Tesla Update Adds Browser and Entertainment Blocking Controls

Tesla has added new parental-control options that allow owners to block some of the most concerning internet and entertainment features inside the vehicle.

The change appears in Tesla software update 2026.20 and gives owners the ability to block Browser, Theater, and Arcade from the car’s settings while the vehicle is in Park. The setting can be found under Controls → Safety → Parental Controls.

For families and communities that are careful about filtered technology, this is an important update. A person can have a filtered phone, a filtered computer, and a filtered home, but still have open internet access sitting in the car. That is easy to overlook because people think of it as a vehicle, not as another screen-connected device.

But many newer cars are no longer just cars. They can also be internet devices.

What Changed in the Tesla Update

Tesla’s new parental-control feature allows owners to block three built-in areas of the infotainment system:

According to Tesla software update trackers, the feature is included in update 2026.20 and can be accessed by going to Controls → Safety → Parental Controls while the car is in Park.

This does not mean every Tesla has the update yet. Tesla updates usually roll out gradually, so some owners may receive the feature before others. If you own a Tesla, it is worth checking whether your car has update 2026.20 or later.

Why This Matters

The issue is not only Tesla.

The larger point is that cars are becoming part of the technology conversation. Many newer vehicles have large built-in screens, connected apps, WiFi, entertainment systems, navigation services, browsers, and other features that may create access people did not intend to have.

A family may be very careful about phones and computers, but the car may not be checked at all.

That can leave a gap.

For some people, the car screen is just used for maps and music. For others, it may include video, games, web access, or a hotspot. The exact features depend on the make, model, trim, year, subscription, and software version.

Newer Cars Should Be Checked

Tesla is getting attention because its update now gives owners a clearer way to block certain features. But other car brands may also include internet-connected features.

This can include brands such as Volvo, Toyota, Chevy, Honda, Tesla, and others. The concern is mainly with newer vehicles, especially many models from 2022 and newer, though availability varies.

If you have a newer vehicle, it is worth checking:

• Does the car have a browser?
• Does it have video or entertainment apps?
• Does it have games?
• Does it have WiFi or hotspot access?
• Does it connect to apps through a built-in screen?
• Can those features be blocked or removed?
• Are restrictions profile-based, password-protected, or easy to bypass?

Even if the car does not look like a “device,” the built-in screen may function like one.

A Helpful Step, Not a Complete Solution

Tesla’s new control is a helpful step. Being able to block Browser, Theater, and Arcade directly from the vehicle settings gives owners more control than they had before.

At the same time, owners should not assume that one setting solves every technology concern.

Every car should be checked based on its actual features. Some vehicles may have other connected services. Some features may work only when parked. Some may depend on subscriptions. Some may be accessible through driver profiles or rear screens. Some may connect through a phone.

The right approach is to check the car carefully, the same way you would check a phone, tablet, or computer.

What Tesla Owners Should Do Now

If you own a Tesla, check whether your vehicle has received software update 2026.20 or later.

Then, while the vehicle is parked, go to:

Controls → Safety → Parental Controls

From there, check whether you can block Browser, Theater, and Arcade.

If the feature is available, review the settings and decide what should be blocked. If the update is not available yet, check again later as Tesla software updates often roll out in stages.

What Other Car Owners Should Do

If you own or lease a newer vehicle, especially a 2022 or newer model, check what internet or entertainment access is built into the car.

This is especially important if the car has a large touchscreen, connected services, built-in apps, WiFi, rear entertainment screens, or a subscription-based infotainment package.

If you are not sure what the car allows, ask someone knowledgeable to check it with you.

If you discover an issue, be in touch with TAG to find out what can be done.

In Lakewood, CSO Radio can usually disconnect the internet access for about $100. On a leased vehicle, it can generally be reconnected before the lease is returned.

The Bottom Line

The Tesla update is a welcome development because it recognizes something many people have been saying for a while: cars are also part of the technology discussion.

A filtered phone is important. A filtered computer is important. A filtered home is important. But if the car has open internet access, then there may still be a major gap.

Tesla owners should check for the new Browser, Theater, and Arcade controls. Owners of other newer vehicles should also review what their car can access.