Tesla Sentry Mode: Smile… You’re on Camera!
Sentry Mode helps monitor a parked Tesla for possible security events. With a properly configured drive, it can save video that may help explain what happened. It can also activate the alarm and notify the owner in certain situations, but it cannot detect or prevent every incident.
Tesla owners love the design, rapid acceleration and technology in their high end vehicle – but can worry about theft, vandalism and accidental damage while their car is unattended. Some people also suggest that Tesla electric vehicles are disproportionately targeted in vandalism and road rage incidents.
Sentry Mode adds another layer of protection when your Tesla is parked.
On supported vehicles, Sentry Mode allows owners to:
- View and save recorded security events
- Customize where and when your car activates Sentry Mode
On supported vehicles, owners who subscribe to Tesla’s Premium Connectivity can also:
- Monitor the vehicle in real time with Remote Viewing feature
- Talk through the vehicle’s exterior speaker, if equipped
What is Tesla Sentry Mode?
When your vehicle is parked and locked, Sentry Mode monitors its surroundings using cameras and vehicle sensors. Depending on the settings and the event, it may save a clip to a properly configured USB drive, display a warning or sound the alarm. Camera coverage, features and notifications vary by vehicle, software and region.
Premium Connectivity enables Live Camera on supported vehicles. Talking through the car also requires an equipped exterior speaker.
How Tesla Sentry Mode Works
Sentry Mode can respond differently depending on what it detects. The descriptions below are a useful guide; the exact response can vary with vehicle and software.
Stand By
When Sentry Mode is enabled, the parked vehicle monitors for possible security events. Camera-Based Detection uses the exterior cameras as well as vehicle sensors; when it is off, the vehicle saves clips for physical threats rather than camera-detected activity.
Alert
If Sentry detects activity near the vehicle, its response depends on the situation and your settings. Not every person passing by will trigger a saved event or a phone notification.
Depending on the event and vehicle settings, Sentry Mode may:
- Flash the headlights briefly.
- Display a warning on the touchscreen.
- Save footage to a properly configured USB drive or SSD. Clip length and settings vary by vehicle and software.
Alarm
For a more serious event, such as a possible break-in, the vehicle may activate its alarm. Depending on the vehicle and settings, its response can include:
- Activating the car alarm
- Playing a loud alarm sound or music
- Displaying a warning on the touchscreen
- Sending an alert through the Tesla app when the alarm is triggered or certain other threats are detected
- Saving available footage to a properly configured drive
How to Turn On Tesla Sentry Mode
When enabled, Sentry Mode can activate when the vehicle is parked and locked. Drivers can exclude certain locations or turn off Sentry Mode altogether. Availability depends on the vehicle and its settings.
There are four ways to turn on Sentry Mode.
1. Turn on Sentry Mode Using the Touchscreen
- Click on the car icon
- Select Safety
- Under Sentry Mode – Choose On (or Off)
You can exclude home, work or favorite addresses so that Sentry Mode is not activated at those locations. Many owners choose to do this to save battery usage. Get instructions for setting favorite addresses here.
2. Turn on Sentry Mode Using the Tesla App
- Click on Security & Drivers
- Turn on Sentry Mode
Note: Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off can override location exclusions for the current parking session. Menu names and behavior can vary by software version.
3. Turn on Sentry Mode Manually
To manually turn Sentry Mode on (or off):
- With the vehicle parked, touch the Sentry Mode icon at the top of the touchscreen
- Select On
4. Turn on Sentry Mode Using Voice Commands
Hold the voice command button on the steering wheel and simply say one of these commands:
- “Keep my car safe”
- “Keep Tesla safe”
- “Sentry on”
- “Enable Sentry”
How Much Battery Does Sentry Mode Use?
Sentry Mode uses battery power while active. The amount varies, so there is no reliable fixed number of miles lost per hour for every Tesla.
Consider the effect on your range when leaving your car unplugged for an extended period, such as at an airport parking lot. Check the battery level before and during a long stay.
