Supercharge Your Tesla with Siri Commands and iOS Shortcuts
If you’re a Tesla owner and an Apple user, combining your car with Siri and iOS shortcuts is a match made in tech heaven. With just a few voice commands or a custom shortcut, you can take control of your Tesla in ways that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie. Here’s how you can get started and maximize this powerful integration.
Native Siri Commands: Tesla’s Built-In Support
The Tesla app on iOS already supports some native Siri commands. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the Tesla app is installed on your iPhone and running in the background.
- Enable Siri & Search for the Tesla app in your phone settings.
Here are some handy commands you can use right out of the box:
- "Hey Siri, what's my car's charge?"
- "Hey Siri, lock my car."
- "Hey Siri, unlock my car."
- "Hey Siri, honk the horn." (Confirmation required)
- "Hey Siri, flash my headlights." (Confirmation required)
Pro Tip: If your Tesla only unlocks the driver’s door by default, saying "Hey Siri, unlock my car" a second time will unlock all doors.
Keep in mind that some commands, like "Open the trunk" or "Where is my car?" might direct you to the Tesla app instead. While limited, the built-in commands still offer a lot of convenience.
Level Up with Custom Siri Shortcuts
Native commands are great, but the magic really happens when you create custom Siri shortcuts using the Shortcuts app. With this approach, you can automate actions that Tesla hasn’t yet integrated with Siri, like toggling Sentry Mode or starting charging.
How to Create a Shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "+" icon to create a new shortcut.
- Tap "Add Action" and select "Apps".
- Find and select the Tesla app. (Make sure it’s up to date.)
- Choose the action you want, such as enabling Sentry Mode or opening the charge port.
- Name your shortcut something intuitive like "Activate Sentry Mode."
- Save it.
Now, just say, "Hey Siri, [your shortcut name]," and watch your Tesla obey your command.
Take It to Your Apple Watch
Adding shortcuts to your Apple Watch lets you control your Tesla right from your wrist. To do this, make sure the “Show on Apple Watch” option is enabled when creating your shortcut. This works seamlessly and adds a whole new level of convenience, especially for quick tasks like unlocking your car or checking the charge.
Accessibility Hacks: Back Tap for Tesla Commands
For even faster access, you can link your shortcuts to the Back Tap feature in iOS:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select the Tesla shortcut you want.
Use Case: Assign "Open Charge Port" to a double tap for quick access. Be cautious, though—assigning something like "Unlock my car" might lead to accidental taps, so choose wisely.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Wake Your Tesla: If your car is asleep, some commands might not go through. Open the Tesla app to wake it up if needed.
- Security Prompts: Commands like honking or flashing lights may require verbal confirmation.
- Phone Unlocking: For security reasons, some shortcuts may need your phone to be unlocked.
Final Thoughts
Integrating Siri and iOS shortcuts with your Tesla takes your car ownership experience to the next level. Whether it’s locking your doors with a quick voice command or creating custom automations to suit your lifestyle, the possibilities are endless.
I’m already hooked, and I can’t wait to see how Tesla and Apple continue to enhance this synergy. What about you? Have you tried any creative Siri commands or shortcuts for your Tesla? Share your tips—I’m always looking for new ideas!