A Cybertruck owner shared how this simple fix that cost him nothing saved him from having to take his Cybertruck in for service a week from when the problem started.
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Tesla owners love the cutting-edge features their vehicles provide, but software updates can sometimes become a major headache, especially when your internet connection isn’t up to par. Recently, Marcia Lincoln shared her experience on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook group, highlighting just how frustrating this issue can be. After her Tesla Cyberbeast failed to download both the FSD update 2024.39.15 and the Christmas update 2024.45.25.5, she initially suspected of a firmware issue and scheduled a service appointment for January 2. However, she later discovered that the real culprit was likely her unreliable internet connection.
"After being frustrated that I couldn't get my Cyberbeast to download FSD update 2024.39.15, then the Christmas update tried and failed...Tesla SC thought it could be a firmware problem and scheduled me for Jan 2. All along I thought it was our internet, we've been having problems with it. So yesterday, I talked with my neighbor and he said I was welcome to try over there. It was late since I was gone all day and it was the first time I actually sat in a Tesla while it downloaded: it was kind of spooky, the truck made all sorts of noises, the suspension shifted, lights went out. Anyway, this was the Christmas update 2024.45.25.5 that was downloading but apparently, it will also download any previous update at the same time, so now both are current and I'm going to cancel my Jan 2 appointment, but we still have to figure out how/where to get a decent internet provider as the one we have sucks," Marcia wrote on Cybertruck Owners Only group on Facebook.
How Marcia Solved the Problem—And Why It’s a Warning for the Rest of Us
Determined to resolve the issue, Marcia decided to test whether her internet was the problem. She connected her Cyberbeast to her neighbor’s network, which had a stronger and more stable connection. To her relief, the Christmas update downloaded successfully and even included the previous failed update. With her Cybertruck now fully up to date, she canceled the service appointment. Yet, this experience has left her searching for a more reliable internet provider.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. While Marcia’s Model X had no trouble downloading its update on the same night, her Cybertruck’s download failed despite her garage having a Wi-Fi extender installed. This points to the unpredictable nature of Wi-Fi coverage and how it can affect Tesla software updates.
Types of Internet Connections That Could Make a Difference
If you’ve experienced similar problems, it might be time to evaluate your internet connection. Tesla updates are data-intensive and require a steady connection. Fiber-optic internet offers the fastest and most reliable speeds, making it ideal for large data downloads. Cable internet is a strong alternative with wide availability and high speeds. Mesh Wi-Fi systems can seamlessly extend Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring stable connections across larger homes and garages. Mobile hotspots provide an option to tether your car to a cellular network if other connections fail. For rural areas with limited options, Starlink satellite internet offers high-speed connectivity wherever there is a clear view of the sky.
Marcia’s case prompted others to share their experiences. Scott Trisco commented that his internet dropped during his last update, but everything still worked fine. Meanwhile, John Holmes suggested using a Wi-Fi extender, which had worked for him in the past. Interestingly, Marcia already had an extender in place, yet her Cybertruck still struggled to download the update. This highlights that even with additional equipment, not all connections are created equal, and inconsistent internet can still cause issues.
Why This Matters for Tesla Owners
Understanding the role your internet connection plays in Tesla updates is crucial for avoiding unnecessary stress and wasting time. Failed updates can leave your vehicle without the latest features or important bug fixes. By ensuring you have a strong and stable internet connection, you can save yourself the hassle of rescheduling service appointments and ensure your Tesla remains in peak condition.
Have you ever had issues downloading a Tesla software update? What worked for you? What type of internet connection do you use, and how reliable has it been for your Tesla? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your insights could help fellow Tesla owners troubleshoot their own update struggles!
Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.
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Fun fact Tesla service can…
Fun fact Tesla service can do nothing about firmware. If the hardware components are good you just have to wait for a future update. All service can do is make sure every is working and push the firmware package again both things you can do yourself if you are capable of pulling up a YouTube video. Stop booking service for software issues, you're wasting everyone's time.
That problem is exactly why…
That problem is exactly why the Mercedes SD300 Turbo has Wipers on the headlights......I owned one....380,000 miles on a broken odometer.....I drove it 12,000 more miles then gave it to my daughter.....Telsla....will learn many lessons.....maybe....
So it doesn't use resumable…
So it doesn't use resumable downloads for these multii-GB updates. I've seen some phones like that; if you downoad VOD on DirecTV it's like that (if the connection breaks it starts downloading the VOD from the start) while Dish continues downloading a partial show even through a reboot. i won't criticize Tesla for this too harshly since it's all too common but here's my mild criticism for not using resumable downloads for their updates.