You can exclude familiar locations to reduce unnecessary battery use, but consider the security trade-off before doing so.
Tesla says Sentry generally turns off when the battery reaches 20% or less, with an exception while at a Supercharger. Sentry also turns off if the vehicle enters Low Power Mode; the app can notify you. Check the manual for your vehicle and software.
We recommend keeping a compatible, properly configured drive installed if you want Sentry clips saved. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is one option, but capacity and endurance depend on the particular drive. A drive does not guarantee that every event will be detected or recorded.
Tesla Sentry Mode Event Reports
When Sentry Mode has saved events, an event report may appear on the touchscreen. Tap it to review available clips; the wording and display can vary by software.
If the vehicle was parked in a busy area, you may return to several recordings. Save any relevant clips promptly if damage has occurred. Video can help police or an insurer, but camera angle, lighting, obstructions or a missed trigger can leave important details out.
A properly configured USB drive is needed to save Sentry Mode video on the vehicles covered by Tesla’s instructions.
Saved recordings can be viewed on the touchscreen or on a computer using the USB drive. Some supported vehicles and app versions can also display saved clips on a phone. This is separate from Live Camera, which shows a real-time view.
Some vehicles are supplied with a preformatted USB drive, often in the glovebox. Equipment and port locations vary by model and year.
Expert Tips:
- Without a working, properly configured drive, an event may trigger an alert but no clip is available. A higher capacity SSD (Solid State Drive) is one storage option; check compatibility and endurance before choosing.
- Tesla says Sentry Mode recordings are not transmitted to Tesla. Keep your own copy of any important footage.
How to View Sentry Mode Events
View Sentry Mode Videos on the Touchscreen
To view Sentry Mode videos from the touchscreen:
- Place the vehicle in Park
- Select the Dashcam icon located in the app launcher. Alternatively, select the Dashcam icon on the Controls screen.
- Select the Menu icon in the top corner of the screen. The tabs display a list of all video clips, organized by location and timestamp.
- Pause, rewind, fast forward, and delete video recordings as needed.
Sentry Mode and Dashcam recordings can be accessed through the vehicle’s Dashcam viewer; available views depend on the vehicle.
Expert Tips:
- Change camera views by tapping the touchscreen to select the desired view
- View previous clips by tapping on the 3 lines on the top left of the Dashcam window. This will bring up categories of Sentry and Dashcam.
- Use the viewer to delete an individual clip. On supported software, Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips deletes all Dashcam and Sentry footage; back up anything you want to keep first.
View, Save and Send Sentry Mode Videos using the USB Drive
Use this option to view, save and send videos using your computer.
- Before removing the drive, press and hold the Dashcam icon to stop recording. The USB port location varies by model.
- Then pull out the USB drive from the port
- Insert the USB flash drive into a computer
- Navigate to the TeslaCam folder
Note: The TeslaCam folder contains three sub-folders:
- Sentry Clips: Contains saved Sentry events. Clip length varies by vehicle and settings. When storage is limited, older Sentry clips can be deleted to make room for new ones, so copy important footage promptly.
- Recent Clips: Contains recent Dashcam footage that is overwritten as recording continues unless saved. Available camera views vary by vehicle.
- Saved Clips: Contains clips saved using Dashcam.
Once the selected videos are retrieved, save and send as you normally would using your computer.
Expert Tips:
Back up important footage regularly. Older Sentry clips can be removed automatically as space is needed. If you want more capacity, consider a compatible hard drive with higher storage capability such as an SSD.
Storing Tesla Sentry Mode Videos on a USB Drive
Some events can trigger a phone alert without a drive, but a properly configured USB drive is required to save Sentry footage. Not every event produces a phone alert.
Some Teslas include a preformatted USB drive, often in the glovebox. Check your vehicle’s manual for the correct port, drive requirements and setup.
