Can passengers watch videos in a Tesla while it’s moving?
By Lation, Model Y owner · Updated
On the rear screen, yes: newer Teslas with a rear display let back-seat passengers watch Theater apps while the car is moving. On the center screen, no: Tesla pauses video as soon as the car leaves Park, even when a passenger is the one watching. Gigaplay is the way around that on the center screen, for YouTube, your IPTV service and games from your own PC.
What each screen allows
| Screen | Cars | Video while moving |
|---|---|---|
| Center screen, Tesla Theater or browser | Every Tesla with Theater | No. Video pauses, audio keeps playing |
| Rear screen, Theater apps | Model S and X (2021+), Model 3 (2024+), Model Y (2025+), Cybertruck | Yes |
| Center screen, Gigaplay | Teslas with the Intel or AMD media computer | Yes |
The Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard introduced in late 2025 don't have a rear screen.
The rear screen
The rear display is about 8 inches on the Model 3 and Model Y (larger on the Cybertruck). Tesla's owner's manual lists video streaming, Bluetooth headphones for up to two people, and a lock the driver can set from the front screen.
It runs Theater apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Hulu. It doesn't have a full web browser: an old trick for opening one was closed in update 2026.38.
The center screen
Everything on the center screen that plays video (Theater and the browser) pauses when the car leaves Park. The front passenger is usually the one with nothing to watch.
Gigaplay fills that gap. Go to gigaplay.app in the car's browser, tap Open and scan the code with your phone. YouTube then keeps playing on the center screen. Setup takes about a minute; see How to watch YouTube in a Tesla while driving. It also plays your IPTV service and your PC's games.
Why Tesla is strict about this
- In 2019 Elon Musk said, "When full self-driving is approved by regulators, we will enable video while moving." That hasn't happened yet.
- In December 2020 Tesla let passengers play some games while moving ("Passenger Play"). A year later the US safety regulator opened an inquiry, and Tesla locked games to Park. The inquiry closed in 2023 without a recall.
Gigaplay is made for passengers. The driver drives.