Check that Tesla Dashcam is ready
With a correctly formatted USB drive connected to a data-capable port, open Controls, then Safety and Dashcam. Availability and menu details can vary with vehicle, market and software version.
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Guide
How to Save Tesla Dashcam Video Before It Is Overwritten
Tap the Dashcam icon while driving to save the recent clip, or use a configured automatic option. Confirm the saved indicator before removing the USB drive.
How do you manually save Tesla dashcam video?
While driving, tap the Dashcam icon in the app launcher. Tesla says Manual mode saves the recent footage; wait for the saved confirmation rather than assuming a tap succeeded.
Choose Auto or On Honk if appropriate
Auto can save a clip when the vehicle detects a safety-critical event, while On Honk saves when the horn is pressed. Tesla warns that automatic detection may not capture every event, so save manually when it is safe to do so.
View the saved clip in the car
Park the vehicle, open the Dashcam Viewer and locate the recording by timestamp. Opening the viewer pauses recording, so finish any needed capture first.
Copy TeslaCam files to a computer
Pause Dashcam before removing the drive. On a computer, open the TeslaCam folder and copy the relevant SavedClips or SentryClips folder while preserving the original filenames and timestamps.
Protect important footage
Keep an untouched copy on separate storage. If the clip relates to a collision, avoid trimming or recompressing the only copy and share it only with people who need it.
Common questions
Questions before you buy
How much Tesla dashcam video is saved when I tap the icon?
Tesla’s current manual says Manual mode saves the most recent ten minutes. Behavior can change by software or vehicle configuration, so check the manual shown for your car.
Where are Tesla dashcam videos stored?
They are stored locally on the connected USB drive in the TeslaCam folder, organized into folders such as RecentClips, SavedClips and SentryClips.
Can I save Tesla dashcam footage after an incident?
Save it promptly from the Dashcam icon or the recent footage viewer where supported. Unsaved footage is continuously overwritten.
Why is my Tesla dashcam clip missing?
Possible causes include an unavailable or full drive, Dashcam being paused, use of a charge-only USB port, or the clip never being saved. Check the status icon and storage setup.
Sources and how we chose
- Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual, Dashcam · 2026-10-15
- Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual, USB drive requirements · 2026-10-15
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