Tesla is updating its Sentry Mode, a security system for its vehicles. The Cybertruck webpage now says it will play music at full volume when it senses a threat. This change, noted around March 21-22, 2025, aims to scare off vandals. Here’s what we know about this update.
What Sentry Mode Does
Since 2019, Sentry Mode has monitored parked Teslas using outside cameras. If it spots trouble, like someone touching the car it flashes lights, sounds an alarm, and shows a warning on the screen. It also records videos for owners to check later through the app or car storage. People like it for safety, but it uses a lot of battery – up to 10-15% daily.
New Loud Music Addition
The Cybertruck page got an update after Tesla’s Q1 2025 All-Hands Meeting.
It says:
“Enable Sentry Mode to monitor your unattended vehicle or trailer, and automatically activate the alarm, increase the touchscreen brightness, and play music at max volume if a threat is detected.”
This means loud music will blast if something’s wrong. Right now, Sentry Mode plays tunes like Bach inside the car at a normal level. The new plan takes it outside and cranks it up.
How It Might Work
Tesla hasn’t explained everything yet as of March 23, 2025, but we can guess based on what’s already there. The Cybertruck has a “superhorn” and outside speakers from its Pedestrian Warning System and Boombox setup.
Boombox lets parked Teslas play sounds outside, so it could handle this job. The superhorn’s loud enough to act as a real horn, so it can probably make music hard to ignore.
This is only on the Cybertruck page so far, but other Teslas from 2020 on, like Model 3, Y, and refreshed S/X have outside speakers too. They might get it later. Older cars without those speakers likely won’t.
When It’s Coming
No exact date yet. The 2025.8 software update from early March 2025 didn’t have it – just small fixes. The webpage change came after the March 20-21 meeting, so a bigger Spring Update in April or May 2025 seems possible. Tesla often saves big features for seasonal releases like last year’s spring one. They might still be working out details, like if owners can pick the music or if it’s set.
Why Add Loud Music
Vandalism against Teslas has gone up. Tesla’s been adding things like horn honks to fight back. Loud music makes the alarm stand out, startles intruders, and shows the car’s being watched, especially with the screen warning about cameras.
Possible Downsides
It could bother people in quiet places, but it only triggers for real threats, not every movement. Power use is another worry. Sentry Mode already takes 300-500 watts to run the cameras and computer. Loud music might add more, though Tesla’s cut power use before, like in the 2024.38 Cybertruck update.
What’s Ahead
Tesla’s got more Sentry Mode ideas coming, like cabin radar, horn honks for vandalism, and inside audio-video recording. With this music feature, they’re making it tougher on troublemakers.
Owners will see it in action once it hits, probably in that Spring Update. For now, Tesla blasting tunes to stop thieves is another practical twist from the company.
We’ve launched an official Tesla Owners Online Forum. Join early and claim your "Founding Fuel" badge.
