642

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual

Owner's Manual

643

Owners Manual

In situations where Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is unable to determine a speed limit, or if Speed Assist is uncertain that
an acquired speed limit is accurate, the instrument paneltouchscreen may not display a speed limit sign and warnings do not
take effect.
NOTE: Speed limit warnings go away after ten seconds, or when Model SModel XModel 3Model Y slows down below the
specified limit.
WARNING: Do not rely on Speed Assist to determine the appropriate speed limit or driving speed. Always drive at a safe
speed based on traffic and road conditions.
Controlling Speed Assist
To adjust the Speed Limit Warning setting, touch Controls > Autopilot > Speed Limit Warning, then choose one of these
options:
644

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
• Off - Speed limit warnings do not display and chimes are not sounded.
• Display - Speed limit signs display on the instrument paneltouchscreen and the sign increases in size when you exceed the
determined limit.
• Chime - In addition to the visual display, a chime is sounded when you exceed the determined speed limit.
You can also specify how the speed limit is determined:
• Relative - You can set a speed limit offset (+ or -) if you want to be alerted only when you exceed the offset speed limit by a
specified amount. For example, you can increase the offset to +10 mph (10 km/h) if you only want to be warned when you
exceed the speed limit by 10 mph (10 km/h).
NOTE: The offset from speed limit also affects the number shown in the gray speed icon on the instrument
paneltouchscreen.
• Absolute - Manually specify any speed limit between 20 and 140 mph (30 and 240 km/h).
NOTE: Speed Assist is not always accurate. In some situations, the location of a road can be miscalculated and Speed Assist
can display a speed for a directly adjacent road that may have a different speed limit. For example, Speed Assist can assume
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is on a controlled-access highway when it is actually on a nearby surface street, and vice
versa.
NOTE: Your chosen setting is retained until you manually change it.
Limitations and Inaccuracies
Speed Assist may not be fully functional or may provide inaccurate information in these situations:
• Visibility is poor and speed limit signs are not clearly visible (due to heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.).
• Bright light (such as from oncoming headlights or direct sunlight) is interfering with the view of the camera(s).
• Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is being driven very close to a vehicle in front of it which is blocking the view of the
camera(s).
• The windshield is obstructing the view of the camera(s) (fogged over, dirty, covered by a sticker, etc.).
• Speed limit signs are concealed by objects.
• The speed limits stored in the map database are incorrect or outdated.
• Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is being driven in an area where GPS or map data is not available or where speed limit
signs can not be detected.
• Traffic signs that do not conform to standard recognizable formats, such as digital or temporary speed signs.
• A road or a speed limit has recently changed.
WARNING: The list above does not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper operation of
Speed Assist. Speed Assist may fail to provide warnings for many other reasons.

Cabin Camera
Your Model SModel XModel 3Model Y may be equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.
Your Model SModel XModel 3Model Y may be equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.
Your Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.
Your Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.

Owner's Manual

645

Owners Manual

646

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual

The cabin camera (if equipped) is not currently active. If used in a future safety feature, Tesla will notify you of its availability
through a software update.
The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide you with audible alerts, to remind you to keep your eyes on
the road when Autopilot is engaged.
By default, images and video from the camera do not leave the vehicle itself and are not transmitted to anyone, including Tesla,
unless you enable data sharing. If you enable data sharing and a safety critical event occurs (such as a collision),
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y shares short cabin camera video clips with Tesla to help us develop future safety
enhancements and continuously improve the intelligence of features that rely on the cabin camera. Data may also be shared if
diagnostics are required on cabin camera functionality. Cabin camera does not perform facial recognition or any other method
of identity verification. To protect your privacy, cabin camera data is not associated with your vehicle identification number.
To adjust your data sharing preferences touch Controls > Software > Data Sharing > Allow Cabin Camera Analytics. You can
change your data sharing settings at any time. To view features currently enabled that use cabin camera, touch Controls >
Software > Cabin Camera.

Owner's Manual

647

Owners Manual

648

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual

NOTE: Keep the camera lens clean and free of obstructions. Remove any buildup of dirt or dust by occasionally wiping the
camera lens with a clean cloth.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the camera lens.

