Oh, so you're looking to become a master of video preservation in your Tesla Model 3? Excellent! The built-in Dashcam and Sentry Mode features are incredibly powerful tools for security and capturing unexpected moments on the road. Let's dive deep into how you can effectively save and manage these vital video clips. Get ready to turn your Tesla into your personal on-road videographer!
Step 1: Understanding Tesla's Video Recording Features
Before we get to saving, it's crucial to understand what your Tesla Model 3 records. It's not just a simple dashcam; it's a comprehensive surveillance system!
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| How To Save Video On Tesla Model 3 |
Dashcam
The Dashcam records continuous video footage of your vehicle's surroundings while you're driving. Think of it as your digital eyewitness on the road. It typically records the last hour of driving in a "RecentClips" folder, which gets overwritten unless you specifically save clips.
Sentry Mode
Sentry Mode is like having a digital bodyguard for your Tesla. When enabled, it monitors the surroundings of your parked vehicle for suspicious activity. If a significant threat is detected (like someone leaning on the car, breaking in, or even a bump), it automatically records the event and saves it to a "SentryClips" folder. You'll even get a notification on your Tesla app if an alert occurs.
Step 2: Preparing Your USB Drive
The key to saving any video footage from your Tesla is a properly configured USB drive. Without it, your Tesla can't store those precious recordings!
USB Drive Requirements
Minimum Storage Capacity: Tesla recommends a minimum of 64 GB. However, given how much video footage can accumulate, a larger drive (128GB, 256GB, or even 500GB SSD) is highly recommended, especially if you use Sentry Mode frequently.
Sustained Write Speed: This is crucial! You need a drive with a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Don't confuse this with peak write speed, as many cheap USB sticks boast high peak speeds but fail when it comes to sustained recording from multiple cameras.
USB 2.0/3.0 Compatibility: While USB 3.0 drives are faster, they must also support USB 2.0 to be fully compatible with your Tesla. Many solid-state drives (SSDs) are preferred due to their superior sustained write speeds and durability for constant recording.
Proper Formatting: The drive needs to be formatted in a specific way and have the correct folder structure.
Formatting Your USB Drive: Two Methods
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Method A: Formatting Directly in Your Tesla (The Easiest Way!)
This is the most straightforward method and highly recommended by Tesla.
Insert the USB Drive: Plug your USB drive into a front USB port that supports data transfer. For newer Model 3s, this is typically the USB-A port in the glovebox. Rear USB ports are usually for charging only.
Navigate to Controls: On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap on
Controls.Access Safety & Security: Go to
Safety(orSafety & Securitydepending on your software version).Format USB Drive: Scroll down and tap on
Format USB Drive.Confirm: Your Tesla will automatically format the drive as exFAT and create the necessary "TeslaCam" and (if applicable) "TeslaTrackMode" folders. Be aware: this will erase all existing content on the drive, so back up anything important beforehand!
Method B: Formatting Manually on a Computer
If your Tesla can't format the drive, or you prefer to do it manually, you can use a computer.
Connect the USB Drive: Plug the USB drive into your computer.
Format the Drive:
For Windows: You might need a third-party tool like
guiformat.htmto format large drives to FAT32. Alternatively, you can format it as exFAT. NTFS is currently not supported.For Mac: Use Disk Utility. Format the drive as MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT.
Important: Ensure the drive has a single partition.
Create the "TeslaCam" Folder: Once formatted, open the USB drive and create a new folder named
TeslaCam(case-sensitive, exactly as written). This is where all your Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage will be stored.Insert into Tesla: Safely eject the drive from your computer and insert it into the correct USB port in your Tesla (glovebox USB-A port if equipped, otherwise a front center console USB port). It might take a few seconds for your Tesla to recognize it.
Step 3: Activating Dashcam and Sentry Mode
Once your USB drive is ready and plugged in, you need to ensure the recording features are enabled.
Enabling Dashcam
Navigate to Controls: On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap on
Controls.Access Safety: Go to
Safety.Enable Dashcam: Toggle the
Dashcamsetting toOn.Choose Your Saving Preference: You'll have options for how Dashcam saves footage:
Auto: The car automatically saves recordings during safety-critical events (e.g., collisions). Don't solely rely on this, as detection can vary.
Manual: You manually tap the Dashcam icon to save the last 10 minutes of footage.
On Honk: When you honk the horn, the last 10 minutes of footage are saved. You can use this simultaneously with
AutoorManual.
Enabling Sentry Mode
Navigate to Controls: On your Tesla's touchscreen, tap on
Controls.Access Safety: Go to
Safety.Enable Sentry Mode: Toggle the
Sentry Modesetting toOn.Note: Sentry Mode consumes energy, so be mindful if your battery is low or you're parked for extended periods.
Step 4: Manually Saving Video Clips While Driving (Dashcam)
This is how you ensure you don't lose that specific moment you want to keep.
