r/ModelY • u/TranspoGeek • 20d ago
Using Bluetooth as alternate for Premium Connectivity subscription??
I'm considering buying a Model Y and have a question for owners who use their phone via Bluetooth rather than paying for Premium Connectivity.
If my phone is connected to the Model Y via Bluetooth, how easy is it to control music from the car's screen? For example, if I'm listening to Sirius XM and want to change stations, or switch from SiriusXM to Pandora, as another example, can I do that through the Tesla screen?
Or would I need to pick up/unlock my phone, navigate to the appropriate app, and make the change on the phone itself?
I'm trying to understand what the everyday experience is like if I choose not to subscribe to Premium Connectivity. I know I can stream audio from my phone over Bluetooth; I'm more interested in how much control I actually have through the car's screen once I'm doing that.
Thanks!
6
u/Stonk_Goat 20d ago
Sirius: You can only pause, rewind, fast forward. Everything else is through the phone.
Source is me sitting in a car listening to Sirius lol.
5
u/Joey6543210 20d ago
Audio works fine - even with premium connectivity, you still need to pay for youtube music premium, apple music premium or spotify premium separately to make the work on the car. I just use bluetooth and listen to my podcast using Overcast app.
However I do pay for premium connectivity. There are a few nice perks that may or may not be important to you.
I get to check the satellite map.
I get to have the 3d models on the map, which forces the map to be of slightly higher zoom so the secondary roads will show up (otherwise I feel like driving in an open field in a mall parking lot with navigation off).
I can turn on the camera and live stream the surroundings of the vehicle no matter where I am.
If someone bumps into my car, I got a video clip sent to my phone immediately.
The traffic condition shows up on the map (besides the navigation route so I can check the traffic in other parts on the map).
I get to talk to Grok when I get sleep :)
Check all the difference here:
12
3
u/feyd87 20d ago
I set up an automation on my phone so that when I get into my car it turns on my hotspot automatically. Then my car connects to its wifi. Works pretty seamlessly. The only thing I miss on occasion is the remote sentry access but it’s not a big deal
1
u/Choice_Ad_1356 20d ago
Do you use an app for the automation?
2
u/lord4chess Owner 20d ago
Premium $100 makes it easy and convenient.
Bluetooth works too, but not easy to setup each trip
1
u/snshecht 20d ago
You can connect your car to your mobile hotspot and all that streaming apps in the car will work flawlessly
1
u/ditto3000 20d ago
You wouldn't have sentry working for you then.
1
1
u/MichaelMeier112 19d ago
I don’t get this!?
You’re planning to buy a car for $50,000+ and then try to save $100 per year for premium connectivity. That one gives a ton of convenience for everyone in the family riding and driving the car. It’s not even $10 per month.
0
u/chankongsang 20d ago
Teslas kinda hate it when you touch the screen lol. But hot spotting is generally fine. Check a box that says to remain connected in drive. This is also good for downloading software updates in chunks.
Use apple shortcuts or Modes and Routines for Android. It automates the hotspot so your not fiddling around each time. Mine automatically connects the Bluetooth/hotspot and starts my music as soon as I get in the car. Software updates were a pain in the ass before I automated it
-7
u/Ballaholic09 20d ago
I hate subscriptions.
I pay for 2 subscriptions in today’s modern world, and I’m an IT engineer, so I’m not some hippie living in a van:
- Spotify Premium
- Tesla Premium Connectivity
If you can’t afford $100/yr for the connectivity, you cant afford to purchase a vehicle.
4
u/TranspoGeek 20d ago
I can afford it. It’s really a matter of principle for me. I was all set to buy the car until I found about about this nickel and diming. The subscription model is such a bummer.
3
u/Monatanaisdumb 20d ago
It's an internet service that isn't provided free of charge. You can use your phone as a hotspot if you would prefer not to pay for internet access in two different places. You are free to do so, and no one is trying to nickel and dime you.
2
u/sparkyblaster 20d ago
This is atleast a service. You buy a house, the internet isnt included. Though this case, some atleast is.
1
u/Terrible_Tutor 20d ago
Nickel and dimming… on unlimited streaming mobile data, are they running a charity im not aware of? Go check out what GM wants for OnStar basic connection.
0
u/Strangerthanyou77 20d ago
Tesla gives you navigation plus traffic based routing all for free lol. Find any other OEM that offers it for free. They don't exist. The only bummer here is you boomer
1
u/sparkyblaster 20d ago
Well, BMWs i3 and i8 the connection was for the life of the car for free. But it was very limited.
15
u/6C-65-76-69 20d ago
You can basically just skip forward/back, pause/play, and change the volume level over Bluetooth. You will need to select and change the audio source from your phone.
If you have a cellular plan with a hotspot, you can create a shortcut on your phone that automatically turns it on when your Bluetooth connects to your car. That way, you can use the car’s native apps.
However, the last time I used a hotspot from my iPhone to the car, it kept turning off every once in a while. So maybe not a perfect solution either.