Are you tired of those loud Tesla chimes and alerts startling your sleeping passengers or interrupting your peaceful drive? Good news! There's a feature specifically designed for that, and it's called Joe Mode. Let's dive into how you can activate this handy setting and enjoy a quieter ride.
Step 1: Understand What Joe Mode Is and Why It Exists
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon what Joe Mode is and why it's so beloved by Tesla owners, especially parents.
How To Turn On Joe Mode Tesla |
What is Joe Mode?
Joe Mode is a Tesla feature that significantly reduces the volume of non-critical alerts and chimes within your vehicle. Think of sounds like turn signals, Autopilot engagement/disengagement chimes, parking sensor alerts, and general notifications. It's designed to make your cabin a quieter place without compromising important safety warnings. Critical alerts, such as forward collision warnings or emergency alerts, will still sound at their normal, attention-grabbing volume to ensure your safety.
The Backstory of "Joe Mode"
The name "Joe Mode" actually comes from a real Tesla owner who, back in 2019, tweeted at Elon Musk asking for a feature that would lower the volume of the car's sounds so as not to wake his sleeping children. Elon Musk responded, and the feature was later implemented in Tesla's Version 10 software update, named in honor of the owner's request. It's a testament to Tesla's responsiveness to community feedback!
Step 2: Accessing the Controls Menu
Now that you know what Joe Mode is, let's get into turning it on. The process is straightforward and performed directly on your Tesla's large touchscreen display.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
On Your Tesla Touchscreen
Get in your Tesla and make sure the screen is active.
Locate the "Car" icon on the bottom bar of your touchscreen. This icon typically looks like a small car or a gear/settings icon. Tap on it to open the main controls menu.
Step 3: Navigating to Safety Settings
Once you're in the main controls menu, you'll need to find the specific section where Joe Mode resides.
Locating the Safety Section
Within the controls menu, look for a tab or section labeled "Safety" or "Safety & Security." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Tesla model and software version, but "Safety" is the most common.
Tap on the "Safety" tab to open its sub-menu.
Step 4: Activating Joe Mode
You're almost there! Within the Safety settings, you'll find the toggle for Joe Mode.
Turning On Joe Mode
Once you're in the "Safety" section, scroll down through the options until you see "Joe Mode."
Next to "Joe Mode," you'll see a toggle switch. It's usually gray when off and will turn blue or another color when activated.
Tap the toggle switch to turn Joe Mode ON.
You should immediately notice a difference in the volume of your Tesla's chimes and alerts. The quieter chimes will continue to alert the driver effectively but will minimize disruption to your passengers, making for a much more peaceful journey!
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Step 5: Understanding User Profiles and Joe Mode
One important aspect to note about Joe Mode is how it interacts with Tesla's user profiles.
Joe Mode and Driver Profiles
Joe Mode is saved per driver profile. This is a fantastic feature! It means that if you enable Joe Mode on your profile, it will remain active when you are driving. However, if another driver uses their own profile, they can choose to have Joe Mode off or on independently. This allows for personalized settings for each driver of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to turn off Joe Mode Tesla?
To turn off Joe Mode, simply follow the same steps: navigate to Controls > Safety > Joe Mode and tap the toggle switch to set it to the "off" position.
How to adjust the volume of chimes in Tesla more precisely?
Currently, Joe Mode offers a fixed reduction in volume (approximately 50%). Tesla has received requests for a volume slider for Joe Mode to allow more precise control, but as of now, it's a simple on/off toggle for non-critical chimes. For media and general volume, you can use the left scroll wheel on your steering wheel or the volume slider on the touchscreen.
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How to know if Joe Mode is on?
When Joe Mode is enabled, the toggle switch next to "Joe Mode" in your Controls > Safety menu will be highlighted (usually blue). You'll also notice a distinct reduction in the volume of your car's chimes and alerts.
How to use Joe Mode for sleeping children?
Joe Mode is ideal for sleeping children as it significantly lowers the volume of common alerts like turn signals and Autopilot sounds, preventing sudden loud noises that could wake them up. Simply enable it before or during your drive when you have sleeping passengers.
How to mute all sounds in Tesla?
While Joe Mode reduces chime volume, it doesn't mute all sounds. To quickly mute all media, you can press the left scroll button on your steering wheel. Press it again to unmute.
How to set separate volumes for navigation or media in Tesla?
You can adjust separate volumes for navigation and media. Go to Controls > Audio Settings to find specific sound settings and preferences.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
How to improve overall audio quality in my Tesla?
For overall audio quality, explore the "Tone" and "Balance" settings within the Media Player's audio settings. You can adjust subwoofer, bass, mid-range, and treble levels, and even immersive sound. Experiment with these to find what sounds best to you.
How to find the Owner's Manual in my Tesla?
For the most up-to-date and vehicle-specific information, you can view the Owner's Manual directly on your Tesla's touchscreen by touching the app launcher and then selecting the "Manual" app.
How to get the latest software updates on my Tesla?
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air software updates. Your car will usually notify you when an update is available. You can also check for updates in the Controls > Software section of your touchscreen.
How to provide feedback to Tesla about features like Joe Mode?
Tesla is known for listening to its community. You can often provide feedback through the Tesla app or by engaging with Tesla on social media platforms, as seen with the origin of Joe Mode itself.
Learn more about managing sound settings in your Tesla with this helpful video:
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.