Do you want to keep your Tesla safe and sound, even when you're not around? Sentry Mode is your answer, acting as a vigilant guardian for your vehicle. When enabled, it uses your Tesla's external cameras and sensors to monitor its surroundings, recording any suspicious activity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about viewing those crucial Sentry Mode videos.
Step 1: Confirm Sentry Mode is Active and Recording
Before you can view Sentry Mode videos, you need to ensure the feature is properly set up and actively recording! This is the most crucial first step.
Sub-heading: Enabling Sentry Mode
Via your Tesla's touchscreen:
Ensure your vehicle is in Park.
Navigate to Controls > Safety & Security > Sentry Mode. Toggle it to On.
You can also activate Sentry Mode using a voice command, like "Keep Tesla safe" or "Enable Sentry."
Via the Tesla app:
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Go to the Security & Drivers section.
Toggle the Sentry Mode button to On.
Sub-heading: Verifying USB Drive Setup
Sentry Mode requires a properly formatted USB drive to save recordings. Without it, you'll receive notifications of events, but no video footage will be saved.
Location: The USB-A port in the glovebox is the preferred location for the USB drive as it's more secure.
Requirements:
Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB.
A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s.
USB 2.0 compatible (if using a USB 3.0 drive, it must also support USB 2.0).
Formatting:
In-car: Insert the USB drive and go to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Your Tesla will automatically format it as exFAT and create the necessary "TeslaCam" folder.
On a computer: Format the drive as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is not currently supported). Create a base-level folder titled "TeslaCam" (case-sensitive!).
Confirmation: Once recognized, you should see the Dashcam and Sentry Mode icons available under Controls on your Tesla's touchscreen.
Step 2: Viewing Sentry Mode Videos in Your Tesla
The most direct and convenient way to view Sentry Mode footage is right from your car's touchscreen.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Dashcam Viewer
Ensure your Tesla is in Park. You cannot launch the viewer while driving.
Locate and tap the Dashcam icon in the status bar. This icon typically appears as a red dot with white lines around it.
Select "Launch Viewer" from the menu that appears. The viewer will open, displaying your recorded Sentry Mode events.
Sub-heading: Navigating Through Recordings
Event List: Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of the screen to see a chronological list of all Sentry Mode events.
Selecting Events: Choose any event from the list to view its corresponding footage.
Timeline Scrubber: Use the timeline at the bottom of the screen to scroll back and forth through the video, allowing you to pinpoint specific moments.
Camera Angles: You can switch between different camera angles (front, rear, left, or right side) to get a comprehensive view of the event from multiple perspectives. Tap on the camera selection option to do this.
Step 3: Viewing Sentry Mode Videos on Your Smartphone
For on-the-go access to your Sentry Mode footage, the Tesla mobile app can be a lifesaver, especially if you have Premium Connectivity.
Sub-heading: Using the Tesla App
Open the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Scroll down the app interface until you find the "Security and Drivers" section.
Tap on this section to expand it.
Look for and select the "Dashcam Viewer" option, often labeled "View saved clips."
The app will connect to your Tesla and retrieve video footage stored on the USB drive. You can then browse through the available clips.
Similar to the in-car viewer, you can select different camera angles and use a timeline scrubber to navigate within clips.
Sub-heading: Live Camera Access (with Premium Connectivity)
If you have a Premium Connectivity subscription, you can also view a live feed from your Tesla's cameras.
Ensure Live Camera access is enabled on your car's touchscreen:
For Model S and Model X (2021 and later): Go to Controls > Safety > View Live Camera via Mobile App.
For Model 3 and Model Y: Navigate to Controls > Safety & Security > View Live Camera via Mobile App.
Open the Tesla app on your phone.
You can often find a Live Camera button right from the front page, or access it from Security & Drivers by clicking on "View live camera."
While viewing live footage, your vehicle may flash its lights periodically to alert nearby people that the cameras are active.
Keep in mind that live camera viewing sessions are typically limited (e.g., 1 hour cumulative per day or 15-minute intervals).
Step 4: Accessing Sentry Mode Footage on a Computer
For more in-depth review, archiving, or sharing of your Sentry Mode videos, connecting the USB drive to a computer is the best option.
Sub-heading: Removing the USB Drive
Before removing the USB drive, safely eject it from your Tesla by pressing and holding the Dashcam icon on the touchscreen until it turns gray, or by navigating to Controls > Safety > Dashcam and selecting Stop Recording. This prevents data corruption.
Open your Tesla's glove box (by tapping the glove box icon in the vehicle's touchscreen menu).
Carefully remove the USB drive that stores your Sentry Mode and Dashcam recordings.
Sub-heading: Connecting to Your Computer and Locating Files
Connect the USB drive to your computer using an appropriate USB port. You may need a USB adapter if your computer doesn't have the correct port (e.g., USB-A to USB-C).
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the connected Tesla USB drive.
Navigate to the "TeslaCam" folder on the drive.
Inside the "TeslaCam" folder, you'll find several subfolders:
"SentryClips" - Contains all Sentry Mode event recordings. These are triggered when suspicious activity is detected.
