How to Save Tesla Dashcam Video: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve witnessed something remarkable (or perhaps, less-than-remarkable but definitely recordable) on your Tesla’s Dashcam and want to preserve the moment. The good news is, saving that footage is relatively straightforward. The process boils down to transferring the video files from the USB drive where they’re stored to another device, such as your computer, phone, or an external hard drive. Let’s dive into the details and cover everything you need to know about preserving those precious Tesla moments.

Understanding Tesla Dashcam Functionality

Before we get into the “how,” let’s briefly touch upon how Tesla’s Dashcam works. It essentially acts as a continuously recording security system, using the car’s cameras to capture footage. This footage is saved to a USB drive inserted into the glovebox USB port. This “drive” is the key to unlocking and saving your videos. You need to have this enabled on your Tesla before attempting to save any Tesla Dashcam video.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Tesla Dashcam Video

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Locate the USB Drive: Your Tesla Dashcam video is stored on a USB drive plugged into the USB port inside the glovebox. This is not the USB ports in the center console designed for charging.

2. Safely Stop Recording: Before removing the USB drive, it’s crucial to stop the Dashcam recording to prevent data corruption. You can do this directly from your Tesla’s touchscreen. Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Dashcam > Stop Dashcam. Wait a few seconds for the process to complete.

3. Remove the USB Drive: Once the recording has stopped, carefully remove the USB drive from the port in the glovebox.

4. Connect to a Computer: Plug the USB drive into your computer’s USB port. You might need a USB-A to USB-C adapter if your computer lacks USB-A ports (the standard rectangular USB port). Many newer laptops and devices use only USB-C.

5. Navigate to the “TeslaCam” Folder: Your computer should recognize the USB drive as a removable storage device. Open it and look for a folder named “TeslaCam”. Inside, you’ll find subfolders organized by date and time, each containing video clips from that specific period. There will be three folders:

   • RecentClips: This folder holds the most recent recordings.
   • SavedClips: This folder holds the clips you manually saved by pressing the Dashcam icon on the touchscreen.
   • SentryClips: This folder holds the clips recorded by Sentry Mode when the car detects a potential threat.

6. Identify the Video: Browse through the folders and files to find the video you want to save. The files are named with a timestamp, making it easier to locate specific events. Remember, Tesla divides recording into one-minute video segments. Therefore, you might have multiple files for the event you’re looking for.

7. Copy the Video to Your Computer: Once you’ve found the video, simply copy it to your computer’s hard drive or another storage location. You can drag and drop the file or use the “copy” and “paste” commands.

8. Optional: Rename the Video: To make it easier to identify later, rename the video file with a descriptive title, such as the date, time, and a brief description of the event. For example, “2024-03-151430NearMissIntersection.mp4.”

9. Optional: Store the Video Securely: Consider backing up the video to another location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). This ensures that you have a copy in case of data loss.

10. Reinsert the USB Drive (Optional): Once you’re finished, safely eject the USB drive from your computer and reinsert it into your Tesla’s USB port in the glovebox. The Dashcam will automatically resume recording.

Important Considerations

• USB Drive Quality: Use a high-quality, high-endurance USB drive specifically designed for continuous recording. Cheaper drives can wear out quickly and are more prone to data corruption. Look for drives labeled as “high endurance” or “surveillance grade.”
• Formatting: The USB drive must be formatted correctly. Tesla recommends formatting the drive using the Tesla itself. Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Format USB Drive. This will format the drive to the correct file system (FAT32 or exFAT).
• Storage Capacity: Choose a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity. A minimum of 128GB is recommended, especially if you use Sentry Mode frequently. Sentry mode can fill up your USB drive quickly.
• Privacy: Be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding the use of dashcams and the recording of audio and video in public spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What USB drive should I use for Tesla Dashcam?

Use a high-endurance USB drive designed for continuous recording. Look for drives that are at least 128GB in size and formatted to FAT32 or exFAT. SanDisk High Endurance and Samsung PRO Endurance are popular choices. Avoid using old or cheap USB drives as they are more likely to fail.

Q2: How do I format the USB drive for my Tesla?

The easiest way to format a USB drive is directly through your Tesla’s touchscreen. Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Format USB Drive. This will format the drive to the correct file system. Be aware that formatting the USB drive will erase all data on it.

Q3: Why is my Tesla Dashcam not recording?

Several reasons can cause the Dashcam not to record: the USB drive might not be properly formatted, the drive may not be properly inserted, the Dashcam feature might be disabled in the settings, or the USB drive itself may be failing. First, check the settings to ensure the Dashcam is enabled. Then ensure the USB drive is properly formatted and inserted correctly. Finally, try a different USB drive to rule out a faulty drive.

Q4: How do I view Tesla Dashcam footage on my phone?

While Tesla doesn’t offer a direct way to view Dashcam footage on your phone wirelessly, you can do it by:

1. Connecting the USB drive to a computer and transferring the files.
2. Copying the video files to your phone using a file transfer app.
3. Using a USB-C adapter and an OTG cable to directly connect the USB drive to your Android phone and access the files. iPhones require special adapters.

Q5: How long does Tesla Dashcam record?

Tesla Dashcam continuously records in a loop. The length of time it records depends on the size of your USB drive. A 128GB drive can typically store several hours of footage. Once the drive is full, it overwrites the oldest recordings. This ensures that the Dashcam continues to record without needing to be manually cleared.

Q6: Where are Tesla Sentry Mode videos saved?

Sentry Mode videos are saved in a separate subfolder within the “TeslaCam” folder on your USB drive called “SentryClips”. These clips are triggered when Sentry Mode detects a potential threat to the vehicle.

Q7: How do I manually save a Tesla Dashcam clip?

If you witness something important while driving, you can manually save a clip by tapping the Dashcam icon on your Tesla’s touchscreen. This will save the most recent ten minutes of footage to the “SavedClips” folder on the USB drive.

Q8: What does the red dot on the Dashcam icon mean?

The red dot indicates that the Dashcam is actively recording. If the dot is missing, the Dashcam is not recording.

Q9: Can I use an external SSD (Solid State Drive) for Tesla Dashcam?

Yes, using an external SSD is a good option as they are generally more reliable and faster than USB drives. The same principles apply: format it correctly and plug it into the glovebox USB port.

Q10: What happens if my USB drive fails?

If your USB drive fails, the Dashcam will stop recording. You’ll likely receive an error message on your Tesla’s touchscreen. Replace the USB drive with a new one as soon as possible.

Q11: Does Tesla Dashcam record audio?

Yes, Tesla Dashcam records audio from inside the car along with the video. Be mindful of privacy considerations when saving and sharing footage.

Q12: Can I remotely access Tesla Dashcam footage?

No, you cannot remotely access Tesla Dashcam footage. You need to physically remove the USB drive and connect it to a computer or other device to view the recordings. There are no wireless options.

By following these steps and understanding these FAQs, you can effectively save and manage your Tesla Dashcam videos, ensuring you capture and preserve those important moments on the road. Remember to prioritize high-quality storage and respect local laws regarding video and audio recording. Happy driving and recording!