not include AM receivers due to lower usage and interference issues. Check your media source list; if AM isn’t there, your vehicle wasn’t equipped with it. SiriusXM and streaming apps are alternatives.

How do I switch between FM, SiriusXM, and Spotify?

Tap the current source name (e.g., “FM Radio”) at the top of the media player screen. A dropdown menu will appear listing all available sources. Simply tap your desired source to switch. You can also use voice: “Switch to Spotify.”

Do Tesla radio presets transfer to a new Tesla if I sell my car?

No. Presets are stored locally in the vehicle’s memory and in your Tesla account profile. If you sell your car, the new owner can create their own presets. If you buy a new Tesla and log into your Tesla account, some preferences may sync, but presets typically do not transfer automatically between vehicles.

Is there a way to scan for stations automatically like the “seek” button in other cars?

Yes. In FM/AM mode, look for a “Scan” button on the tune bar screen. Tapping it will automatically cycle through stations for a few seconds each, stopping when you tap again. If you don’t see a scan button, use the “>” or “<" buttons to seek to the next strong station manually.

What should I do if my Tesla radio freezes and won’t change stations?

Perform a soft reboot: while parked, press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for 10-15 seconds until the Tesla logo appears. The system will restart. This resolves most temporary software glitches without erasing your presets or settings.