Tesla Sentry Mode is an advanced security feature that uses the vehicle’s cameras and sensors to monitor and record suspicious activity around your parked Tesla. When enabled, it helps deter potential threats and provides evidence in case of incidents.
How Does Sentry Mode Work?
Sentry Mode operates in three distinct states:
- Standby: The vehicle continuously monitors its surroundings using external cameras and sensors.
- Alert: If a minimal threat is detected, such as someone leaning on the car, Sentry Mode displays a message on the touchscreen indicating that recording has begun.
- Alarm: For significant threats like a break-in, the system activates the car alarm, increases the display brightness, plays music at maximum volume, and sends a notification to the owner’s Tesla app.
Recorded footage is saved to a USB drive connected to the vehicle, capturing events from multiple camera angles.
How to Enable Sentry Mode
You can activate Sentry Mode through various methods:
- Vehicle Touchscreen:
- Navigate to Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode and toggle it on.
- Tesla Mobile App:
- Open the app, select your vehicle, and tap Security > Sentry Mode.
- Voice Command:
- Press the voice command button and say, “Enable Sentry Mode.”
Additionally, you can customize Sentry Mode settings to exclude specific locations like Home, Work, or Favorites, preventing unnecessary battery drain in familiar areas.
Battery Consumption Considerations
Sentry Mode keeps the vehicle’s systems active, leading to increased energy consumption. On average, it can drain about 1 mile of range per hour, equating to approximately 7–14% of the battery over 24 hours.
To mitigate battery drain:
- Disable Sentry Mode in low-risk areas or when parked for extended periods.
- Ensure your battery is sufficiently charged, as Sentry Mode will automatically deactivate if the battery drops below 20%.
Tesla has introduced software updates aimed at reducing Sentry Mode’s power consumption by optimizing video processing, potentially lowering energy usage by up to 40%.
Additional Features and Tips
- Live Camera Access: With Premium Connectivity, you can view live camera feeds from your Tesla via the mobile app, allowing real-time monitoring of your vehicle’s surroundings.
- No Audio Recording: Sentry Mode records video only; it does not capture audio due to privacy considerations.
- Storage Requirements: Ensure a USB drive is properly formatted and connected to store Sentry Mode footage. Tesla recommends using a high-quality USB drive for optimal performance.