Dashcam, Sentry, and Security

Owner's Manual

649

Owners Manual
Safety & Security Settings
About the Security System
If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y does not detect a key nearby and a locked door or trunk is opened, an alarm sounds. The
headlights and turn signals also flash. To deactivate the alarm, press any button on the key fob.
If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y does not detect an authenticated phone or key and a locked door or trunk is opened, an
alarm sounds. The headlights and turn signals also flash. To deactivate the alarm, press any button on the mobile app or tap
your key card or key fob or key fob against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver's side door
pillarapproximately one third the way up of the driver's side door pillar.
To manually enable or disable the alarm system, touch Controls > Safety > Security Alarm. When enabled,
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y activates its alarm one minute after you exit, the doors lock, and a recognized key is no
longer detected.
A battery-backed siren (if equipped) sounds in situations where a locked door or trunk is opened and Model SModel XModel
3Model Y does not detect a key nearby. If you also want this siren to sound in situations where the vehicle detects motion
inside the cabin, enable Tilt/Intrusion (see Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped) on page 650).
NOTE: If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use Sentry Mode (With a USB Flash Drive) on page
655), the Security Alarm setting is not available.
Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped)
Depending on configuration, market region, and date of manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with this feature.
The Security Alarm must be on to enable Tilt/Intrusion.
Tilt/Intrusion sounds the alarm in your vehicle if Model SModel XModel 3Model Y detects motion inside the cabin, or is moved
or tilted (for example, with a tow truck or jack). To enable, touch Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.
The intrusion sensor automatically disables in situations where the climate control system is operating when you leave your
vehicle. To override, you can manually turn the Tilt/Intrusion Sensor on again after choosing Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp
Mode.
The tilt/intrusion sensor automatically re-enables at the start of every drive cycle.
NOTE: The Tilt/Intrusion alarm must be turned off to use Cabin Overheat Protection (see Cabin Overheat Protection on page
669).
NOTE: If you plan to leave something that moves inside your locked vehicle, remember to turn off Tilt/Intrusion. If this setting is
on, any motion detected inside Model SModel XModel 3Model Y activates the intrusion alarm.
NOTE: If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use Sentry Mode (With a USB Flash Drive) on page
655), the Tilt/Intrusion setting is not available.
Enhanced Anti-Theft Upgrade (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the Enhanced Anti-Theft upgrade, the horn sounds in situations where a locked door or trunk
is opened and Model SModel XModel 3Model Y does not detect a key nearby. If Tilt/Intrusion is on, the horn also sounds if
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y detects motion inside the cabin or if the vehicle is moved or tilted (for example, with a tow
truck or jack). To turn the Tilt/Intrusion detection system on or off, touch Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.
Parental Controls
Parental controls enable you to limit the capabilities of Model SModel XModel 3Model Y and ensure that safety settings are
enabled and cannot be changed.
NOTE: You can also access parental controls from the Tesla mobile app (version 4.34.5 or higher required).
When you enable Require Safety Features, Model SModel XModel 3Model Y enables or configures these vehicle settings:
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may not be
equipped with the listed features.

650

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Obstacle-Aware Acceleration
• Automatic Blind Spot Camera
• Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime
• Automatic 911 Call
• Allow Mobile Access
• Park Assist Chimes
• Lane Departure Avoidance: Set to Assist.
• Speed Limit Warning: Set to Chime.
• Forward Collision Warning: Set to Early.
If you want to enable parental controls:
1. With your vehicle in Park, touch Controls > Safety > Parental Controls on the touchscreen.
2. Enable or configure the parental controls you want to use:
◦ Limit Speed: Caps the speed at which Model SModel XModel 3Model Y can drive.
◦ Reduce Acceleration: Limits the vehicle Acceleration to Chill.
◦ Require Safety Features: Enables various safety features in the vehicle (if equipped). Drivers cannot change these
settings while parental controls are active.
3. Touch Confirm.
4. Enter a PIN.
NOTE: Drivers must re-enter the PIN from Parental Controls to disable the restrictions.
PIN to Drive
For an added layer of security, prevent Model SModel XModel 3Model Y from being driven until a 4-digit PIN (Personal
Identification Number) is entered. To enable this setting, touch Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the on-screen
prompts to create a driving PIN.
When enabled, in addition to entering the 4-digit driving PIN to drive, you must also use it to enter Valet mode for the first
time and create the 4-digit valet PIN to enter and exit Valet mode. In Valet mode, Model SModel XModel 3Model Y can be
driven without the need for the valet to enter a driving PIN. The PIN to Drive setting is disabled whenever Valet mode is active.
If you forget your driving PIN, touch the link to enter your Tesla login credentials on the PIN to Drive popup, then follow the
instructions on the touchscreen.
NOTE: In the unlikely event that your touchscreen is unresponsive, you may be unable to enter the PIN. In this case, first try to
restart the touchscreen (see Restarting the Touchscreen or Instrument Panel on page 34). If the touchscreen is still
unresponsive, you can still bypass PIN to Drive by turning on Keyless Driving in the Tesla mobile app.
Glovebox PIN
Protect the contents in your glovebox with a 4-digit PIN (not related to PIN to Drive). To enable, touch Controls > Safety >
Glovebox PIN and follow the directions on the touchscreen. When enabled, you are prompted to enter the PIN to open the
glovebox. Select the toggle to disable and then enter the PIN to remove this added security protection.
If you forget your glovebox PIN, reset it by entering your Tesla login credentials, then follow the directions on the touchscreen.
NOTE: Using a Glovebox PIN allows the glovebox to be opened even when Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Valet mode.

