Retrieving video footage from your Tesla Model 3 is a straightforward process, thanks to its integrated Dashcam and Sentry Mode features. Whether you're reviewing a recent drive or investigating a potential security incident, having access to these recordings can be incredibly valuable. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to get those videos!
Step 1: Prepare Your USB Drive
Before you can save any footage, you'll need a properly prepared USB drive. If you already have one set up in your Tesla, you can skip to Step 2. Otherwise, let's get you ready!
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| How To Retrieve Video From Tesla Model 3 |
Sub-heading: USB Drive Requirements
Not just any USB drive will do. Tesla's system has specific requirements for optimal performance:
Minimum Storage Capacity: Aim for at least 64 GB. Video footage, especially from multiple cameras, can quickly take up a lot of space. The more, the merrier!
Sustained Write Speed: This is crucial. Your drive needs a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that "sustained" is different from "peak" write speed, so check the specifications carefully.
USB Version: It should be USB 2.0 compatible. If you're using a USB 3.0 drive, ensure it also supports USB 2.0.
Proper Formatting: This is perhaps the most important part. The drive needs to be formatted in one of the compatible file systems:
exFAT (recommended)
MS-DOS FAT (for Mac)
ext3 or ext4 (for Linux users)
NTFS is currently not supported.
Sub-heading: Formatting Your USB Drive
You have two primary ways to format your USB drive:
Option A: Formatting in Your Tesla
This is often the easiest and most recommended method, as your Tesla will set it up exactly as it needs it.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Insert the USB Drive: Plug your USB drive into a front USB port that supports data transfer. For Model 3s manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the glovebox USB-A port is generally the one to use for all data functions. Center console USB-C ports may only support charging.
Navigate to Controls: On your Tesla's touchscreen, touch Controls.
Access Safety Settings: Tap on Safety.
Format USB Drive: Scroll down and touch Format USB Drive.
Confirm: Confirm your decision. Be aware that this will erase all existing content on the USB drive. Your Tesla will automatically format it to exFAT and create the necessary
TeslaCamandTeslaTrackMode(if applicable) folders.
Option B: Formatting on a Computer
If you prefer to format it on your computer, follow these steps:
Connect to Computer: Insert the USB drive into your computer.
Choose a File System: Format the USB drive using one of the compatible file systems (exFAT, MS-DOS FAT, ext3, or ext4).
Create
TeslaCamFolder: Crucially, create a base-level folder titledTeslaCamon the formatted drive. If you plan to use Track Mode, also create aTeslaTrackModefolder.Eject Safely: Safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Insert into Tesla: Insert the properly formatted USB drive into your Tesla's designated USB port (glovebox USB-A port preferred). It might take a few seconds for your Tesla to recognize it.
Step 2: Accessing Recordings In-Car via the Touchscreen
Once your USB drive is ready and plugged in, you can easily view your recordings directly on your Model 3's touchscreen.
Ensure Parked Position: Make sure your Model 3 is in Park. You cannot view recordings while driving for safety reasons.
Tap the Dashcam Icon: On your touchscreen, locate and touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher (it looks like a camera).
Pro Tip: You can often drag the Dashcam icon to your bottom bar for quick access.
Navigate the Viewer: The Dashcam Viewer will open. You'll typically see tabs for different types of footage:
RecentClips: Contains the most recent continuously recorded footage. Tesla records in cycles, overwriting older footage unless it's saved.
SavedClips: This is where footage you've manually saved (e.g., by tapping the Dashcam icon, honking the horn if enabled, or when Sentry Mode triggers an event) will be stored.
SentryClips: This tab holds recordings specifically from Sentry Mode events.
Browse and Play: Recordings are organized by timestamp. Tap on a specific clip to play it. You'll have playback controls to pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc.
Saving Important Clips: If you're viewing a clip from
RecentClipsand want to save it permanently, look for an option within the viewer to "Save" or "Save Clip." This will move it to theSavedClipsfolder, preventing it from being overwritten.
Step 3: Retrieving Videos on a Computer ️
For a more in-depth review, editing, or archiving of your footage, you'll want to transfer the videos to a computer.
Safely Remove USB Drive:
Before removing the USB drive from your Tesla, it's a good practice to safely eject it via the touchscreen if possible (look for an eject icon next to the Dashcam icon or in the Dashcam settings). This prevents data corruption.
Once you see a message indicating it's safe, or if you don't see an explicit eject option, you can carefully remove the USB drive from the glovebox or center console port.
Connect to Computer: Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
Locate
TeslaCamFolder: Open your file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the USB drive. You should see a main folder titledTeslaCam.Explore Subfolders: Inside the
TeslaCamfolder, you'll find the following sub-folders:RecentClips: Contains continuously recorded footage that is actively being overwritten.SavedClips: This is where your manually saved clips reside.SentryClips: This folder contains all the recordings captured by Sentry Mode when a security event was detected.
