Model 3 / Maintenance

Tesla Model 3: how to format a USB drive for Dashcam

2 min readReviewed 25 October 2026

2024+Tesla software 2026.32North America

CHECK YOUR CARTesla Model 3 2024+; North America online owner's manual, software 2026.32, checked 25 October 2026.

Formatting erases existing content. The manual specifies at least 64 GB and sustained writes of 4 MB/s.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Connect the USB drive to the glovebox data port and use Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive.

Step by step

1Back up the driveCopy anything you want to keep elsewhere before formatting.
2Use the data portInsert the compatible drive into the glovebox USB-A port.
3Format and checkChoose Format USB Drive in Controls > Safety and verify Dashcam storage becomes available.

Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this tab.

Can I use a rear charging port?+

No. Those charging-only ports cannot save video.

SOURCES & SCOPE

Written from the official references below, reviewed on 25 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a claim of hands-on vehicle testing.

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