Owner's Manual

651

Owners Manual
Speed Limit Mode
Speed Limit Mode allows you to limit acceleration and maximum driving speed to a chosen value between 50 and 120 mph (80
and 193 km/h). The first time you use this feature, you must create a 4-digit PIN that you must use to enable and disable
Speed Limit Mode. When enabled and the driving speed approaches within approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) of the maximum
speed, a chime sounds, the instrument clustertouchscreen displays a message, and Model SModel XModel 3Model Y sends a
notification to the mobile app. You can also touch Security > Speed Limit Mode to enable from the Tesla mobile app. To enable
Speed Limit Mode:
1. Ensure Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Park.
2. Touch Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode on the touchscreen.
3. Select the maximum driving speed.
4. Drag the slider to the On position.
5. Enter the 4-digit PIN that you want to use to enable and disable Speed Limit Mode.
NOTE: If you forget the PIN, you can disable Speed Limit Mode by entering login credentials for your Tesla account.
NOTE: While Speed Limit Mode is enabled, the acceleration setting automatically sets to Chill.
WARNING: Driving downhill can increase driving speed and cause Model SModel XModel 3Model Y to exceed your
chosen maximum speed.
WARNING: Speed Limit Mode is not a replacement for good judgment, driver training, and the need to closely monitor
speed limits and driving conditions. Accidents occur at any speed and it is your responsibility to drive safely.
Clear Browser Data
You can clear your vehicle's browser data (like you would on a computer or smartphone) by navigating to Controls > Service >
Clear Browser Data. This is useful for many situations, such erasing settings or searches from another driver.
Check the boxes on the touchscreen popup to exclude bookmarks and/or history for your convenience.

Dashcam
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may not be
equipped with Dashcam or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole responsibility to consult and
comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of cameras.
Dashcam records video footage of your vehicle's surroundings while driving. Use Dashcam to record driving incidents or other
notable events, like you would for an external dashcam on other vehicles.
The Dashcam icon is located in the app launcher. You can add the Dashcam app to the bottom bar for easy access (see
Customizing My Apps on page 32). When Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon displays the
Viewer (see Viewing Video Recordings on page 658).

To protect your privacy, video recordings are saved locally to a formatted USB flash drive's onboard memory. Recordings are
not sent to Tesla. Model SModel XModel 3Model Y does not record videos when Dashcam is Off.
How to Use Dashcam
1. Format a USB flash drive. Dashcam requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port to store and
retrieve footage. Vehicles manufactured beginning approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB flash drive
in the glove box. There are two ways to format the flash drive if needed:
◦ Format the flash drive with Model SModel XModel 3Model Y. Insert the flash drive into the USB port and navigate to
Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.

