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.
◦ Auto: Dashcam automatically saves a recording to
the USB drive when Model 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 deployed, etc.). Do not rely
on Dashcam to automatically record video of all
safety-critical events.
Dashcam records video footage of your vehicle's
surroundings when Model Y is powered on (see Starting
and Powering Off on page 55) and driving. Use Dashcam
to record driving incidents or other notable events, like
you would for an external Dashcam on other vehicles.
◦ Manual: You must manually touch the Dashcam
icon to save a recording of the most recent 10
minutes of footage.
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 8). When
your vehicle is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon
brings up the Viewer.
◦ On Honk: When you press the horn, Dashcam
saves a recording of the most recent 10 minutes of
footage. This can be enabled along with Auto or
Manual.
4. Once Dashcam is enabled, you are free to drive. The
Dashcam icon indicates when footage is saved. You
can also view the status of Dashcam with the icon in
Controls:
To protect your privacy, video recordings are saved
locally to a formatted USB flash drive's onboard
memory. Recordings are not sent to Tesla. Your vehicle
does not record videos when Dashcam is Off.
How to Use Dashcam
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.
1. Format a USB flash drive. Dashcam requires a
properly formatted USB drive inserted in your
vehicle's USB port (Tesla recommends using the
glovebox USB port, if equipped) 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:
PAUSED: Dashcam is paused. To resume
recording, touch the icon. To avoid
losing video footage, pause Dashcam
before removing the flash drive.
◦ Insert the flash drive into the USB port and
navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.
Your vehicle automatically formats the flash drive
for you.
SAVED: Footage is saved. You can also
save Dashcam clips by touching the
Dashcam icon in the app launcher while
Driving.
◦ Format the flash drive on a computer. See USB
Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page
144 for more information.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB
5. Once your desired footage is saved, view the clips on
the touchscreen or a computer:
port.
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.
◦ Touchscreen: Ensure your vehicle is in Park and
touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher.
Videos are organized by timestamp. See Viewing
Video Recordings on page 144 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 144 for more
information.
3. Enable Dashcam by touching Controls > Safety >
Dashcam. Dashcam allows you to choose how and
when footage is saved. You can choose between:
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MODEL Y Owner's Manual