Tesla Sentry Mode Remote Viewing (Live View or View Live Camera)
On supported vehicles, Premium Connectivity enables Live Camera in the Tesla app. Available controls and hardware vary:
- View Live Camera
- Talk Back Live (with a compatible exterior speaker)
- (Honk) Horn
- Flash (Headlights)
When Sentry Mode is enabled, supported vehicles can show a real-time camera view in the Tesla app. This live feed is different from playing back a saved event.
Sentry Mode: How to View Live Camera (Remote Viewing)
Enable Live Camera access on the touchscreen. Availability depends on vehicle, region, software, connectivity and a compatible phone.
Turn on Live Cameras:
Using the touchscreen, select Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera via Mobile App
View Live Camera from your Tesla App
On the Tesla mobile app, go to Safety > Sentry Mode and select View Live Camera to see a live video feed of the area surrounding the vehicle.
Expert Tips:
- Vehicle must be locked and doors closed; follow the instructions shown in your vehicle and app
- Sentry Mode must be active
- A reliable connection is needed; loading time can vary
- When using View Live Camera, the vehicle may flash its exterior lights and display a message on the touchscreen to alert people that the cameras are being actively monitored
- View Live Camera is limited to approximately one hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative usage per day.
Talk Back Live to Potential Vandals
One of the coolest Live Camera features is the ability to talk through the vehicle’s exterior speaker. This requires Premium Connectivity and a vehicle equipped with a compatible pedestrian warning speaker.
The sound of your voice can be altered through the speaker. Remember that available features may differ between vehicles and software versions.
How to Talk Back Live:
Simply press and hold the microphone button on the mobile app to talk through the external speaker.
Honk and Flash
Owners with Premium Connectivity can also activate the horn and flash lights (via icons on the mobile app) to bring more attention to would-be criminals.
USB Flash Drive: Life Expectancy
Frequent writing and erasing contribute to drive wear. Storage capacity and endurance vary by model; check the manufacturer’s specifications and monitor your drive for errors. This can typically withstand between 10,000 to 100,000 write or erase cycles, depending on the type of memory technology used discusses flash-drive lifespan.
A higher-capacity drive can hold more footage, but an SSD is not automatically longer lasting than every USB flash drive.
What Type of USB Drive is Best?
The experts at EVehiclePro recommend installing an SSD (Solid State Drive).
SSDs use flash memory and may offer useful capacity for recordings. Like all devices, the lifespan of SSDs varies significantly; endurance and compatibility depend on the specific product.
Check Tesla’s current USB requirements for your vehicle before buying. Some drivers may prefer additional capacity when parking in busy areas.
Our EV team likes this high capacity SSD as a storage option. Video quality depends on the cameras and conditions, not the drive alone.
How to Format the USB (or Hard Drive) on the Tesla
A new or incompatible drive may need to be formatted before use. Back up its contents first. Here’s how to format it on supported vehicles:
- Click on the car icon
- Select Safety
- Scroll down and click on Format USB Drive. This will set up the appropriate file folders.
Warning: Formatting will delete all files from the drive.
How to Remove the USB Drive
Before removing the drive, press and hold the Dashcam icon to stop recording, then remove it. Port location varies by model.
Dog Mode and Sentry Mode
Tesla’s guidance on using Sentry with Dog Mode differs. Tesla Canada’s support page says Pet Mode and Sentry cannot operate together, while current owner manuals describe simultaneous use on supported vehicles.
The current Model 3 manual says the combined feature is not supported with Self-Driving computers 2.0 or 2.5, and Sentry sounds default to disabled when both modes are active. Features can also depend on software and region. Check your own vehicle’s manual and settings before relying on either mode. If available, activate Dog Mode helps maintain cabin temperature, but it does not guarantee your pet’s safety. Monitor conditions and battery level, and return promptly if there is a problem.
When to Turn Off Sentry Mode
Sentry Mode gives Tesla owners peace of mind, however you may wish to turn off Sentry Mode when:
- Leaving the car unplugged for extended periods of time (to retain battery)
- Parked in a busy area where you are comfortable accepting the security trade-off and want fewer recordings.