652

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
◦ Format the flash drive on a computer. See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 657 for more
information.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB port, preferably the one in the glovebox (if equipped).
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only
support charging devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.
3. Enable Dashcam by touching Controls > Safety > Dashcam. Dashcam allows you to choose how and when footage is saved.
You can choose between:
◦ Auto: Dashcam automatically saves a recording to the USB drive when Model SModel XModel 3Model Y detects a
safety-critical event, such as a collision or airbag deployment. When Auto is selected, detection can vary and is subject
to your vehicle's power, sleep, and Autopilot state.
NOTE: Several factors determine whether Dashcam automatically saves a recording of a safety-critical event (for
example, amount of force, whether or not airbags deploy, etc.). Do not rely on Dashcam to automatically record all
safety-critical events.
◦ Manual: You must manually touch the Dashcam icon to save a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage.
◦ On Honk: When you press the horn, Dashcam saves a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage. You can
enable this along with Auto or Manual simultaneously.
4. Once enabled, the Dashcam icon indicates when footage is saved. You can also view the status of the Dashcam icon in
Controls:

The icon changes to show the status of Dashcam:
RECORDING: Dashcam is recording. To save video footage, touch the icon. To pause recording, press and
hold the icon.

AVAILABLE: Dashcam Is available but not actively recording. Touch the dashcam icon to start recording
footage.

PAUSED: Dashcam is paused. To resume recording, touch the icon. To avoid losing video footage, pause
Dashcam before removing the flash drive.

BUSY: Dashcam is in the process of loading, saving, or overwriting footage. While dashcam is busy, footage
is not being captured and recorded.

SAVED: Footage is saved. You can also save Dashcam clips by touching the Dashcam icon in the app
launcher while Driving.

5. When your desired footage is saved, view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer:
◦ Touchscreen: Ensure Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Park and touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher.
Videos are organized by timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 658 for more information.
◦ Computer: Insert the USB flash drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder. Videos are organized by
timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 658 for more information.

Owner's Manual

653

Owners Manual
6. To turn Dashcam off, navigate to Controls > Safety > Dash cam > Off. If set to Auto, Manual, or On Honk, Dashcam
automatically enables (but may not be actively saving footage, depending on your preferences) every time you drive.

654

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
Sentry Mode
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may not be
equipped with Sentry Mode or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole responsibility to consult and
comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of cameras.
When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors (if equipped) remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity
around your vehicle when Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent
vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
If a threat is detected or the vehicle sensors determine there is a lot of jerky movement like when getting towed or shaken,
Sentry Mode:
• Pulses the headlights.
• Sounds the alarm.
• Displays a message on the touchscreen that indicates cameras may be recording to inform individuals outside of the
vehicles.
• Alerts you of the alarm on the mobile app.
• Saves footage of the event to a USB drive (if installed).
Sentry Mode is disabled by default. You can use voice commands or the Tesla mobile app to easily enable or disable Sentry
Mode. To enable Sentry Mode using voice commands, say "Keep Tesla safe," "Keep my car safe," "Sentry on," or "Enable
Sentry" (see Voice Commands on page 97).
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support
charging devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.
Sentry Mode requires your Battery to be at least 20% charged. If the Battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode turns off and the
mobile app sends you a notification. Power consumption may increase when Sentry Mode is active.
NOTE: When Sentry Mode is enabled, the Security Alarm settings (Controls > Safety > Security Alarm) are not available.
CAUTION: Do not rely on Sentry Mode to protect Model SModel XModel 3Model Y from all possible security threats.
Sentry Mode uses many factors to determine whether to activate the security alarm. All impacts may not be detected
and the alarm may not activate in all situations. While it may help deter some threats, no security system can prevent all
attacks.
NOTE: Sentry Mode only sends notifications to the mobile app when the alarm is triggered or sudden jerky motions are
detected by the vehicle. If Sentry Mode doesn't consider an event a clear threat, the vehicle records footage but doesn't
trigger the alarm.
How to Use Sentry Mode (With a USB Flash Drive)
1. Sentry Mode requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port. Vehicles manufactured beginning
approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB flash drive in the glove box. There are two ways to format the
USB drive:
◦ Insert the USB drive into the USB port and navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Your vehicle automatically
formats the USB drive for you.
◦ Format the USB drive on a computer. See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 657 for more
information.
2. Insert the USB drive into the vehicle's USB port, preferrable the one in the glove box (if equipped).
3. With your vehicle in Park, enable Dashcam by navigating to Controls > Safety > Dashcam (Dashcam must be enabled for
Sentry Mode to work).
4. Touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > On. Once enabled, the Sentry Mode icon in Controlson the status bar turns red.

Owner's Manual

655

Owners Manual
NOTE: Rear camera recordings are available only on vehicles manufactured after approximately February 2018.
When enabled, Sentry Mode is idle, ready to sound the alarm and save a recording of the security event if triggered. See
Viewing Video Recordings on page 658 for information on viewing footage.
5. To silence the security alarm and audio system when the alarm is triggered, navigate to Controls > Safety > Disable Sentry
Sounds. When enabled, Sentry Mode still sends a notification through the mobile app and saves the last 10 minutes
footage.
6. To manually enable/disable Sentry Mode until the next drive, touch the Sentry Mode icon. Sentry Mode is Off when the
icon is no longer red.

Turn Sentry Mode Off in Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode to disable for more than one drive cycle.
How to Use Sentry Mode (Without a USB Flash Drive)
When Sentry mode is enabled and a security event is detected but without a USB drive plugged into a USB port, your vehicle
alerts you through the mobile app, without any camera recordings.
Sentry Mode Settings
• Exclude specific locations
In Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode, you can determine if you want Sentry Mode to not enable in certain locations (see
Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on page 694 for more information):
◦ Exclude Home: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Home in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Work: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Work in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Favorites: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at any location in your Favorites list.
NOTE: To recognize a location listed as Home, Work, or a Favorite, Model SModel XModel 3Model Y must be parked
within approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of the saved location.
To set up your Home or Work location, touch Navigate > Set Home/Set Work. To set up a Favorite, touch the star when
viewing an address on the map. Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off using the touchscreen or the mobile app overrides
your Home, Work, or Favorite exclusion preferences until your next drive.
• Set Camera-Based Detection
When Camera-Based Detection is enabled, Sentry Mode uses the vehicle’s external cameras in addition to vehicle sensors
to detect a security event while parked. If disabled, your vehicle only saves clips to the USB drive if a physical threat is
detected. To adjust, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > Camera-Based Detection.
• View Live Camera
NOTE: View Live Camera requires premium connectivity and version 4.2.1 (or newer) of the Tesla mobile app installed on a
phone that has been paired as a key to Model SModel XModel 3Model Y.
When Sentry Mode is enabled, use the mobile app to remotely view the area surrounding Model SModel XModel 3Model Y
as seen through the exterior cameras. To enable, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera via Mobile App
on the touchscreen to see what Sentry Mode records in real-time. Ensure there are no occupants in the vehicle and all
doors are locked. Then, on the mobile app, navigate to Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera.
When View Live Camera is actively in use, Model SModel XModel 3Model Y periodically flashes its exterior lights and
displays a message on the touchscreen to notify others that the area surrounding the vehicle is being viewed through the
cameras.
View Live Camera is limited to approximately one hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative usage per day.
656

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is equipped with a pedestrian warning speaker (see Pedestrian Warning System on
page 520), you can press and hold the microphone button on the mobile app to transmit your voice through this speaker.
You can also enable Dog Mode at the same time and switch the live camera view to see through the interior camera on the
mobile app. See Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 668 for more information. This feature is not supported in
vehicles with Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls > Software > Autopilot computer to find out which computer
your vehicle has.
NOTE: If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same time, Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect your pet.
NOTE: Video quality can vary depending on network connectivity. No audio is captured.
NOTE: The live camera feed is fully encrypted and cannot be accessed by Tesla.
See Viewing Video Recordings on page 658 for more information on viewing Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: When the internal storage reaches full capacity, new recordings overwrite the older recordings.

USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support
charging devices. To play media files or to format and view video footage, use the USB-A port in the glovebox (see Interior
Electronics on page 41).
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support
charging devices. To play media files or to format and view video footage, use the USB-A port in the glovebox (see Interior
Electronics on page 41).
Some features require you to use a USB drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode and Track Mode, if equipped, and Track
Mode, if equipped,) that meet these requirements:
• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a USB drive with as much available storage as possible. Video footage can
occupy a large amount of space.
• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that sustained write speed differs from peak write speed.
• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 drive, it must also support USB 2.0.
• Properly formatted (either automatically or manually on page 657).
NOTE: The USB-C ports in the center console and below the rear touchscreen do not support the ability to format, save, and
view video footage. For any of these functions, use the USB-A port in the glovebox (see Interior Electronics on page 57).
NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase recommended USB drives on http://www.tesla.com.
Automatically Formatting a USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into a front USB port that supports the ability to format, save, and view video footage (see Interior
Electronics on page 41Interior Electronics on page 41Interior Electronics on page 57Interior Electronics on page 57). Then,
touch Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. This automatically formats the USB drive as exFAT and creates folders for
TeslaCam and TeslaTrackMode (if equipped) and TeslaTrackMode (if equipped). The USB drive is now ready to record and
save video footage.
Format USB Drive is available only when a USB drive (with one or fewer partitions) is inserted into a front USB port. Choosing
Format USB Drive erases any existing content on the USB drive. Before using this feature, move any content you want to keep
to a different device.
Manually Formatting a USB Drive
If Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is unable to format the USB drive, format it using a computer:
1. Format the USB drive as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).
2. Create a base-level folder titled TeslaCam. For Track Mode (if equipped), create another base-level folder called
TeslaTrackMode. For Track Mode (if equipped), create another base-level folder called TeslaTrackMode. You can use one
USB drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode, Track Mode (if equipped), Track Mode (if equipped), and audio files, but you must
create separate partitions or folders on the exFAT USB drive.

Owner's Manual

657

Owners Manual
3. Once formatted, insert the USB drive into the glovebox USB port (if equipped), otherwise use a front USB port in the center
console. Do not use a rear USB port because they can only charge devices. It may take a few seconds for
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y to recognize the USB drive.
4. Once recognized, ensure icons for Dashcam and Sentry Mode appear at the top of your touchscreenicons for Dashcam and
Sentry Mode are available when you touch Controls. Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is now ready to record videos.
NOTE: You may need to first enable Sentry Mode by touching Controls > SentryControls > Safety > Sentry Mode.
Viewing Video Recordings
If footage is saved, you can view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer.
When the USB drive runs out of storage space, video footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the USB drive from getting
full, regularly move saved videos to another device and delete them from the USB drive.
When enabled, Dashcam and Sentry Mode records footage in cycles. Footage is continuously overwritten unless you save it.
You must save your desired footage to view it, otherwise the footage is erased and overwritten. See Sentry Mode on page 655
and Dashcam on page 652 for information on saving footage. Four videos are recorded for each saved clip, one from each
camera (front, rear, left, and right).
NOTE: Rear camera recordings are only available on vehicles manufactured after approximately February 2018.
Viewing on the Touchscreen

You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen when Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon
located in the app launcher. The tabs display a list of all video clips, organized by location and timestamp. Pause, rewind, fast
forward, and delete clips as needed. Swipe to the right or press and hold to quickly delete certain clips.
Navigate to Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips to delete all Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the Viewer.
Viewing on a Computer

Insert the USB drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam or TeslaTrackMode (if equipped) or TeslaTrackMode (if
equipped) folder.
The TeslaCam folder contains these sub-folders:
• RecentClips: Contains up to 60 minutes of recorded content.
• SavedClips: Contains all recordings that are saved and renamed from the RecentClips folder.
• SentryClips: Contains recordings from all Sentry Mode security events. If storage space on the USB drive becomes limited,
the oldest Sentry Clips are deleted to provide space for new ones. Once deleted, you cannot retrieve them.

Climate

658

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual
Operating Climate Controls
Overview of Climate Controls
Climate controls are available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which maintains
optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the cabin temperature while in the Auto
setting, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan speed to maintain the cabin at
your selected temperature.
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls screen, where you can
adjust your climate preferences. You can return to Auto at any time by touching Auto. Touch the power button on the main
climate controls screen to toggle on or off. For quick access to common controls, touch < or > to display the climate popup.
While the cabin is warming up or cooling down, the fan speed may be reduced. The touchscreen displays Warming Up or
Cooling Down while getting to your preferred temperature.
NOTE: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases driving range.
WARNING: To avoid burns resulting from prolonged use, individuals who have peripheral neuropathy, or whose capacity
to feel pain is limited because of diabetes, age, neurological injury, or some other condition, should exercise caution
when using the climate control system and seat heaters.
Adjusting Climate Control Settings
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature, handsfree by using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 97).

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See Customizing My
Apps on page 32.
1. Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.
2. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the front cabin.
3. Choose where air flows into the front cabin (windshield, face-level, or foot-level vents). You can choose one or more vents.
4. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the rear cabin. If Auto is enabled and a passenger is detected, the set temperature
is maintained for the rear cabin (see Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents on page 676).
NOTE: Enable Sync to set the same temperature for the front and back cabins.

Owner's Manual

659

Owners Manual
5. Touch the driver's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the driver. The seat operates at three levels from 3 (highest) to 1
(lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) or blue (cooling) corresponding with the set level.
Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms or cools the front seats based on cabin
temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar (see Customizing
My Apps on page 32).
6. Touch to control the heated steering wheelsteering yoke (or steering wheel). The icon displays red twisting lines that
correspond to the set level. If set to Auto, the steering wheel is heated as needed, based on cabin temperature, whenever
the climate control system is set to Auto. For one-touch access, you can add this control to the touchscreen's bottom bar
(see Customizing My Apps on page 32).
7. Touch to turn on the wiper defrosters. Wipers defrost for 15 minutes then turn off automatically.
8. Touch the passenger's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the front passenger. The seat operates at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) or blue (cooling) corresponding with the
set level. Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms or cools the front seats based on
cabin temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar (see
Customizing My Apps on page 32).
9. When in Park, these settings display to allow you to keep the climate control system operating, even when you leave
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y (see Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 668).
10. Touch to adjust how air flows from the front vents. See Adjusting the Front and Rear Vents on page 676.
11. When Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is in Park, touch Schedule to set a recurring daily time when you want
Model SModel XModel 3Model Y to be ready to drive by preconditioning the Battery and cabin climate and/or charging
during off-peak hours (see Scheduled Precondition and Charge on page 732).
12. If your Model SModel XModel 3Model Y is equipped with the medical-grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter,
this filter ensures the best quality air inside the cabin whenever the climate control system is on and outside air is entering
the cabin (recirculate is off). The HEPA filter is extremely effective at removing particles, including pollution, allergens,
bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and viruses. Both the HEPA filter and the secondary filtration system also contain activated
carbon to remove a broad spectrum of odors and gases. When you engage Bioweapon Defense Mode, the positive
pressure inside the cabin minimizes the amount of outside air that can enter the vehicle.
NOTE: Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not effectively removed by activated carbon.
13. Touch to control the flow of air inside the cabin. Air can be drawn into Model SModel XModel 3Model Y from outside or air
can be recirculated inside the cabin.
14. Use the slider to adjust the fan speed. When in Auto, the fan speed levels change to Low/ Medium/ High.
NOTE: Adjusting the fan speed may change the selected setting for how air is drawn into Model SModel XModel 3Model Y
in order to increase or reduce air flow.
15. Touch to turn the air conditioning system on or off. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves energy.
NOTE: Because Model SModel XModel 3Model Y runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice the
sound of the air conditioning compressor as it is operating. To minimize noise, reduce the fan speed.
16. Touch to warm up the rear windshield. After 15 minutes, the rear window defroster automatically turns off. The exterior side
mirrors and charge ports are also heated whenever the rear window defroster is operating. See Cold Weather Best
Practices on page 684 for more information on preparing for cold weather.
17. The windshield defroster distributes air flow to the windshield. Touch once to defog the windshield (the icon turns blue).
Touch a second time to defrost the windshield. Touch a third time to turn off and restore the air distribution, heating, and
fan to their previous settings.
18. Touch Auto to turn the Auto setting on or off.
NOTE: When in Auto, the fan speed may automatically lower to reduce the sound of ambient noise while on a call. For more
information, see Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing on page 362.

Adjusting Climate Control Settings
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature, handsfree by using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 97).

660

Owner's Manual

Owners Manual

Owner's Manual

661

Owners Manual

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See Customizing My
Apps on page 32.
1. Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.
2. Touch the driver's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the driver. The seat operates at three levels from 3 (highest) to 1
(lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) or blue (cooling) corresponding with the set level.
Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms or cools the front seats based on cabin
temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar (see Customizing
My Apps on page 32).
3. Touch to turn on the wiper defrosters (if equipped). Wipers defrost for 30 minutes then turn off automatically.
4. Touch to control the heated steering wheelsteering yoke (or steering wheel), if equipped. The icon displays red twisting
lines that correspond to the set level. If set to Auto, the steering wheel is heated as needed, based on cabin temperature,
whenever the climate control system is set to Auto. For one-touch access, you can add this control to the touchscreen's
bottom bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 32).
5. Touch to warm up the rear windshield. After 15 minutes, the rear window defroster automatically turns off. The exterior side