Your Tesla can do more than you think. From secret security tricks to fun little tools, these hidden features make owning a Tesla even better. If you just bought one—or plan to—this list will show you some awesome things your car can do.
1. Joe Mode
Joe Mode turns down the volume of all Tesla alert sounds inside the cabin, especially loud beeps and warnings. It’s great for parents with kids sleeping in the back or passengers who just want a quieter ride.
How to activate: Controls > Safety > Joe Mode
2. PIN to Drive
Even if someone has your Tesla key card or phone, they can’t drive your car unless they also know your secret 4-digit PIN. It adds an extra layer of protection against theft—like a digital lock.
Where to find it: Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive.
3. Sentry Mode Light Show
When parked, Tesla’s Sentry Mode watches your surroundings using built-in cameras. If someone comes too close or tries to break in, the lights flash, cameras record, and a warning appears on the screen.
Bonus Tip: You can view footage later using a USB or SSD.
4. Tesla Arcade (Even With a Controller!)
Your Tesla isn’t just a car—it’s also a game console. With Tesla Arcade, you can play fun games like Cuphead Beach Buggy Racing, Chess and more on the touchscreen while parked. You can even plug in a USB game controller for a better experience.
Perfect for: Waiting at chargers or entertaining kids.
5. Dog Mode
Leaving your dog in the car? Turn on Dog Mode. It keeps the air conditioning running and shows a message on the screen that says, “My owner will be back soon. Don’t worry, the AC is on.”
How to enable: Tap Climate controls > Dog Mode.
6. Boombox Mode
If your Tesla has an external speaker (usually 2021+ models), you can play fun sounds like a goat, horn, or music outside your car. You can even upload your own sounds.
Where to find it: Toybox > Boombox (only available on models with pedestrian warning speakers)
7. Scheduled Charging & Departure
You can tell your Tesla when to start charging (like at night during off-peak rates) and when you plan to leave in the morning. Your car will warm up the battery and cabin ahead of time, so it’s ready to go.
Set it up in: Charging > Scheduled Departure.
This extends battery health and saves money on electricity.
8. Climate Preconditioning via App
Too hot or cold outside? Use the Tesla app on your phone to cool or warm up your car before you get in. It’s great for summer heat or chilly mornings. It works even if you’re inside a building, as long as your car is connected to your phone.
9. Valet Mode
Valet Mode limits the car’s speed, locks the glovebox, and hides personal info when someone else—like a valet or mechanic—is driving your car.
How to use it: Go to Controls > Valet Mode and enter a PIN to enable or disable it.
Perfect for hotels, mechanics, and peace of mind.
10. Navigate on Autopilot
This advanced version of Autopilot not only keeps you in your lane—it can also take highway exits, make lane changes, and guide you through traffic.
To use: Enable Navigate on Autopilot under Autopilot settings, then set a destination. This makes long drives almost effortless.
11. Cabin Overheat Protection
When parked, Tesla can monitor the inside temperature. If it gets too hot, the AC will turn on automatically to prevent overheating. It protects electronics, pets, and even food from heat damage.
Enable under: Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection.
12. Caraoke
Tesla lets you sing along to your favorite songs right on the touchscreen. Lyrics appear, music plays, and it works great when parked with friends or family. It works best with Premium Connectivity.
Find it in: Entertainment > Caraoke.
13. Frunk & Trunk Auto Open
Need hands-free loading? You can open the front trunk (frunk) or rear trunk with voice commands like “Open trunk” or by tapping buttons in the Tesla app.
Pro Tip: Works great when you’re carrying groceries or luggage.
14. Automatic Wiper Sensitivity Adjustment
Instead of a rain sensor, Tesla uses cameras and software to detect rain and adjust wiper speed automatically.
Where to change it: Tap the wiper icon on the touchscreen to fine-tune how aggressive it is. You can also turn on wipers with a tap on the left stalk button.
15. Software Easter Eggs & Toybox
The Toybox is a collection of fun extras: Rainbow Road when using Autopilot, a fireplace on your screen, drawing pad, Mars Rover map mode, and more.
Access it via: Entertainment > Toybox
New Easter eggs are added with software updates—check often.
Which of these features have you used? Did we miss your favorite hidden trick? Drop a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear what surprised you most, or any secret tips you’ve discovered from owning a Tesla.