Exterior Identification Guide

How to Spot HW4
From the Outside

No VIN? Use exterior camera details as supporting clues, then confirm the installed computer on the vehicle's software screen.

1

Front Windshield Cameras

The front-facing camera cluster behind the rearview mirror is the most reliable exterior indicator. Look closely at the number of lenses and their color.

HW3: Hardware 3
HW3 front camera cluster showing three identical black lenses
Three identical black camera lenses
Earlier front-camera housing and lens arrangement
No red tint visible on any lens
Earlier-generation camera suite
HW4: Hardware 4
HW4 front camera cluster showing red-reflective lenses
Two red-tinted camera lenses
Revised front-camera housing and lens arrangement
A red reflection is a common clue, not a conclusive test
Newer higher-resolution camera suite
💡

Photo tip: Lighting and image processing can change lens reflections. Use listing photos only to screen candidates, not to make a final hardware determination.

2

Side Repeater Cameras

The side repeater cameras on the front fenders are the easiest indicator to spot during an in-person inspection. Look at both the camera lens color and the turn signal LED strip.

HW3: Hardware 3
HW3 side repeater showing black lens and wider turn signal LED
Standard black camera lens
Wider, longer turn signal LED strip
No red tint on the camera lens
HW4: Hardware 4
HW4 side repeater showing red-tinted lens and narrower turn signal LED
Red-tinted camera lens
Narrower, thinner turn signal LED strip
Red reflection is often visible in the right lighting
💡

Inspection tip: Compare both repeaters and the front camera cluster. Treat a red reflection as supporting evidence and verify the computer type on the touchscreen.

Quick Reference

Common exterior clues for Hardware 3 and Hardware 4
FeatureHW3HW4
Front camera arrangementEarlier housing and lens layoutRevised housing and lens layout
Front camera lens colorBlack / darkRed tint
Side repeater lens colorBlack / darkRed tint
Side repeater turn signalWider LED stripNarrower, thinner LED strip
Camera generationEarlier suiteNewer higher-resolution suite

Other Verification Methods

Check via VIN or from the vehicle's software screen.

Check a VIN →Software Guide →

This tool and website are for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, Tesla is known to make mid-cycle production changes without notice. HW4Checker is an independent site not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Tesla, Inc. Some outbound Tesla links are referral links. HW4Checker assumes no liability for vehicle purchase decisions, financial losses, or discrepancies in hardware versions. Users are strictly advised to inspect the vehicle's cameras and hardware or confirm with a Tesla Advisor prior to purchase. Use of this tool constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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