These instructions apply to the Tesla Model 3. For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Last updated:
If the central display in your Tesla Model 3 (2017–Present) has frozen, gone black, become unresponsive to taps, or the maps and media keep stuttering, the fix is almost always a simple soft reboot of the touchscreen. The Model 3 has no instrument cluster — the single 15-inch landscape display drives almost everything — so a hung screen feels alarming, but the car itself keeps running and a reboot takes about 15 seconds using the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
Reboot the Touchscreen With the Scroll Wheels
- Put the car in Park (the reboot will not run while you are driving).
- Keep your foot off the brake pedal throughout — pressing the brake can interrupt the reboot.
- Press and hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel at the same time — the left scroll wheel and the right scroll wheel, pressed inward.
- Keep holding for about 10 to 15 seconds. The screen will go completely black.
- Release the buttons when the white Tesla “T” logo reappears.
- Wait roughly 30 seconds for the interface to finish loading. Maps, media and climate controls return on their own.
It Is Safe — No Data Is Lost
This soft reboot only restarts the display’s computer. It does not erase driver profiles, saved navigation favourites, Autopilot settings, paired phones or any other data. It is the same routine Tesla service advises owners to try first for any touchscreen glitch, and it is completely safe to do while parked. Because the Model 3 has no separate gauge cluster, you can still see your speed reflected on the screen as soon as it comes back — but the drive system stays powered the whole time.
If a Soft Reboot Isn’t Enough: Power Off
When freezes keep coming back or a soft reboot doesn’t clear them, do a deeper power-down:
- With the car in Park, tap ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Power Off’.
- Confirm, then leave the car completely alone for 2 to 3 minutes — do not open a door, touch the screen, or press the brake.
- After the wait, press the brake pedal (or open a door) to wake the car back up.
This fully powers down the vehicle’s computers, which clears deeper software hangs that a scroll-wheel reboot alone won’t.
If It Stays Frozen
- Hold the buttons longer — some hangs need a full 20–30 seconds before the screen goes dark.
- Try the Power Off method above and give the car the full 3-minute rest.
- Check for a software update once the screen is back — a pending or interrupted update can cause repeat freezes.
- Report it through the Tesla app — open ‘Service’ and describe the fault; persistent freezing can indicate a failing display unit (eMMC) that Tesla can diagnose remotely.
Don’t Reboot While Driving
You can reboot the screen any time the car is parked. While driving, the display shows your speed, gear and Autopilot status, so deliberately blacking it out is unsafe — pull over and Park first. If the screen freezes mid-drive the car remains drivable, but reboot only once you’ve safely stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rebooting delete my profiles or Autopilot settings?
No. A scroll-wheel reboot only restarts the touchscreen software. Driver profiles, navigation favourites, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving settings, and paired phones are all kept.
Why does my Model 3 have only one screen to reboot?
The Model 3 uses a single central 15-inch display with no separate instrument cluster, so the two scroll wheels reboot that one screen — there is no second display to restart.
Can I reboot while the car is charging?
Yes. Rebooting the touchscreen does not interrupt a charging session, and charging continues in the background while the display restarts.
The screen went black on its own — is the car broken?
Usually not. A spontaneous black screen is almost always a software hang. Do the scroll-wheel reboot; if it recurs often, log it in the Tesla app as it may point to a display unit fault.
Do I need my foot on the brake to reboot?
No — keep your foot off the brake. Pressing the brake during the hold can cancel the reboot.
If a warning light or fault message stays on after the screen comes back, 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.