Answers
Frequently asked
Short answers to what people ask before their first charge-stop binge.
Is BigScrn free?
Yes. BigScrn is a free launcher and guide. You still need your own accounts for the services you watch, the same subscriptions you use on a phone or TV.
How do I make it full screen?
Tap "Go full screen" on the launcher. BigScrn bounces the browser through YouTube, the one site Tesla opens full screen, and you tap "Go to site" to land back full screen. After that, everything you launch fills the display. It works because of how Tesla treats YouTube; if an update ever changes that, services still play in the normal windowed browser.
Do I need to install anything?
No. BigScrn is a web page that runs in the browser your car already has. Bookmark bigscrn.com and it is one tap away.
Can I watch while driving?
No. Video streaming only works when the car is in Park, and the browser is disabled in motion on purpose. Streaming is for passengers and parked, charging cars.
Which cars work?
Any car with a built-in browser that plays video in Park. Today that means Tesla. More EVs are adding browsers, and the launcher will work on them as they do. See the compatible cars page.
Can back-seat passengers watch on the rear screen?
On the refreshed Model S and Model X (2021 and newer), yes. The 8-inch rear touchscreen runs Tesla Theater, so the back seat can stream independently of the front display, with audio sent to Bluetooth headphones. Open the apps directly from the rear screen; BigScrn's full-screen trick is for the main center display.
Where does the sound come from?
The car speakers. Adjust it with the volume control just like music.
Does this drain my battery?
A little, the screen and electronics stay on. The ideal time to stream is while charging, so the battery is gaining range, not losing it.
Is BigScrn affiliated with Tesla or the streaming services?
No. BigScrn is independent. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tesla, Inc. or any streaming provider. All trademarks belong to their owners.
Why use the launcher instead of typing the address?
Typing on a car touchscreen is slow. The launcher gives you big, car-sized buttons for each service and a setup guide for the ones with quirks, so you spend less time poking at the screen.
Still stuck? Send a message and we will help.