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.

Grok Beta on a Tesla touchscreen, with Assistant selected in the mode menu
Image: ITHome · in-car Grok interface · Open full-size image
In this articleContents3

中文

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.

中文

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.

中文

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.

Sources and notes

sources中文

Sources and notes

Retained summary and context

A documented sending function does not establish a universal rollout, a message-reading feature or access to FSD controls.

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.

Source timeline
  1. · Found this reading link via ITHome.
Collection record

First discovered: ; added to the library:

Collection and source publication have distinct dates.

Corrections and feedback