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Tesla Model 3 Dashcam Icon Meanings

The icon shows whether Dashcam is recording, ready, paused, busy, or has saved a clip. Check the state before assuming an event is safely stored.

The Tesla Model 3 dashcam icon communicates the current recording state. Tesla's manual distinguishes recording, available but inactive, paused, busy, and saved conditions. A visible icon alone therefore does not guarantee that video is being captured or that a recent event has been preserved.

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Common questions

Questions before you buy

What does the red dot on the Tesla Model 3 dashcam icon mean?

Tesla identifies the red-dot state as recording. Touching the icon saves footage, while pressing and holding pauses recording.

What does the gray Tesla dashcam icon mean?

The available state means Dashcam can record but is not actively recording. Touch the icon to start, then confirm the state changes.

What does the green check on the Tesla dashcam icon mean?

Tesla uses the green-check state to indicate that footage has been saved.

Why does the Tesla dashcam icon show busy?

Busy means the system is loading, saving, or overwriting footage. Tesla states that footage is not captured while Dashcam is busy.

Where are Tesla Model 3 dashcam clips stored?

Tesla says recordings are stored locally on a formatted USB drive. You can review clips in the vehicle while parked or on a computer.