Tesla just made controlling your car from your iPhone a little easier, all thanks to the Shortcuts app. That means you can use Siri, or home screen widgets on your iPhone, to control the in-car functions that are already available through the official Tesla app.
Shortcuts have been around on iOS for a few years now, but the app is getting some upgrades as part of iOS 17. That includes a brand new design, alongside new actions for several essential apps on your phone, making the existing automation feature that bit neater and more convenient. . Now even Tesla is participating in that action.
Tesla drivers will already know that the mobile app is a very useful tool. While the company isn’t known for its smartphone integration while you’re driving, the app itself allows you to control systems like the lock, climate control, Sentry mode, and battery conditioning from a remote location.
Bringing shortcuts into the mix makes those features a little easier to access, whether it’s through a home screen widget, Siri voice commands, or a Spotlight search in iOS 17. The shortcut must of course be set up in advance, but the process only takes a few minutes. Once it’s done, you can activate or deactivate those features in the car without having to dive into the Tesla app.
Tesla Shortcuts app support is live in the latest version of the Tesla iPhone app and includes a range of options for you to choose from. From activating the Bioweapon Defense Mode to turning on the heated seats, beeping the horn and starting a charging session.
None of these things are particularly hard to do, especially if you’re already in the car. But it can save you a few seconds, which add up over time. Like asking Siri to open the charging port when you get out of the car so it’s open and ready when you arrive. That can save you a few seconds compared to performing this task on the car’s infotainment screen or through the charging port itself. And those seconds will add up over the weeks and months.
So if you’re a Tesla owner with an iPhone, it’s worth checking out those shortcuts to see what’s on offer. Just go in shortcuts, Press + symbol in the top right corner followed by Add action > Apps > Tesla. This will bring up a list similar to the one above, and tapping each one will allow you to configure that command to your liking.