- When working around your vehicle or washing it. You don’t want to waste the battery to watch yourself puttering around your car!
How to Exclude Home, Work and Favorite Addresses
Many Tesla owners choose to turn off Sentry Mode when parked at secure locations such as home or work. Here’s how to exclude your favorite locations from Sentry Mode:
- Select Controls
- Choose Safety
- Select which locations you wish to exclude from Sentry Mode (Home, Work or Favorites)
FAQ
How much is Tesla’s Sentry Mode?
Sentry Mode is included on supported Tesla vehicles. Live Camera requires Premium Connectivity and compatible vehicle and app features.
Can I view Sentry Mode events on my phone?
Some supported vehicles and Tesla app versions allow you to view saved Sentry recordings on your phone. You can also use the vehicle touchscreen or a computer. Live Camera is a separate real-time feature with its own requirements.
Is Tesla Sentry Mode always on?
No. You can turn Sentry Mode on or off and exclude selected locations. It operates only when the vehicle and its settings meet the conditions for use.
Does Sentry Mode drain the battery
Yes. Sentry Mode uses battery power while active, but consumption varies by vehicle and conditions. There is no dependable fixed loss of one mile per hour for every Tesla.
Does Sentry Mode record audio?
Tesla’s owner manual says Sentry video does not capture audio. Camera coverage and available views vary by vehicle.
Can you use Sentry mode while charging?
Sentry can operate while charging when the vehicle’s conditions are met. Tesla describes a low-battery exception while at a Supercharger; consult your vehicle’s manual.
Is Sentry Mode necessary?
It’s a personal choice whether to activate Sentry Mode or not. Decisions should be based on the potential risks or threats to the vehicle, battery usage, and peace of mind. Drivers can also choose to limit when and where Sentry Mode is active.
What’s the quality like on Sentry Mode videos?
Video quality and useful detail depend on the vehicle, camera, lighting, weather and viewing angle. A recording may not capture a face, plate or the event clearly.
Are the Sentry Mode recordings captured by my vehicle shared with Tesla?
Tesla says Sentry recordings are not transmitted to Tesla. Save important footage from your properly configured drive. A compatible upgraded SSD is one storage option.
Can I install a software update while Sentry Mode is Activated?
Tesla says Sentry Mode must be disabled to install a software update. Follow the prompts on your vehicle.
Where are Tesla’s cameras located?
Camera locations and which views are recorded vary by model, hardware and software. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
Does Tesla have a Dashcam?
Supported Teslas have Dashcam, which records camera footage to a properly configured USB drive. Settings can allow automatic or manual saving; options vary by vehicle and software.
Can I use Sentry Mode with Dog Mode?
Tesla Canada’s support page says Pet Mode and Sentry cannot operate together, while current owner manuals describe simultaneous operation on supported hardware. Check your specific vehicle and software. Neither feature guarantees a pet’s safety. See our Dog Mode guide.
If Sentry Mode is off, can I still see a video of someone damaging my car?
Sentry Mode does not save a Sentry event when it is off. A separate recording may exist only if another camera system captured it. For Sentry footage, use a properly configured USB drive or upgraded SSD (Solid State Drive) and check that Sentry is active.
I don’t have a USB installed in my Tesla and someone damaged my car, can Tesla send me the video?
Tesla says Sentry recordings are not transmitted to Tesla. Without a properly configured drive, an event may trigger an alert but generally will not have saved Sentry footage. A compatible upgrade to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one option.
How do I delete all Sentry Mode clips?
On supported software, select Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips to delete all Dashcam and Sentry footage. You can also manage files on a computer. Back up important clips first. Formatting the drive erases all its files and is not the only deletion option.
Tesla live camera not working
Check that your vehicle supports Live Camera, Sentry Mode and Live Camera access are enabled, your phone and app are compatible, and Premium Connectivity and a suitable connection are available. Availability varies by region and software.
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