Using the Dashcam Icon
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Locate the Icon: While driving, the Dashcam icon will appear on your touchscreen in the app launcher (you can drag it to your bottom bar for easy access). It will show a red dot when actively recording.
Tap to Save: To save the last 10 minutes of footage, simply tap the Dashcam icon. The icon will temporarily change to "SAVED" to confirm.
Pause Recording (Optional): If you need to remove the USB drive while the car is still on, press and hold the Dashcam icon until it turns gray or "PAUSED". This prevents data corruption. Wait about 10 seconds before removing the drive.
Using Voice Commands
For a hands-free approach, you can use voice commands.
Activate Voice Command: Press the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel.
Speak the Command: Say "Save Dashcam video" or "Save clip." Your Tesla will then save the last 10 minutes of footage.
Step 5: Viewing Your Saved Videos
You've captured the footage, now how do you watch it?
On Your Tesla's Touchscreen
Park Your Vehicle: To view videos on the touchscreen, your Model 3 must be in Park.
Open the Dashcam App: Tap the Dashcam icon in the app launcher. This will open the Viewer.
Browse Clips:
The Viewer displays your video clips organized by timestamp and camera (front, rear, left, right).
You'll see tabs for RecentClips (the last hour of unsaved footage), SavedClips (manually saved Dashcam events), and SentryClips (Sentry Mode events).
Playback and Manage: You can play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and even delete clips directly from the touchscreen.
On a Computer
For better viewing and long-term storage, transferring videos to a computer is ideal.
Safely Remove USB Drive: Before removing the USB drive, ensure the Dashcam is paused (as described in Step 4) to prevent file corruption.
Insert into Computer: Plug the USB drive into your computer.
Access the "TeslaCam" Folder: Navigate to the
TeslaCamfolder on the USB drive. Inside, you'll find these sub-folders:RecentClips: Contains the last hour of continuous recordings (overwritten if not saved).
SavedClips: Contains the videos you manually saved.
SentryClips: Contains recordings triggered by Sentry Mode events.
View and Transfer: You can now play these video files on your computer. Tesla encodes videos in HEVC (H.265), so ensure your computer's media player supports this codec. You can then copy the desired files to your computer for permanent storage.
Step 6: Managing Storage and Deleting Old Clips
Video footage can take up a lot of space! Regularly managing your USB drive is important to ensure continuous recording.
Automatic Overwriting
RecentClips: The "RecentClips" folder continuously overwrites itself. If you don't save a clip from this folder, it will eventually be deleted.
SentryClips: If the USB drive's storage becomes full, the oldest Sentry Clips are deleted first to make space for new ones.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Manual Deletion
To free up space, you can:
From the Tesla Touchscreen: In the Dashcam Viewer, swipe right or press and hold on specific clips to delete them.
From a Computer: Simply delete the unwanted video files from the "TeslaCam" folder on your USB drive after transferring any important ones to your computer.
FAQ: Saving Video on Tesla Model 3
How to format a USB drive for my Tesla Model 3?
You can format it directly in your Tesla by inserting the drive into a front USB port and going to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Alternatively, format it on a computer as exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT) and create a folder named TeslaCam.
How to manually save a Dashcam clip while driving?
Simply tap the Dashcam icon on your Tesla's touchscreen. This will save the last 10 minutes of footage. You can also use the voice command "Save Dashcam video."
How to view Sentry Mode events on my Tesla?
Park your Model 3, then tap the Dashcam icon in your app launcher. In the Viewer, navigate to the "SentryClips" tab to see all recorded Sentry Mode events.
How to ensure my USB drive is compatible with Tesla's Dashcam?
Look for a drive with a minimum of 64GB storage, a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s, and ideally, an SSD for better durability and performance. It must be formatted as exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT).
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
How to prevent my Tesla's video footage from being overwritten?
For Dashcam footage, manually save clips you want to keep by tapping the Dashcam icon. Sentry Mode clips are automatically saved but will be overwritten if the drive fills up, so transfer important clips to a computer regularly.
How to access the video files from my Tesla on a computer?
Safely remove the USB drive from your Tesla (by pausing Dashcam first), then plug it into your computer. Navigate to the TeslaCam folder, where you'll find RecentClips, SavedClips, and SentryClips sub-folders.
How to delete old video clips from my Tesla's USB drive?
You can delete clips directly from the Dashcam Viewer on your Tesla's touchscreen while in Park, or by connecting the USB drive to a computer and manually deleting files from the TeslaCam folder.
How to set up Sentry Mode to automatically record events?
Ensure a formatted USB drive is inserted. Go to Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode and toggle it On. Sentry Mode will then automatically record suspicious events.
How to use voice commands to save Tesla video?
Press the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel and say "Save Dashcam video" or "Save clip" to save the last 10 minutes of Dashcam footage.
How to know if my Tesla's Dashcam is actively recording?
The Dashcam icon on your touchscreen will typically display a red dot when it is actively recording. If it's paused or unavailable, the icon will change accordingly.
You can learn more about managing your TeslaCam and Sentry footage on mobile devices by watching
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