Firmware and forced updates over SIM

Problem description

Tesla can push a forced update over the SIM card. This is a problem for owners who stay on old firmware (because of FSD boosts, key hacks, etc.). There are already documented cases of forced installation of version 14.6 over SIM.

Solution

1. Pull the SIM card — this closes the cellular delivery channel. But keep in mind: updates also download over Wi-Fi, so also "forget" the home network in the car (or never connect it at all). A SIM alone, without Wi-Fi hygiene, won't save you.
2. Switching to e-SIM helps in some cases (community experience): on US cars the eSIM doesn't register on EU networks — the car stays offline and updates simply never arrive. Public sources describe eSIM the other way around, as a way to receive updates, so treat this as community experience only, not a confirmed method.
3. Without a certificate Tesla can't update the car forcibly — a plus for cars without certs.
4. On recent firmware, battery preheating when navigating to a charger works automatically.
5. Before updating — read reviews in the chat, some versions break functionality.

Imported cars: manual flashing and region change (tsk.by)

The flip side of the updates topic — cars that don't receive them at all. From the practice of a Minsk shop (tsk.by breakdown):

• Cars from the US/China often don't get OTA updates automatically — no connection to Tesla's servers for "their" region. In such cases the firmware is installed manually at the shop.
• Typical software-failure symptoms: freezing, cyclic rebooting (boot loop), black MCU screen — usually after a failed update or a power glitch during installation. Fixed by reinstalling the OS and reflashing the controllers.
• Changing the software region (US/China → Europe) affects Supercharger access, maps, charging settings and some Autopilot functions. Some settings may reset to factory defaults in the process.
• Software can activate locked features physically present in the car: rear seat heating, steering wheel heating, washer nozzle heating, tow mode. Caveat: major OTA updates can wipe part of such a configuration — the settings have to be applied again. Source: tsk.by

Community experience TESLA Belarus

From the TESLA owner's group BELARUS chat — analysis of 400 000 messages.

Who reported the issue: Adrian, Ilya, Оля, Viktor

Who found the fix: SΞDΞK, firago, Николай

Discussion in Telegram: #70355, #156626, #355473

Links

• Tesla Software Updates — Official: https://www.tesla.com/support/software-updates
• Why Is Tesla Forcing Software Updates? (InsideEVs): https://insideevs.com/news/400812/why-tesla-forcing-updates-safety-issue/