These instructions apply to the Tesla Model S (2012-2021). For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Last updated:
If the large central display in your Tesla Model S (2012–Present) has frozen, gone black, stopped responding or keeps glitching, a soft reboot almost always fixes it. The Model S actually has two screens — the central touchscreen and the driver’s instrument cluster — and the scroll-wheel reboot restarts both together. It takes around 15 seconds, loses no data, and the car keeps driving the whole time.
Reboot the Screens With the Scroll Wheels
- Put the car in Park — the reboot will not run while driving.
- Keep your foot off the brake pedal throughout; pressing the brake can interrupt it.
- Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel (or yoke) at the same time, pressing each one inward.
- Hold for about 10 to 15 seconds until both the centre screen and the instrument cluster go black.
- Release when the Tesla “T” logo reappears on the centre display.
- Allow about 30 seconds for everything to load back — both screens, maps, media and climate return on their own.
Wheel variations: Refreshed Model S (2021 onward) uses two scroll wheels on the yoke or round wheel — press both. The classic pre-2021 Model S has the same two thumb scroll wheels; on the earliest cars the wheels click inward to act as the reboot buttons. Either way, the action is the same: hold both until the screens go dark.
It Is Safe — No Data Is Lost
This soft reboot only restarts the display software. It does not erase driver profiles, saved navigation favourites, Autopilot settings, paired phones, or any other data. Tesla service recommends it as the first thing to try for any screen glitch, and it is completely safe while parked. The drive system, locks and climate stay powered throughout.
If a Soft Reboot Isn’t Enough: Power Off
For freezes that keep coming back, do a deeper power-down:
- With the car in Park, tap ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Power Off’.
- Confirm, then leave the car alone for 2 to 3 minutes — don’t open a door, touch a screen, or press the brake.
- After the wait, press the brake pedal (or open a door) to wake the car.
This fully powers down the computers and clears deeper hangs the scroll-wheel reboot can’t reach.
If It Stays Frozen
- Hold the wheels longer — a stubborn hang can need 20–30 seconds before the screens go black.
- Use the Power Off method above and give the car its full 3-minute rest.
- Check for a software update once the screens return — an interrupted update can cause repeat freezes.
- Report it via the Tesla app under ‘Service’ — on higher-mileage Model S cars persistent freezing can indicate a worn display memory (eMMC) unit Tesla can diagnose remotely.
Don’t Reboot While Driving
Reboot only when parked. Because the Model S reboot also blanks the instrument cluster, doing it on the move would remove your speed, gear and Autopilot display — pull over and Park first. If a screen freezes mid-drive the car stays drivable; reboot only after you have safely stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rebooting delete my profiles or Autopilot settings?
No. The reboot only restarts the screen software. Driver profiles, navigation favourites, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving settings, and paired phones are all kept.
Does the reboot restart the instrument cluster too?
Yes. Unlike the Model 3 and Y, the Model S has a separate driver cluster, and the scroll-wheel reboot restarts both it and the central touchscreen at once.
My early Model S has different wheel buttons — does this still work?
Yes. Pre-2021 and refreshed cars both reboot by holding the two steering-wheel scroll wheels inward until the screens go dark; the button shape differs but the action is identical.
Why does my older Model S freeze more often?
Early MCU1 cars have a flash-memory unit that wears with age and can cause more frequent freezes. A reboot clears the symptom; if it recurs often, have Tesla check the display unit through the app.
Do I need my foot on the brake?
No — keep your foot off the brake during the hold, or you may cancel the reboot.
If a warning or fault message stays on after the screens restart, you can look the stored code up on autodtcs.com.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general guidance only. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions when working on your vehicle. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or any damage resulting from the use of this information.
This website is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tesla. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners.