Quick answer: Tesla Dashcam and Sentry Mode need a USB drive with at least 64 GB of storage, a sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s, USB 2.0 compatibility, and the right format. The easiest setup is to plug the drive into the glovebox USB-A port (on most newer Model 3 and Model Y) and tap Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive, which formats it as exFAT and creates the TeslaCam folder. For up to 24 hours of rolling footage, use a 1 TB drive or larger.
Tesla USB Drive Requirements
| Requirement | What Tesla specifies |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Minimum 64 GB; larger is better |
| Speed | Sustained write of at least 4 MB/s (not peak speed) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 compatible (USB 3.0 drives must also support 2.0) |
| Format | exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (Mac), ext3 or ext4. NTFS is not supported |
| Folder | A base-level folder named TeslaCam (created automatically when the car formats the drive) |
| Port | Glovebox USB-A port if equipped; otherwise a front center-console port. Rear ports only charge. |
What Size USB Drive Do You Need?
- 64–128 GB: Fine for occasional Dashcam use; rolling footage may cover only about an hour.
- 256–512 GB: Good for daily driving and regular Sentry Mode use.
- 1 TB or more: Keeps up to 24 hours of rolling footage, according to Tesla's manual, and leaves room for many Sentry events.
For constant recording, choose a high-endurance flash drive or a small external SSD. Standard thumb drives can slow down or fail after months of continuous video writing.
How to Format a USB Drive for Tesla Dashcam
- Back up anything on the drive; formatting erases it.
- Insert the drive into the glovebox USB port (or a front console port on older cars).
- On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.
- Wait a few seconds until the Dashcam and Sentry icons appear. The drive is ready.
If the car cannot format the drive, format it on a computer as exFAT and create a top-level folder named TeslaCam.
Tesla Glovebox USB Port
On many 2021-and-newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the only USB port that supports Dashcam recording is the USB-A port in the glovebox. Center-console and rear USB-C ports may only charge devices. Keeping the drive in the glovebox also hides it and keeps it from being knocked loose.
Tesla USB Drive Not Working? Try These Fixes
- Use the right port: Move the drive to the glovebox USB-A port.
- Reformat in the car: Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.
- Check the format: NTFS drives will not work; use exFAT.
- Remove extra partitions: The car's format option only works on drives with one partition or fewer.
- Free up space: When the drive is full, new clips cannot be saved. Move or delete old SentryClips.
- Replace a worn-out drive: A grey Dashcam icon or a red X after months of use often means the drive has failed. Try a known-good high-endurance drive.
- Reboot the touchscreen: Hold both scroll wheels (or the steering-wheel buttons on newer models) until the screen restarts.
How to View Tesla Dashcam Footage
- Touchscreen: In Park, open the Dashcam viewer from the app launcher.
- Computer: Open the TeslaCam folder: RecentClips, SavedClips and SentryClips.
- Encrypted clips: If dashcam encryption is on, clips are saved to EncryptedClips. View them in the car or decrypt them on a computer at Tesla's dashcam web viewer while signed in to your Tesla account.
Tesla Dashcam clips are video-only. See Does Tesla Dashcam record audio? for details.
Model S, Model X and Older Teslas
Older Model S and Model X vehicles use front console USB ports for Dashcam, and some early cars may not support all recording features depending on build date and hardware. Rear camera recording is only available on vehicles built after about February 2018. Check your owner's manual for your car's supported ports.
Related Guides
- Does Tesla Dashcam record audio?
- Best Tesla Model Y accessories
- Shop the Tesla Accessories collection
FAQ
What is the best USB drive for Tesla Dashcam?
A high-endurance USB drive or small external SSD with at least 64 GB (ideally 256 GB to 1 TB), a sustained write speed above 4 MB/s, and USB 2.0 compatibility.
What format does a Tesla USB drive need?
exFAT is easiest. Tesla also supports MS-DOS FAT (Mac), ext3 and ext4, but not NTFS.
Where is the Tesla Dashcam USB port?
In most newer Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, it is the USB-A port inside the glovebox.
How long does Tesla Dashcam keep footage?
Rolling footage is overwritten unless saved. Small drives may keep about an hour; drives of 1 TB or more can keep up to 24 hours. Saved and Sentry clips stay until you delete them or the drive fills up.
Why does my Tesla say the USB drive is full?
Saved and Sentry clips are not overwritten automatically in the same way as recent clips. Move them to a computer and delete them, or use a larger drive.