Copy and Manage Files:
You can now copy the video files from these folders to your computer. It's recommended to copy them rather than cutting them to ensure you don't lose the original files from the USB drive until you're certain you have them safely stored elsewhere.
The videos are typically in
.mp4format and can be played with most standard video players.Organize your files: Consider creating a clear folder structure on your computer (e.g., "Tesla Footage" > "Year" > "Month" > "Event Name") to keep your recordings organized.
Step 4: Understanding Tesla's Recording Logic ?
To effectively retrieve videos, it helps to understand how Tesla records and stores footage:
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Sub-heading: Continuous Recording (Dashcam)
Your Tesla continuously records footage from its various cameras (front, side, rear) while driving.
This footage is stored in the
RecentClipsfolder on your USB drive.It's typically a rolling 60 minutes of footage. This means that older footage is continuously overwritten by newer footage unless you explicitly save it.
Sub-heading: Saved Clips
Manual Saving: You can manually save the last 10 minutes of footage (or other durations depending on software version) by:
Tapping the Dashcam icon on the touchscreen.
Honking the horn (if the "Save Dashcam on Honk" feature is enabled in settings).
These saved clips are moved from
RecentClipsto theSavedClipsfolder and will not be overwritten.
Sub-heading: Sentry Mode
Security Monitoring: Sentry Mode actively monitors your vehicle's surroundings when it's locked and in Park.
Event-Triggered Recording: If Sentry Mode detects a "threat" (e.g., someone leaning on the car, a sudden impact), it will:
Pulse the headlights.
Sound the alarm (if enabled).
Display a message on the touchscreen.
Save the footage of the event to the
SentryClipsfolder. It typically saves the last 10 minutes of footage leading up to the event.
Notifications: You'll receive a notification on your Tesla mobile app if a Sentry Mode alarm is triggered.
Battery Consumption: Be aware that Sentry Mode consumes battery power. It will automatically disable if your battery drops below 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ?
How to check if my USB drive is working for Dashcam/Sentry Mode?
You can check by looking for the Dashcam icon on your Tesla's touchscreen. If it's visible and shows a red dot (indicating recording), your USB drive is recognized and functioning. You can also go to Controls > Safety to see if the Dashcam and Sentry Mode options are available and enabled.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
How to format a USB drive for Tesla on a Mac?
Connect the USB to your Mac, open Disk Utility, select the USB drive, and choose "Erase." Select "MS-DOS FAT" (or exFAT) as the format. After formatting, create a folder named TeslaCam on the root of the drive.
How to ensure Sentry Mode saves footage?
Ensure Sentry Mode is enabled in Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode. Also, confirm that a properly formatted USB drive is inserted into the correct USB port (glovebox USB-A is preferred for newer models). Sentry Mode automatically saves clips when a security event is detected.
How to prevent old Dashcam footage from being overwritten?
You can manually save clips by tapping the Dashcam icon on the touchscreen or honking the horn (if enabled). These saved clips will move to the SavedClips folder and won't be overwritten by continuous recording. Regularly transfer important footage to a computer to free up space on the USB drive.
How to view multiple camera angles simultaneously from a recording?
When viewing clips on the Tesla touchscreen, you'll see a multi-camera view. When you transfer files to a computer, you'll find separate video files for each camera (front, left repeater, right repeater, rear). Some third-party software (like TeslaCam Viewer or Sentry Keeper) can stitch these together for a synchronized view on a computer.
Tip: Share this article if you find it helpful.
How to troubleshoot if my Tesla isn't saving footage?
Check your USB drive: Is it properly formatted? Does it meet the minimum capacity and write speed requirements? Try reformatting it.
Check the USB port: Ensure it's plugged into the correct port (glovebox USB-A for newer models).
Check settings: Is Dashcam enabled in Controls > Safety > Dashcam? Is Sentry Mode enabled?
Try a different USB drive.
If issues persist, contact Tesla Service.
How to delete old video recordings from my Tesla USB drive?
The easiest way is to remove the USB drive and delete the files directly from a computer. You can also format the drive in your Tesla, but this will delete all content.
How to know which USB port to use for Dashcam/Sentry Mode?
For Model 3s manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the USB-A port in the glovebox is the primary port for Dashcam and Sentry Mode recording. Older models might use center console USB-A ports. Rear USB ports are generally for charging only.
How to save a specific segment of video if an incident occurs while driving?
While driving, if something happens, tap the Dashcam icon on your touchscreen or honk your horn (if the feature is enabled). This will save the last few minutes of footage (typically 10 minutes, but can vary) to the SavedClips folder.
How to manage storage space on the USB drive?
Regularly transfer important saved clips to a computer for long-term storage. Then, you can delete the older or less important files from the USB drive to free up space, or reformat the drive if you want a fresh start.
Watch this video for a visual guide on viewing Tesla dashcam recordings:
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