Setup

Tesla Sentry Mode & dashcam setup.

Sentry Mode and Dashcam both need a USB drive. Here's how to set it up on a Model Y Standard.

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Steps

  1. Buy a fast, high-endurance USB drive (Tesla recommends a sustained write speed suitable for video; check the owner's manual for the current minimum) Unconfirmed.
  2. Plug it into a front data USB port.
  3. Format it from the car's Safety settings (Format USB Device), which creates the TeslaCam folder.
  4. Turn on Dashcam, then Sentry Mode. You can exclude Home, Work or Favourites.
  5. Review clips in the TeslaCam viewer.

Battery impact

Sentry keeps the car awake and uses energy, especially in cold weather. Exclude home if you park in a garage.

I film all of this on my own 2026 Model Y Standard. Watch on The Electric Standard on YouTube.