"SavedClips" - Contains manually saved Dashcam footage.
"RecentClips" - Contains the most recent hour of continuous recording, even if not specifically saved as an event.
Sub-heading: Viewing and Managing Files on Your Computer
The video files in these folders are typically in MP4 format and can be played with most standard video players (e.g., VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player).
Note that each camera (front, rear, left, right) records as a separate video file for each event.
You can copy files to your computer for long-term storage or to free up space on your USB drive.
Delete old clips from the USB drive regularly to prevent it from getting full, as new recordings cannot be saved if storage is maxed out.
Sub-heading: Third-Party Viewers and Tools
While you can view the raw files, some third-party tools and web apps offer a more streamlined viewing experience, often displaying multiple camera angles simultaneously or providing enhanced navigation.
TeslaCam Video WebApp Player: A web-based viewer (like sentrycam.video) where you can upload your files from the USB drive to view them in your browser. This can be helpful for side-by-side viewing of multiple camera angles.
Mobile Apps (iOS/Android): Apps like "Perception - Tesla Dashcam Viewer" (iOS/iPadOS/macOS) or "TeslaCam / Sentry Reviewer" (Android) allow you to view footage directly on your smartphone by connecting the USB drive with an adapter. These often offer features like faster/slower playback, sharing clips, and creating composite videos.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues ️
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to view Sentry Mode videos. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Sub-heading: Sentry Mode Not Recording or Red "X" Icon
Incorrect USB setup or full storage:
Solution: Ensure your USB drive is formatted correctly (exFAT, FAT32, ext3, or ext4) and has a "TeslaCam" folder at the root. Check for available space and delete old clips if the drive is full.
USB connectivity issue:
Solution: Try reformatting the USB drive via your Tesla (Controls > Safety > Format USB). If the issue persists, try rebooting your car by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black.
Sub-heading: Playback Issues (Jumping/Skipping)
Buggy in-car viewer:
Solution: Unfortunately, the in-car viewer can sometimes be buggy. If you experience consistent jumping or skipping, try viewing the footage on a computer or a third-party app. Rebooting your Tesla (holding both scroll wheels) can sometimes help.
USB drive performance:
Solution: Ensure your USB drive meets the recommended sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. A slower drive can lead to recording or playback issues. Consider upgrading to a high-endurance USB drive.
Sub-heading: No Notifications from Sentry Mode
Tesla app delays:
Solution: While the standard Tesla app can have delayed alerts, some third-party apps (like Sentry Pro) claim to offer more real-time notifications. Ensure your Tesla app is up to date and push notifications are enabled for the app on your phone.
Battery level:
Solution: Sentry Mode automatically deactivates if your Tesla's battery drops below 20% to conserve power. Ensure you have sufficient battery charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to format a USB drive for Tesla Sentry Mode?
You can format it directly in your Tesla by going to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive, or on a computer as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4, with a "TeslaCam" folder created at the root.
How to check if Sentry Mode is active in my Tesla?
Look for the red Sentry Mode icon (a red dot with an eye or camera symbol) in the status bar on your Tesla's touchscreen when the car is parked. You can also check its status in the Tesla app under "Security & Drivers."
How to stop Sentry Mode recording before removing the USB?
Press and hold the Dashcam icon on your touchscreen until it turns gray, or go to Controls > Safety > Dashcam and select Stop Recording. This ensures safe ejection and prevents data corruption.
How to view Sentry Mode clips on my phone without removing the USB?
If you have Premium Connectivity, you can view saved clips via the "Dashcam Viewer" in the Tesla app. You can also access a live camera feed.
How to delete Sentry Mode videos from my Tesla?
You can delete clips directly from the in-car Dashcam Viewer. Alternatively, remove the USB drive, connect it to a computer, and manually delete files from the "SentryClips" folder within the "TeslaCam" directory.
How to increase Sentry Mode video storage capacity?
Replace your current USB drive with one of a larger capacity (e.g., 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD) that meets Tesla's specifications for sustained write speed.
How to ensure Sentry Mode records all cameras?
Sentry Mode automatically records from multiple cameras (front, rear, side repeaters). Ensure your USB drive is properly formatted and has enough space. Newer Tesla software updates may also enable recording from additional cameras like side pillar cameras.
How to troubleshoot Sentry Mode not saving footage?
Check your USB drive's formatting and ensure it has the "TeslaCam" folder. Verify the USB drive is securely inserted, and try reformatting it. If the issue persists, try a different USB drive.
How to use third-party apps to view Sentry Mode videos?
Remove the USB drive from your Tesla, connect it to your smartphone or computer using an adapter, and then use a compatible third-party viewer app (like "Perception" for iOS/macOS or "TeslaCam / Sentry Reviewer" for Android) to browse and play the videos.
How to prevent Sentry Mode from draining my battery excessively?
Tesla has made software improvements to reduce Sentry Mode's power consumption. You can also exclude frequently used locations (like Home or Work) from Sentry Mode activation in your car's settings to minimize unnecessary recording.
To see a visual guide on how to increase your Tesla's Sentry Mode and Dashcam video storage, you can watch this video:
