Tesla Sentry Mode: The Complete Guide for 2025

Tesla cars are packed with technology. And one of the most useful security features is Sentry Mode. You’re about to learn how it works and how much battery it uses. There are many points to consider if it’s worth keeping on.

This is also one of many Tesla guides to review. Do you know these Tesla features?

Tesla Sentry Mode

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1. What is Tesla Sentry Mode and How Does it Work?

Tesla Sentry Mode is a built-in security system. It uses the car’s cameras and sensors to monitor surroundings. You can turn it on when the car is parked.

If someone gets too close, your Tesla displays a warning on the screen.

If suspicious activity continues (like someone trying to break in), the car records video clips from multiple cameras. It can save 10 minutes each time.

People around your Tesla will see Sentry Mode on the front screen. And in serious cases, the alarm system activates. Your Tesla will also send a notification to your phone.

Sentry Mode helps protect your Tesla when you’re not around.

2. How to Turn On and Configure Tesla Sentry Mode 

Turning it on is simple…

On your Tesla’s touchscreen, tap the security icon to toggle on Sentry Mode. If you forget before leaving your car, you can turn in on in the Tesla app. From the main controls page, open Security & Drivers. From there, toggle on Sentry Mode to activate it remotely.

You can also customize settings, such as excluding Home, Work, or Favorite locations so it won’t drain your battery in safe places.

Once enabled, Sentry Mode works automatically. Whenever you leave your car parked, it should keep the cameras active.

3. Tesla Sentry Mode vs Tesla Dashcam: What’s the Difference?

Many Tesla owners confuse the Dashcam with Sentry Mode. Here’s how they’re different.

FeatureTesla DashcamTesla Sentry Mode
When it worksWhile drivingWhen parked
PurposeRecords accidents or incidents on the roadMonitors security while parked
TriggersManual save or collision detectionMotion near the car, attempted break-ins
AlertsNoneScreen warnings + phone alerts

In short, Dashcam protects you on the road, while Sentry Mode protects you when parked.

4. Can You View Tesla Sentry Mode Footage Live?

Yes! But only if you pay for Premium Connectivity.

  • Through the Tesla app, you can stream a live feed from your car’s cameras.
  • You can also use the “Talk” feature to speak through your car’s external speaker (if equipped). The Teslas that allow you to speak through their external speakers are those built after September 2019. The speakers also allow features like “Boombox” or “megaphone” mode.

This is handy and came help with peace of mind. It’s a great feature if you’re parking your Tesla in a new or busy area.

5. Where Are Tesla Sentry Mode Videos Saved?

Sentry Mode videos are stored on the USB drive in the glove box. A new Tesla comes with a 128GB zip drive. This is enough room for 8-10 hours of saved video. It captures video from multiple cameras around the Tesla.

You can buy a bigger zip drive. This is one of the top 40 Tesla accessories to consider. However, for most people, it’s not necessary.

There’s a continuous 1-hour video that’s saved over. Any the saved clips from Dashcam and Sentry Mode won’t be written over until the memory is full. You can delete the clips on your Tesla front screen, or in bulk by plugging the zip drive into a computer.

6. Tesla Sentry Mode Battery Drain: How Much Power Does it Use?

One of the most common concerns is battery drain. But on average, Sentry Mode uses less than 1% of the battery per hour.

That means if you leave your Tesla parked for 24 hours, you could lose around 20–25 miles of range. Not a bad cost for some peace of mind.

If you plan to leave your car parked for several days, you may want to turn Sentry Mode off to save energy. For example, if at long-term parking at an airport.

On the topic of battery use, there’s one more important note for Sentry Mode. It’ll automatically turn off when your battery drops to 20%.

7. Tesla Sentry Mode Notifications and Alerts

For Sentry Mode there are three stages.

  • Stage 1: Standby as the system quietly monitors.
  • Stage 2: Screen Alert as your tesla shows “Recording” when someone gets close.
  • Stage 3: Alarming Noise if a break-in is attempted. The car honks, flashes lights, and records video while sending a phone alert.

These Tesla alerts make it obvious to potential thieves. Your Tesla is monitoring and recording what’s happening.

8. Tips and Hidden Features of Tesla Sentry Mode

Want to get the most from this feature? Try these Sentry Mode tips…

  • Exclude safe zones (like home) to reduce battery use.
  • Check local laws to see limits on recording video and how you use it.
  • Pair with Tesla Insurance for video evidence when reviewing claims.

9. Is Tesla Sentry Mode Worth It? Pros and Cons

Like any feature, Sentry Mode has advantages and drawbacks.

Pros:

  • Extra peace of mind when parked
  • Can deter break-ins or vandalism
  • Video evidence can help with insurance claims or police reports

Cons:

  • Drains battery if left on for long periods
  • Requires a USB drive for storage and attention if full
  • Live view only works with Premium Connectivity

For most Tesla owners, Sentry Mode is worth using. If you’re parked in new public areas that are busy, it makes even more sense.

10. Tesla Sentry Mode FAQs

Does Sentry Mode prevent theft?

Not directly. It can scare off thieves by flashing lights, honking, and showing a warning on the screen. But if someone is determined, it can’t stop them. What it does best is record evidence for police and insurance.

Do I need Premium Connectivity?

No. Sentry Mode works without paying for Premium Connectivity. You only need Premium if you want to stream live video or speak through the external speaker.

How long does Sentry Mode record?

It records video whenever motion or an incident is detected. Clips can be saved up to 10 minutes long on your USB drive.

Can I turn Sentry Mode on remotely?

Yes, you can activate or disable it from the Tesla app on your phone.

Does Sentry Mode work without Wi-Fi or Premium Connectivity?

Yes. It records locally to the USB drive. Internet is only required for live streaming or push alerts.

Will Sentry Mode drain my battery overnight?

Yes, but usually less than 1% per hour. For example, if your car is parked 10 hours, expect to lose less than 10% battery. However, your mileage may vary and it’s good to test.

Does Sentry Mode work if my Tesla is off?

If the car has power and is in park, yes. But if the battery is low, Tesla may automatically disable Sentry Mode to conserve energy. This happens when dropping to 20%.

Can I choose where Sentry Mode is active?

Yes. You can set “Exclude Home, Work, or Favorites” so it doesn’t activate in safe locations. This helps save battery.

Where can I watch the recorded clips?

You can remove the USB drive and view clips on a computer. You can also watch them directly on your car’s touchscreen.

Does Sentry Mode use my car’s data plan?

Only if you’re using Live Camera. Normal recordings are saved locally and don’t use data.

What happens if my USB drive is full?

Tesla automatically overwrites the oldest clips to make room for new ones. That’s why it’s smart to delete clips or use a larger USB drive.

Can Sentry Mode record audio?

No, it only records video from the cameras. Audio is not captured.

Will Sentry Mode work in underground garages or bad cell service areas?

Yes, it still records locally to the USB drive. But you won’t get phone alerts or live view if there’s no connectivity.

Is Sentry Mode available on all Tesla models?

Yes, it’s standard on Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. That’s if they have the required cameras (most Teslas built after 2017 do).

Tesla Sentry Mode Review

Tesla’s Sentry Mode is one of the most advanced car security systems. And even better, it comes as a default on every new Tesla.

It won’t guarantee your car is never targeted, but it provides deterrence. That’s thanks to alerts, and video evidence. For most owners, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

If you drive a Tesla, Sentry Mode is your digital security guard. It’s always watching, even when you can’t. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Also, don’t forget to check out the other Tesla guides above. And here are the Top 40 Tesla Accessories. You don’t need most of them, but many come in handy. They can improve your Tesla safety, comfort and much more.