Tesla Ambient Lighting: Built-In Accent Lights and What to Check Before Adding a Kit
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Ambient lighting is one of the most noticeable differences between older and newer Teslas, and owners of earlier cars often look at kits to add it. This guide explains, from Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y owner's manuals, what the built-in lights do and how to set them, and what to check before you add an aftermarket kit. Your own manual has the final word for your car, and menus can change with software updates.
Built-in accent lights on the Highland and Juniper
The current Model 3 and Model Y manuals describe accent lights "if equipped". Under Controls > Lights you can:
- Turn them on or off.
- Change the brightness and the color to suit you.
- Choose Night Only, so they turn on by themselves when it is dim outside or when the convenience lights come on.
- Switch the footwell lights on or off separately.
Ambient lights on the 2020–2024 Model Y
The manual for the earlier Model Y describes an Ambient Lights setting that turns the interior ambient lights (if equipped) on whenever the headlights are on. It doesn't describe brightness or color settings. The same Lights menu also controls the dome lights, which can be set to Auto, and the steering wheel button backlighting, under Controls > Lights > Steering Wheel Lights. Convenience lights, including the puddle lights, come on by themselves in low light when you unlock the car, open a door or shift into Park.
Adding an ambient lighting kit: what to check
Kits for the 2017–2023 Model 3 and 2020–2024 Model Y usually tuck LED strips into the trim seams of the dash, doors and center console. The look is easy to like, but a few things matter more than the colors:
- Nothing near an airbag. Tesla's manuals say not to attach or place objects on or near the airbags. Look up the airbag locations in your manual before deciding where a strip goes, and keep strips off the steering wheel, the passenger side of the dash, the front seat sides and the roof edges.
- Power. Prefer kits that run from a USB port. Tesla recommends against plugging non-Tesla accessories into the 12V outlet, and cutting into the car's wiring is a job that can affect the warranty. Our guide to Tesla USB ports explains which ports do what.
- Night driving. Keep brightness low and avoid colors or flashing effects that reflect in the windshield or distract you.
- Trim clips. Strips tucked into seams can loosen trim or squeak. Choose a kit made for your exact model and year.
- Cameras and sensors. Keep lights away from the cabin camera above the mirror and anything near the roof console.
- Warranty. In the edition of Tesla's New Vehicle Limited Warranty that we read (Qatar, effective July 2024), non-genuine parts and accessories, and their installation, are not covered, and damage linked to their installation or use is excluded. Editions differ by region, so read yours.
Is a kit worth it?
If your car already has accent lights, no: set the color and brightness under Controls > Lights. On an older Model 3 or Model Y, a USB-powered kit made for your car is a reversible way to get the look, as long as it stays clear of the airbags. Kits that need wiring into the car or strips along the dash are the ones to think twice about.
Which car has what
| Your car | Built-in lighting in the manual | Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Highland (2024+) | Accent lights (if equipped), footwell lights | On/off, brightness, color, Night Only |
| Model Y Juniper (2025+) | Accent lights (if equipped), footwell lights | On/off, brightness, color, Night Only |
| Model Y 2020–2024 | Ambient lights (if equipped) | On/off, on with the headlights |
| Model 3 2017–2023 | Not covered in the manuals we read | Check Controls > Lights in your car |
What we list
We don't list lighting kits. For the cabin, browse the Tesla Interior Accessories collection, and read our guides to Model Y and Model 3 interior accessories, Model 3 Highland accessories and Model Y Juniper accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tesla Model 3 have ambient lighting?
The refreshed Model 3 (Highland) has accent lights where equipped, with brightness and color settings under Controls > Lights. On the earlier Model 3, check Controls > Lights in your car. Owners who want colored lighting often add a kit.
Does the Model Y have ambient lighting?
The Juniper has accent lights where equipped, with color and brightness settings. The 2020–2024 Model Y manual describes ambient lights (if equipped) that turn on with the headlights.
How do I change the ambient light color in my Tesla?
Go to Controls > Lights and adjust the accent lights' color and brightness. The setting is only there on cars equipped with accent lights.
What does Night Only mean?
Tesla says the accent lights then turn on by themselves when it is dim outside or when the convenience lights come on.
Can I turn off the footwell lights?
Yes. On cars with accent lights, the manual says you can switch the footwell lights on or off separately.
Are ambient lighting kits safe in a Tesla?
They can be, if they stay clear of every airbag, run from a USB port and don't distract you at night. Tesla's manuals say not to place objects on or near the airbags.
Will an ambient lighting kit affect my warranty?
It can. In the edition we read, Tesla's warranty excludes non-genuine parts and their installation, and damage linked to them. Kits that cut into the car's wiring carry the most risk.
Can I power a lighting kit from the 12V outlet?
Tesla recommends against plugging non-Tesla accessories into the 12V outlet. A USB-powered kit is the simpler choice.
Next steps
Browse the Tesla Interior Accessories collection, or pick your car from the model pages to see everything listed for it.