ITHome · Published 2026-09-13
Tesla’s manual adds texting to Grok’s Assistant mode
Sending a quick message to family is now described in Tesla’s Grok instructions, alongside navigation, calls and cabin controls.
01THE STORY
What the manual actually says
A September 13 ITHome report highlighted a texting entry in the US Model Y manual. The official page checked for this article says Grok can send a message to a contact or phone number. That confirms the documented sending function; the entry does not describe a separate message-reading workflow.
01.2THE STORY
Assistant mode connects conversation to controls
Tesla says vehicle commands require the Assistant personality. Other personalities support conversation without responding to those commands. Texting appears alongside calls, media, climate controls and vehicle questions, extending the assistant’s documented role into everyday tasks.
01.3THE STORY
Availability still varies by vehicle
Grok remains in Beta. Tesla’s Canadian support page lists an AMD processor, software 2025.26 or later, and Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi as general requirements. Those are regional Grok requirements, not a confirmed texting-release version. The US manual also notes regional and configuration differences; it does not establish availability for every owner or for China.
Background and context
The US Model Y manual lists sending texts with Grok. Vehicle commands require Assistant mode, while availability depends on region, configuration and software.
Texting joins navigation and cabin controls in the assistant’s documented set of everyday vehicle tasks.
A documented sending function does not establish a universal rollout, a message-reading feature or access to FSD controls.
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Looking back over time
02TIMELINE
Looking back over time
- First discoveredFound this reading link via ITHome.
Collection and archive details
Record location: live register
First discovered: 2026-09-13; added to the library: 2026-09-13 (Beijing time).
Collection and source publication have distinct dates. A library addition does not establish a daily selection; retained selection dates are listed above.
Sources and references
03SOURCES
Sources and references
- Read the originalSourceITHome
- Tesla: US Model Y owner’s manual · GrokReference
- Tesla Canada: Grok supportReference
Sources and evidence · 3 links
Each link has a purpose and scope. Link counts do not establish independent confirmation; direct support applies only to the statements specified below.
This page keeps the original link and a short account. Follow the links below for the publisher’s full explanation.