When Sentry Mode is turned on, the cameras and sensors remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity around your vehicle when Model Y is locked and in Park.
To store and retrieve Sentry Mode footage, ensure that Dashcam is on and a properly formatted USB flash drive is inserted into a front USB port (preferably in the glovebox) (see Using Dashcam).
If you want Sentry Mode to automatically turn on every time you leave your vehicle, touch Controls > Sentry Mode > On. There are three additional settings for customization:
NOTE: To set up your Home location, touch Navigate and hold down Home, then enter your address. Touch Save as Home.
NOTE: To recognize a location listed as Home, Work, or a Favorite, Model Y must be parked within 32 feet (10 meters) of the saved location.
NOTE: Sentry Mode will not record video when Dashcam is OFF.
To manually turn Sentry Mode on or off for the current drive cycle, touch Controls > Sentry.
Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off using the touchscreen or the mobile app overrides your Home, Work, or Favorite exclusion preferences until the next time you drive.
Alternatively, you can use voice commands or the Tesla mobile app. To enable Sentry Mode using voice commands, say "Keep Tesla safe," "Keep my car safe," "Sentry on," or "Enable Sentry" (see Voice Commands).
Sentry Mode requires your Battery to be at least 20% charged. If the Battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode turns off and the mobile app sends you a notification. Power consumption may increase when Sentry Mode is active.
NOTE: Software updates cannot be installed when Sentry Mode is turned on.
CAUTION: Do not rely on Sentry Mode to protect Model Y from all possible security threats. While it may help deter some threats, no security system can prevent all attacks.
To view Sentry Mode footage, see Viewing Video Recordings.