2 Ways To Change Tesla Map To Satellite!

Last updated on April 18th, 2023 at 11:17 pm

If you own any model of a Tesla car, you can change your map to a satellite view. However, doing this can be tricky in all models.

Still, if you neglect it, you’ll see a location on your map but no detailed information. A satellite view gives more details about the location.

Changing from map to satellite view on your Apple CarPlay and Google Play is different. I’ll show you a step-by-step guide to changing views in this article.

Firstly, swipe your finger vertically on your screen, and it takes you to the map app. Next, tap on the map menu, and there you will see an option called ‘Satellite View.’ Click on it to change your view; note that this consumes more data than the map view because it loads images and gives additional information.

This article has everything you need to know about navigating Tesla maps on Apple CarPlay or Google Play Store.

How Do You Change the Map on Your Tesla To Satellite?

All Tesla motors have this feature where you switch between the map and satellite views. However, some who use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto don’t know much. 

Whatever your case, I assure you you’ll get through it this time. Let’s dive into knowing how to navigate through both functions.

#1. Changing Map To Satellite on Tesla With the Apple CarPlay 

To change from map view to satellite view in your Tesla, you’ve to download the Apple CarPlay from the Apple play store on your device and follow these steps:

#1. Get Tesla Apple CarPlay Connected 

Currently, there are just two types of car assistant features available for Tesla cars.

Apple CarPlay is one of them. You can use the steps below to connect it.

• Connect your smartphone to the CarPlay USB Port and search for the CarPlay Logo

• After this, click on the option “Settings” and then tap “General” and “CarPlay.” After this, choose the vehicle from the “Available Cars” list. 

• Next is to either push the button labeled “Voice Control,” which is on the steering wheel, or continue to hold the “CarPlay Home” button on the dashboard’s touchscreen.

• Immediately you do this, Siri will appear, and all the Apple CarPlay features will appear on your touchscreen.

Now that you know how to connect the Apple CarPlay, the next step is to switch from map to satellite.

The satellite view is different from the Map view. Check below to get it connected.

#2. Navigate From Map View To Satellite View on Tesla Touchscreen

Before changing the map view to the satellite view, it’s good to know before the time that data consumption varies. 

While your data consumption increases, you’ll need these steps to switch.

• Turn on your Tesla touchscreen, and navigate to the map app.

• Tap on the app to open.

• When the app is open, check for the layer button on the top-right corner and tap.

• Next, open the “Satellite” from the “Map Type” section in the menu.

• After this, you’ll not need to switch it again, as these settings save automatically.

#2. Changing Map To Satellite on Tesla With Android Auto

Mastering Android Auto can be confusing, especially when you’re handling it for the first time.

But one important thing about this feature is that you don’t need your phone while driving.

I know you must have walked long for this answer; here, I’ve detailed it for you to understand easily. To get it right this time, follow the steps I’ve written below.

#1. Get Tesla Android Auto Connected 

Android Auto differs from Apple CarPlay, so I suggest you pay close attention to these steps to get connected.

• To begin, make sure your Tesla setting has Android Auto enabled.

• Next is downloading the Android Auto App from Google Playstore, or you can connect your phone to the Tesla USB port.

• Next is to unlock your phone screen.

• Scroll through the safety information and app stipulations.

• After that, turn on the phone notifications for Android Auto.

• Finally, select Android Auto and enjoy the unique features.

#2. Navigate From Map View To Satellite View With Android Auto on the Tesla Touchscreen

Since the advent of Google Maps, satellite view has been available.

However, changing from Map view to Satellite view consumes much data, but if you’re cool with it, let’s move on.

Here are the steps you need to follow;

• Open the Maps app on your Android smartphone or tablet, whichever you’ve at your disposal.

• Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner of the app.

• After that, select “Settings” from the menu.

• You then need to go down and activate the button for “Start Maps in Satellite View.”

How Do You Return To the Map on the Tesla Screen?

Many reasons would make a user ask this question; luckily, I’ve all the answers. 

The three major reasons are;

• You can’t locate your map.

• You may have deleted your map app mistakenly or intentionally.

• You may have switched to satellite view in the past and find it hard to change it.

If you’re sure you have the app installed in your Tesla, you need to navigate through your touch screen.

It could be hiding somewhere; a little search will handle this issue.

But if you still can’t find it, you’ll need to download maps from the Apple Store or Google PlayStore. 

However, your case may be different. You may find your map view in “Satellite View” and find it hard to change; this guide below will assist you.

Here are the steps:

• Tap on maps.

• Go to “Settings” in the menu option.

• Activate the switch which says “Start Maps in Default View.”

Can You Change Your Tesla Map Orientation? 

Determining how your map directions align with the group’s direction is needed to provide easy navigation in any ride. 

However, orienting the map on Tesla may be challenging, but with these steps, be sure to catch up. Toggle between these choices to see your map from a wider viewpoint.

#1. North Up:

You will notice the direction North at the top of the screen.

#2. Heading Up:

The direction shows at the top of the screen. When you change direction when navigating, the map rotates. 

The app has an icon with an integrated compass that shows the direction your Tesla is moving.

#3. Route Overview:

You can only use this function while traveling to a location. When the detailed directions open, the route summary appears in a different format (swiping downward). 

The map will revert to its previous orientation when the user swipes the turn-by-turn direction upward.

What Map Does Tesla Use?

Tesla uses Google’s built-in map service, making locating somewhere on your Tesla easier. 

However, Tesla’s own generated data is also there to provide a comprehensive map and routing experience.

Some map-related data, such as routes and traffic conditions, are loaded when needed, while data like map tiles, street addresses, and voice navigation are stored and updated beforehand.

Now you know the app that Tesla uses, let’s look at the pros and cons of map view in Tesla. 

Below is a tabular illustration of them. 

Pros	Cons
It predicts how much battery life you’ll have when you arrive.	You can’t put multiple destinations into the system.
It shows where to Supercharge if needed.	You can’t drag the blue line to check distances and capacity.
It’s accurate because it considers many factors, such as temperature and topography.	You can’t drag the system-provided route. Tesla’s offerings are final.

Conclusion

In summary, Tesla maps help show directions to any location you are navigating on your automobile.

Knowing how to change the Tesla map between:

• Default view

• Satellite view

• Terrain view

Controlling this view is something all Tesla users should consider.